Hugo M.

As Senior Financial Accountant, I oversee complexfinancial reporting and control processes across Kaplan's international business units, ensuring compliance with UK GAAP, IFRS, and US GAAP. I partnerwith global and shared servicesteamsto drive accuracy, efficiency, and insight in financial reporting, while leading key system and process improvement initiatives. Lead end-to-end month-end close, including revenue recognition, cost allocation, and balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring all deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule. Prepare and review consolidated financial statements and management reportsforsubmission to the US parent company, ensuring full alignmentwith statutory and group requirements. Manage preparation ofstatutory accounts and annual audit packsfor multiple entities; act asthe key point ofcontactforexternal auditorsto resolve queries efficiently. Oversee group cashflowforecasting and liquidity reporting, enhancing visibilityforstrategic decision making. Collaborate closelywith Shared Services (Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll) to streamline handovers, embed best practices, and resolve process bottlenecks. Liaise with external tax advisors and internal VATteamsto ensure accurate and timely corporate and indirecttaxfilings. Maintain robust internal controls and financial governanceframeworks; lead quarterly SOXtesting and remediation across business units. Drive automation and efficiency projects acrossfinance, including system implementation (Onestream, Continia), data integration, and process re-engineering. Serve asfinance business partnerto senior leadership, providing financial insights and analytical supportto drive informed decisions and budget discipline.

As the International SOX Compliance Manager, I play a pivotal role in ensuring the company's compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) across multiple international business units. My primary responsibilities involve: Coordinated SOX reporting and testing (quarterly, annual, and ad hoc) for three Tier 1 international business units, ensuring timely and accurate completion of reporting responsibilities. Worked closely with the IT department to manage user access provisioning controls, segregation of duties, and access control management, strengthening internal control mechanisms. Provided guidance and support to local finance teams across business units to ensure proper execution of SOX-related activities, control design, and policy adherence. Spearheaded ad hoc projects to analyse and enhance financial and policy compliance, contributing to the optimization of business processes. Applied strong project management skills to plan and organize compliance initiatives effectively, ensuring smooth implementation and clear communication with stakeholders.

The Public Audit Group at Ernst & Young specializes in auditing large publicly listed companies Senior member of the audit team evaluating compliance with PCAOB, US GAAP, and Sarbanes Oxley ("SOX") regulations for a power and utilities company comprised of both renewable and fossil fuel energy operations with $2.0B+ in annual revenue and $11B+ in market capitalization Lead a team 5+ people: managed project workflow to deliver 150+ high-quality and on time deliverables, reviewed team members' outputs, mentored less experienced team members, and manage team morale Managed on-site client visits: prepared & lead client meetings, determined appropriate risk thresholds for audits, and designed procedures to test effective financial reporting and internal controls Developed a detailed understanding of the business: analysed revenue operating divisions, asset valuation models, forecast estimation due diligence, purchase price acquisitions, mapped corporate structure, and researched product offerings, cost structures, industry conventions, & major competitors Tested the design and effectiveness of controls: worked on major accounts & processes including revenue, regulatory, financial reporting, fixed assets, inventory, and payroll to determine effectiveness Summarized and presented team findings: provided regular updates on deliverable status & team progress & prepared technical reports to and presentations for senior managers and partners