Pavithra Desikar

Experience

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  Deloitte

  Sept 1999 - May 2002

  Audit Intern
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  Ford Motor Company

  Jan 2004 - Jan 2006

  General Ledger Analyst

  Performed book closing for Ford Trading Company, Ford Motor Company – Singapore, Korea and Philippines and Visteon IndiaKey accountabilities:• Preparation of Financials and Cash Flow Statement• Preparation of Account Reconciliations• Ensuring US GAAP accounting was followed• Forecasting quarterly financials for US Markets• Compliance of Sarbanes Oxley Act• Handling Statutory, Internal , ISO and 5S audits

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  Caterpillar Inc.

  Jul 2006 - Jun 2013

  As part of the Corporate Auditing and Compliance Division (CACD), conducted financial and operational audits at Caterpillar locations located in Asia, Europe and the United States. Scope of work included the assessment & evaluation of internal controls and communication of results to management. Audits performed in the Engineer to Release, Procure to Pay & Record to Report space, along with HR, IT, Physical Security, SOX, Export Compliance and limited scope assignments. Assisted external auditors (PwC) with auditing the SOX testing performed at the Caterpillar Shared ServicesKey accountabilities:• Trained in world class audit methodology and strong documentation skills• Identify Issues and provide strong recommendations to mitigate the risks identified• High exposure on SAP implementation audits.• Strong Stake holder Management• Experience in Audit Framework from Risk Assessment, Pre-Scoping, Scoping, Planning, Fieldwork, Wrap-up & Reporting Phases in audit Show less As the Project Lead in the project of splitting the Accounts Receivable Process between Treasury group and Accounting group. The legacy practice was Accounts Receivable was fully under Accounting group and the need for cash collection was lost as Accountants concentrated only on books being accounted correctly. So, if there were past dues, provisions were made in the books, but the actual collection was not concentrated. Took up the project of splitting the process between Treasury group and Accounting. The Receivables Collection and Cash application was given to Treasury and the Invoicing was kept with Accounting. This way Treasury was concentrating on actual collections of past dues. Drew up the process map to distinguish the activities which will be handled by Treasury and that by Accounting.Key accountabilities:• Monitor and review the accounts receivable for 12 business units within Caterpillar Asia Pacific• Monitor and review the past dues and dealer receivables• Implemented SAP for various new legal entities in Asia• Develop and maintain metrics for the Accounts receivable function• Transition and implemented the Receivable Shared Service model for 12 business units• Act as a BCP Coordinator for the Accounts Receivable function• Handle staff development Show less In charge of the entire Accounts Payable module for 24 legal entities handled out of Asia Pacific and put in a robust accounts payable process and was instrumental in SAP implementation of the AP module for all the 24 legal entities. Transitioned the AP process from Singapore to India within the set project time frame.Key accountabilities:• Ensured the processing of Invoices (PO and NON-PO) and timely payment to vendors• Prepared the vendor reconciliation and also introduced the Duplicate payment detection process by using APEX system.• I was also a part of the banking selection platform for accounts payable.• Developed a Service Level Agreement with Business Units to ensure that Accounts Payable metrics are measured and monitored.• Handled a team of three to process more than 2000 invoices in a month. Show less

  • Internal Auditor

    Dec 2012 - Jun 2013

  • Accounts Receivable Manager, Treasury

    Jan 2011 - Nov 2012

  • Six Sigma Project Manager & Deployment Champion for GFSSD for Asia Pacific

    Jan 2008 - Dec 2010

  • Accounts Payable Team Lead

    Jul 2006 - Dec 2007
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  Toyota Financial Services

  Aug 2013 - Dec 2013

  SOX Specialist

  Responsible for supporting the Finance Controller in delivering quality Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) coordination services to the business in order for Toyota Finance AU (TFA) to comply with SOX requirements of the Parent company.Key accountabilities:• Present current year SOX program and findings to CFO and CEO for sub certification sign off• Performed SOX testing for Financial Controls, Control Environment and Information Technology Governance Controls• Preparing and submitting the management representation letter, subsequent events letter and the fraud and corruption reporting• Ensure Design Effectiveness and Operating Effectiveness of all controls.• Ensure awareness of SOX compliance requirements is built across the business and provide training for new business owners• Walkthrough every business cycle and identify the risk and control that will have an impact on the Financial Misstatement and ensure these are discussed with the Process Owners and develop the Control sheet Show less

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  Dun & Bradstreet Australia and New Zealand

