Derek Geoffrey Maximus George
Brooklyn,BROOKLYN
Summary
Creative professional with eye for detail and passion for critical analysis of financial statements and investments strategies to drive positive growth of the organization. Skilled in utilizing new techniques and keeping up with latest trends in financial reporting.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Sir Arthur Lewis Community College course reviewer
10.2020
- Syllabi reviewer for the introduction of a bachelor’s year 3 new course Management Accounting
- This entailed assessing the adequacy of the objectives of the course, adequacy of the course material, the adequacy of the textbooks and method of marks allocation and method used to assess the students work were fair and appropriate to the requirements to the job market.
Sir Arthur Lewis Community College course Reviewer
07.2020
- Syllabi reviewer for the introduction of a bachelor’s year 3 new course Management Accounting
- This entailed assessing the adequacy of the objectives of the course, adequacy of the course material, the adequacy of the textbooks and method of marks allocation and method used to assess the students work were fair and appropriate to the requirements to the job market.
Tax Appeal Commission
Government Of Saint Lucia
03.2016 - Current
- Appointed as a Tax Commissioner on the Tax Appeal Commission. The Tax Appeals Commission is a committee that reviews disputes between the Inland Revenue Department and individuals or Companies on their assessed tax returns.
- This involves case hearings, research into the Income Tax laws and case law.
Financial Controller
Winera Packaging Company Limited
06.2020 - 12.2023
- Provide packaging solutions
- Some responsibilities:
- Oversaw all aspects of the month-end close process, ensuring timely completion of accurate financial statements for executive review.
- Managed payroll data entry and processing foR 63 employees to comply with predetermined company guidelines.
- Conducted regular variance analyses between actual results and budget projections to identify trends or issues requiring further investigation or action by management staff.
- Planned budgets, authorized expenditures, monitored accounting processes, established service rates and coordinated financial reporting to oversee all fiscal procedures.
- Played a pivotal role in the negotiation of favorable financing terms for company expansion initiatives.
- Collaborated with executive team in preparation of annual capital and operating budgets, forecasts and all financial reporting and analysis.
- Optimized working capital availability by proactively managing inventory levels, accounts receivable balances, vendor payment terms negotiation.
- Contributed to the development of long-term strategic plans by providing executive management with accurate financial data and forecasts.
- Supervised accurate, efficient, and compliant completion of monthly financial reporting packages.
- Completed year-end close processes through effective supervision financial functions and regular treasury transactions.
- Accurately completed financial statement audits and thoroughly reviewed results.
- Prepared and filed tax returns and generated monthly reports in compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
- Formulated strategic plans and supported tactical initiatives to execute cost-savings deliverables.
- Reviewed contracts financially impacting company and counseled executive leaders on impact contracts would have on company operations.
- Verified accurate completion of corporate income tax returns and optimal use of favorable tax codes.
Group Financial Controller
National Insurance Corporation
04.2016 - 05.2020
- Provide social security for the people of Saint Lucia
- Some responsibilities-
- Improved cost efficiency through meticulous analysis of financial data and identification of areas for potential savings.
- Collaborated with external auditors during annual audit processes, ensuring timely completion and accurate representation of the company''s financial position.
- Coordinated tax planning strategies with experts to minimize the company''s tax liabilities.
- Developed comprehensive budgets in collaboration with department heads, facilitating better resource allocation decisions.
- Prepared balance sheets, cash flow reports and income statements.
- Completed year-end close processes through effective supervision financial functions and regular treasury transactions.
- Accurately completed financial statement audits and thoroughly reviewed results.
- Collaborated with executives and stakeholders to develop long-term financial plans.
- Computed valuation of company shares on potential investments and acquisitions.
Eastern Caribbean Energy Regulatory Authority Project (ECERA) – Financial Specialist
Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean Staes
01.2013 - 03.2016
- Develop the framework for the regulation of the energy sector (World Bank funded project)
- Some responsibilities included: Acquire an understanding of the financial management, accounting, disbursements, procurement and auditing sections of the Operational Management associated with the Project; Participate in the operational and financial planning of the Project including the preparation of budgets, forecasts and compatible work plans for the delivery of financial services; Maintain project accounts accounts using Preachtree integrated accounting software and set up so as to track inflows and outflows of funding sources; Conduct training where necessary in the participating territories in the World Bank’s operating procedures as they relate to the project and perform periodic financial monitoring and supervision site visits in the countries; Prepare all necessary reports and financial statements as per the management request donor agreements and in accordance with OECS Secretariate and donor regulations and facilitate annual audits; Other duties Performed: Preparation of the Commission for an EU assessment
- This entailed ensuring that the Commission’s internal control processes are functioning to international standards and that good corporate governance exists; Provided training to the finance team of the Commission in the International Financial Reporting Standards.
