ELIAS DEMEN FORD
B.A. (Hons), M.Sc. (Econ), CMA


CAREER SYNOPSIS:
A results-oriented Financial Executive with more than 15 years of progressive experience at large and medium corporations in engineering & architectural consulting services, construction, project management and financial services industries and a proven track record of success in optimizing efficiency and improving the bottom line and financial resources.
Solid and in-depth knowledge in accounting, finance ,taxation, strategic planning, audit and administration from Top- Five large multinational public firms with proficiencies in planning & executing financial resources and operational procedures and internal controls.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The Society of Management Accountants of Ontario, Canada

CPA (Associate Member)
CPA Australia

Master of Science (Economics)
University of London, England

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE:

Demonstrated strengths in the following key areas:


Preparation of financial statements
Design of effective financial controls
Strategic planning
Treasury management
Project Management/controls
Internal/External/Tax audits
Credit/risk management
Fixed Assets
Financial Modeling
Operational Audit
Corporate taxation/ tax planning
Corporate restructuring/Mergers

IFRS Implementation & Compliance
Staff leadership/ training
Capital & operating budgets
Negotiations with financial institutions, legal firms and government
Revenue Planning/recognition
Insurance/Pension
US /Canadian GAAP
SOX & Policies & Procedures
Foreign currency translation
Consolidation
Public Reporting


COMPUTER SKILLS:
Oracle Financials; JD Edwards OneWorld; AccPac; MPower; ADP; PCPW; CFMS; Hyperion; PeachTree; Excel; Word; Power Point; Deltek; Advantage

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

VFR LIMITED, Dubai, UAE (Jan. 08- Nov. 09)
(A Consortium of Freyssinet (subsidiary of VINCI- world largest engineering &construction company (France), VSL (subsidiary of BOUYGUES, Switzerland) & Rizzani de Eccher (Italy)
Position: Chief Financial officer (Contract position)
Highlights:
A consortium involved in engineering & construction of a multi-billion Dollar landmark project (Multiline Hi-speed Rail Transit System) in Dubai with worldwide leading multi-disciplined engineering & construction firms.

Report to: The Board of Directors & Corporate offices in Europe
Direct Report: Manage 5 direct reports
Responsible for financial, accounting, taxation, administration and contract.
Develop strategic planning, cash flow forecast and cost controls.
Interact with RTA, government agencies,JV partners, consultants and contractors
Monitor project performance, KPI indicators and cost variances
Establish foreign exchange planning, bonds and credit facilities & insurance
Manage external audit, legal, tax and licensing matters
Achievements/Contributions:
Managed multi-billion dollar landmark project with multinational engineering firms
Streamlined financial, accounting of multi-billion dollar investment
Contributed to profit margin higher than the industry standards through strategic planning, risk management, contract negotiation and cost controls
Coordinated financial, hiring and accounting resources through global companies
Developed foreign exchange management, tax planning & IMS.

NORR GROUP CONSULTANTS INTERNATIONAL LTD, (subsidiary of Ingenium group, Canada) Dubai, UAE (Jan. 06-Dec.07)
Position: Financial Controller
Highlights:
A leading multinational company involved in engineering & architectural consulting, project & construction management & infrastructure development services with landmark projects in UA E, Middle East & Europe.
Reported to: VP Operations & corporate office in Canada
Direct Report: Managed 3 direct reports
Managed accounting, financial, project, treasury & taxation
Prepared consolidated financial statements & perform GAAP translations
Performed due diligence on project planning, performance and contracts
Developed operating plans, business plans, cash flow forecasts, & budgeting
Supervised client billings, AR, AP, payroll and General Ledger
Established credit facilities, bonds, LC and other treasury requirements.
Interfaced with legal counsels, bankers, insurance companies, licensing/, tax authorities
Achievements/Contributions:
Contributed to increased bottom line of more than 200% in 2006 & 07 through efficiency improvements & better project management practices & cost controls.
Changed the direction of cash position onto positive cash flow
Introduced a new accounting system and Policies & Procedures (P&P).
Completed five- years external audits within six months

CH2M HILL CANADA LTD: North York, Ontario, Canada. (Dec. 2003- Dec. 2005)
Position: Regional Controller/ Manager of Taxation (Canadian operations)
Highlights:
A large US based multinational SEC registered company with more than 25,000 employees involved in multi-disciplined engineering consulting in infrastructure development, energy, environment, highways, aviation, bridges, tunnels, water, waste water, environment & design build services.
Held multiple-Hats as Regional Controller/Canadian Manager of Taxation and reported to the head office in USA
Prepared Consolidated Financial Statements under US/ Canadian GAAP
Developed business plans, fee forecasts and cash flow projection
Interfaced with all subsidiary companies globally on financial, project and taxation
Performed tax provisions and reviewed corporate taxation & tax planning
Reported to the head office in the US on financial, audit, taxation and P&P
Managed external, internal & government tax audits
Achievements/Contributions:
Implemented Oracle financial system conversion
Introduced SOX compliances & Corporate Policies & Procedures in Canada
Reduced DSO & enhanced cash flows for Canadian North American operation


URS CORPORATION: Markham, Ontario. Canada (1999 - 2003 June)
Position: Manager, Finance & Accounting (Canadian operation)
Highlights:
A large US based multinational public company with more than 34,000 employees involved in multi-disciplined engineering & architectural consulting services globally.
Managed Accounting & Finance for all subsidiary companies in Canada.
Reported to the Parent company in USA on accounting and financial operations.
Developed business plans and financial forecasts
Coordinated external & internal audit, year- end & tax filing
Implemented SOX compliances & Corporate Policies & Procedures in Canada
Achievements/Contributions:
Streamlined accounting, project controls subsequent to mergers of Canadian companies
Improved working capital and enhanced cash flows
Team lead for system conversion of JD Edwards

MCLEAN LEASING INC. (part of MAGNA International) Markham, Ontario, (1990- 1998)
Position: Financial Controller
A medium size company involved in automotive & equipment leasing/financing int Canada
Reported to the President on financial & operational matters.
Prepared financial statements & operating plans for the company
Negotiated financing with banks & financial intermediaries
Interfaced with external audit, tax & licensing authorities

PERSONAL CHARACTERSTICS:
Highly developed analytical, managerial, problem solving & negotiating skills
Ability to work in a fast-pace environment with a clear big picture
A good leader, trainer, mentor and team builder
A result oriented financial executive

REFERENCES:Available upon request