Richard Chaffe

Experience

• 

  Ernst & Young

  Sept 2000 - Sept 2009

  Audit Manager

  In my role involving client-facing audit work and contributing to an audit quality team in London, I successfully balanced external client demands with internal technical challenges. My achievements include overseeing complex audits for major clients, managing diverse audit teams, resolving technical accounting queries, and playing a key role in maintaining audit quality within the London office.

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  EOG Resources

  Sept 2009 - Aug 2016

  A senior finance role at EOG Resources Inc's UK subsidiary, setting up the UK finance function and playing a key role in a £400+ million development project.Key achievements:- Primary financial UK interface with Houston Head Office, overseeing accounting, finance, treasury, and tax matters.- Successfully transitioned UK accounting functions from Houston, implemented financial processes, and introduced a web-based invoice system.- Managed day-to-day finance operations, including statutory compliance and audit management.- Developed financial models for project decisions, presented results to senior management, including the Group CEO.- Collaborated on financial aspects of commercial contracts, crude oil marketing, and sales agreements.- Resolved complex tax and VAT issues related to cross-border transactions in a major capital project. Show less

  • Finance Director

    Aug 2015 - Aug 2016

  • Finance Manager

    Sept 2009 - Jul 2015
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  HURRICANE ENERGY PLC

  Aug 2016 - Jul 2023

  CFO of Upstream Oil Company. Turnover >$300 millionKey achievements:- Navigated the 2020 oil price crash through rigorous cost control and strategic planning.- Managed potential insolvency with a focus on cash management, resulting in a successful turnaround.- Implemented a $152 million bond reduction via tender and discreet buybacks.- Repaid outstanding bonds in full, securing financial stability.- Provided executive director continuity during leadership transitions.- Advised a new board on governance, AIM rules, and financial challenges.- Led a Formal Sales Process, culminating in a c. $300 million successful sale. Show less A senior management role, collaborating closely with Executive Directors, particularly the CFO, overseeing diverse finance and commercial matters. My hands-on approach included managing financial reporting, treasury, cash management, budgeting, forecasting, tax, and payroll. Regularly presenting at Board and committee meetings, I played a pivotal role in critical financial decisions.Key achievements:- Supported the CFO in orchestrating multiple fundraises, including a significant AIM fundraising of $530 million.- Completed a rapid farm-out of a company asset within a compressed timetable of just 2 months.- Provided vital financial, cost control, and budgetary support for drilling campaigns and a development project totaling approximately $470 million.- Expanded the finance function to accommodate increased business activity, managing the transition following the company's first oil production and revenue generation.- Anticipating a move to a premium listing, elevated annual reporting standards to meet premium list requirements.- Implemented and developed budgeting and forecasting software, enhancing the accuracy of cashflow forecasting and empowering more informed decision-making within the company. Show less

  • Chief Financial Officer

    Jun 2020 - Jul 2023

  • Acting Chief Financial Officer

    Feb 2020 - Jun 2020

  • Finance Director

    Sept 2019 - Feb 2020

  • Head of Finance

    Aug 2016 - Sept 2019
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  Prax

  Jul 2023 - Jun 2024

  • Global Head of Commercial Finance

    Dec 2023 - Jun 2024

  • Global Head of Corporate Finance & Treasury

    Jul 2023 - Dec 2023
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  Low Carbon

  Jun 2024 - now

  Group Commercial Finance Director