Audit Manager
PKF Professional Services Inc.
06.2006 - 12.2012
- Provided auditing, taxation and business advisory services
- Some responsibilities :
- Plan supervise and review all major audits of the firm, which included banks, Hotels, insurance companies, Donor grant/projects, manufacturing and international business companies.
- Managed a team of auditors, ensuring accurate and timely completion of audit projects.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on accounting standards and best practices to ensure high-quality audit results were delivered consistently.
- Implemented risk-based auditing strategies, resulting in better identification of potential issues.
- Interacted with internal staff and clients to improve operational knowledge of relevant tax issues and business implications.
- Coordinated, managed and implemented auditing projects and prepared for evaluation.
- Evaluated effectiveness of internal controls by testing key controls across various business units within the organization.
- Improved client relations by maintaining open lines of communication and addressing concerns promptly.
- Mentored junior auditors, aiding in their professional development and fostering a positive work environment.
- Provided valuable insights to senior management on potential business risks identified during audits.
- Gathered and analyzed financial data to determine improvement efforts.
- Participated in billing and collections operations to facilitate client payment of overdue invoices.
- Conducted regular training sessions for audit staff, increasing their knowledge and skillset in the field.
- Trained and mentored department staff on policies and procedures to establish strong foundation for client development and service activities.
- Analyzed accounting systems for efficiency and effectiveness.
- Developed comprehensive audit plans outlining scope, goals, timelines, and resource requirements for each project.
- Consistently met deadlines for audit reports, helping maintain company reputation for reliability and professionalism.
- Increased departmental efficiency through strategic allocation of resources and workload distribution among team members.
- Strengthened stakeholder relationships by presenting clear findings from completed audits along with suggested improvements.
- Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
- Conducted technical and analytical reviews of tax returns to check for accuracy and qualified deductions.
- Kept up-to-date with tax changes and industry trends by participating in professional organizations, opportunities, and networks.
- Found tax solutions to complicated tax issues or errors from incorrect tax filings.
Education
Association of Certified Chartered Accountants - Accounting
Self Study
England12.2010
Bachelor of Science - Economics And Accounts
University of The West Indies - CaveHill Campus
CaveHill, St. Michael, Barbados07.1992
Skills
- Proofreading
- Email Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Attention to Detail
- Accuracy and Precision
- Decision-Making
- Microsoft Office
- Editing and review
- Team contribution
- Work Prioritization
- Deadline Attainment
- Critical Thinking
- Critical Analysis
Other Positions Held
- CBN St. Lucia Inc. – Director of Operations
- St. Lucia National Lotteries Authority – General Manager
- Cultural Development Foundation – Accountant
- Chase, Skeete and Boland – Senior Auditor
- Cable & Wireless – Senior Auditor (Internal Audit)
- Coopers & Lybrand – Audit Intermediate to Senior Auditor
References
References will be provided upon request.
Gardening, reading
Maintain a flower garden where I grow flowers to produce flower arrangements for friends special occasions. Also keep a kitchen garden where I grow small crops and fruits.
Trustee for the football club - Northern United All Stars Sport Club, based in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia
Timeline
Sir Arthur Lewis Community College course reviewer
10.2020
Sir Arthur Lewis Community College course Reviewer
07.2020
Financial Controller
Winera Packaging Company Limited
06.2020 - 12.2023
Group Financial Controller
National Insurance Corporation
04.2016 - 05.2020
Tax Appeal Commission
Government Of Saint Lucia
03.2016 - Current
Eastern Caribbean Energy Regulatory Authority Project (ECERA) – Financial Specialist
Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean Staes
01.2013 - 03.2016
Audit Manager
PKF Professional Services Inc.
06.2006 - 12.2012
Association of Certified Chartered Accountants - Accounting
Self Study
Bachelor of Science - Economics And Accounts
University of The West Indies - CaveHill Campus
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