STEPHEN MEARES
CFO & Commercial Director
This site is my way of documenting my work experience, what I’ve learned, and some observations made along the way.
If you’d like to learn more about me, browse through the site and go to my LinkedIn page via the link above.
If you see something you want to discuss or would like to see what I can do for you, feel free to contact me.
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MY STORY
Since I began my professional journey at E&Y, I’ve been lucky to have had the opportunity to collaborate with great people within leading global multinationals, as well as within privately held SMEs.
I take pride in all that I do and in the long-term relationships I’ve fostered in the process. I believe that hard work and thinking outside the box pays off, and that my efforts to ensure the success of the team I work with, and the company I work for, will repay me in full, in the long run.
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Explore my portfolio, and feel free to get in touch with any questions or comments.
SKILLS
Knowledge & Expertise
FINANCIAL & MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING
Advanced
Accounting process design, setting budgets & forecasts, monthly & annual reporting, getting stuff done.
COMMERCIAL FINANCE
Advanced
Setting pricing, negotiation and agreeing terms & conditions
BUSINESS PARTNER
Advanced
Profit optimisation, working capital management, building business cases to bring a collaborative approach to help the business succeed.
PAST EXPERIENCE
Past Roles
CFO, KILIMANJARO CONSULTING PTY LTD
Nov 2021 - Nov 2023
In 24 months I was able to restructure the Finance team, standardise and implement new financial processes across the Australian and New Zealand businesses, implement new management reporting, and added $860k to the 2023 vs 2022 EBITDA in the process.
CFO & COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, EWAVE
May 2018 - Feb 2020
As the first qualified accountant within the business, this was a significant transformation role establishing virtually all financial processes and procedures within the business. Doubled company revenues over 21 months.
CFO & COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, MEDIACOM AUSTRALIA
Jun 2015 - Dec 2017
This role was largely tasked with managing the fallout of Mediacom's 2014 reporting scandal and working with management to identify and respond to client profitability challenges as key clients continued to leave the business.
CFO & COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, PUBLICIS MOJO
Sep 2010 - Jan 2015
I was tasked by Publicis Groupe to improve visibility into the business and improve profitability. On top of this, I also grew the commercial side of the role by negotiating a major renewal with Qantas Loyalty and a career-defining new piece of business with the Queensland Government (PPQ).
ANZ REGIONAL CONTROLLER, CHUBB GROUP (UTC)
Jun 2005Â - Aug 2009
Responsible for all USGAAP management reporting to UTC, Tax, Treasury, Fleet, Payroll and working with FDs within each business unit to ensure financial processes were optimised and accurate..
REGIONAL HEAD OF FP&A, UNISYS AUSTRALIA LIMITED
July 1997Â - Jun 2005
Responsible for all USGAAP management reporting, working with leaders within each business unit to maximise profitability for each.
SENIOR MANAGER, ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Aug 1985 - Jul 1997
Audit group manager responsible for recruiting, management and utilisation of a team of over 50 staff. Executed audits of Apple Computer, Time Warner Music, Adsteam, AST Computer, Computerland Solutions. Secondments to clients as well as Canadian and Perth affiliates.
CONTACT