  Jun 2014 - May 2016

  Provided leadership to improve the overall effectiveness of Internal Controls system. Directed the design, development and implementation of systems and processes to facilitate the achievement of functional excellence. Partnered with the functional leadership to identify functional process, communications and talent needs and developed action plans to address those.Key accountabilities:• Establish and implement a risk based audit framework, designed to assess compliance with policies and procedures which also incorporates relevant management reporting, management and tracking of identified issues• Communicate key audit findings and concerns to management and prepare comprehensive findings report which incorporates any mitigation items which have been agreed by the relevant area• Maintain Risk Register• Develop and maintain an audit calendar which incorporates both internal and external audits• Provide advice and assistance to management and various business units on how to best mitigate operational and other related risks• Consolidate and maintain the Internal Policy Review Register• Perform internal audit training on ISO 9001:2008 requirements to all the Internal auditors and Quality Champions• Ensure compliance of ISO requirement for the organization and liaise with ISO auditors• Ensure compliance of ISO 27001:2013 on Information Security• Chair and manage the Quality/Complaints Committee• Experience on handling ASIC (Australian Securities and Investment Commission) audit and IPND (Integrated Public Number Database) audits• Performed the role of Business Continuity Coordinator for D&Bo Selected the vendor to work with to replace the existing BCP systemo Ensured the BCP testing and BCP documentation was complete and accurateo Trained the staff and Managers on BCP and their roleso Worked with Risk Logic to have BCP software implementedo Activate the BCP Test Plan Show less Responsible for supporting the Finance Controller in delivering quality Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) coordination services to the business in order for D&B ANZ to comply with SOX requirements of the Parent company. Ensure any new/enhancements to systems that are implemented in the company have the appropriate internal controls embedded. Act as D&B ANZ contact for all compliance and regulatory audits.Key accountabilities:• Provide advice and assistance to management and various business units on how to best mitigate operational and other related risks• Ensure all local and Corporate D&B accounting policies and procedures are followed. Assess the regulatory, risk and control environments of D&B business units in ANZ, especially pertaining to SOX control environment• Ensure the establishment and maintenance of strong (and operational) financial and Information Technology controls.• Ensure Design Effectiveness and Operating Effectiveness of all controls.• Review of all process maps and control sheets are conducted for accuracy and current with the business process owners• Recommend remediation actions and monitor resolution of weaknesses.• Prepare and submit the Management Representation Letter, Subsequent Events Declaration and Fraud and Corruption Incidents to Corporate for SEC submission.• Work with relevant stake holders to optimize the compliance program to ensure efficiency and accuracy• Ensure compliance of ISO requirement for the organization and liaise with ISO auditors• Act as a change leader for the Business Transformation work by educating, coaching, and influencing teams from across businesses• Keep abreast of all changes to Standards which Dun & Bradstreet are either accredited or are aligned. Analyze any changes and work with the relevant areas to ensure baseline policies and processes are amended and implemented to reflect the new enhanced requirements Show less

  • Internal Audit Manager

    Jul 2015 - May 2016

  • Internal Control Manager

    Jun 2014 - Jun 2015
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  BlueScope

  Jun 2016 - Sept 2016

  Senior Internal Auditor

  Supported the Internal Audit team on a short-term project. valued and sought after by management to facilitate change and provide objective assurance to help improve the effectiveness of risk management, internal control and governance processes.Key accountabilities:• Deliver Internal Audits for BANZ and Corporate as part of the overall IA plan; by being accountable for scoping, executing fieldwork and delivery audit documentation and draft reports to a high quality.• Support the delivery of IT internal audits across the group as part of the overall plan.• Develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders in BANZ and IT in other regions (up to and including CIO level).• Collate the Control Assessment Questionnaire from Business Unit Managers• Effective follow up of issues and remediation actions to ensure that management have mitigated risks• Provide input to /draft sections of board reports. Show less

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  Innovia Security

  Sept 2016 - Mar 2017

  Group Risk and Assurance Manager

  Provide leadership and expertise to all Plant Risk & Assurance functions through the development and implementation of risk and compliance policies, methodologies, frameworks and procedures. To assist all Plants to achieve desired risk, compliance and governance outcomes in accordance with legislation, industry practices, and the Company’s stated risk appetite, values and ethics.Key accountabilities:• Develop, implement and maintain Innovia Security P/L (the Company) corporate risk management Framework, process and guidelines to ensure they are aligned to the accepted best practice and risk management international standard, ISO/DIS31000.• Aligning the Risk Framework as per ISO 31000:2009 Risk management – Principles and guidelines• Maintain Risk Register and other compliance register viz Gifts & Hospitality Register, Conflicts of Interest Register etc.• Perform Key controls testing on Anti Bribery, Fraud and Corruption• Communicate to all employees on Anti Bribery, Anti-Trust, Integrity and Ethics Policy, Conflicts of Interest Policy• Perform Whistleblower Investigations (Protected disclosure) and other due diligence audit.• Cascade and train the risk and compliance related policies to the employees• Conduct the Risk and Integrity Committee (RIC) meeting every quarter• Prepare and present the Divisional Risk paper at the RIC• Conduct the Risk Assessment Workshop and establish the current risk register• Perform testing to determine the target risk assessment• Prepare the annual internal audit plan• Provide support and training to Plant Risk & Assurance Team members.• To ensure that Innovia retains its accreditation to ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 27001:2013• Perform Business Continuity Plan and Crisis Management Show less

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  Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA)

  Apr 2017 - Sept 2017

  Project Officer - Fraud and Corruption - Standing Directions Compliance

  Initially started to assist EPA in ensuring the compliance status for Standing Direction 3.5 Fraud, Corruption and Other Losses. Extended to develop and implement the Compliance Framework and establish Compliance Management within EPAKey accountabilities:• Assess EPA’s current status with respect to the requirements of the Standing Direction 3.5 on fraud, Corruption and Other Losses• Prepare a gap analysis report on the compliance status• Assess the long-term sustainability of the Fraud and Corruption Control framework• Prepare and maintain the Fraud Risk register (Incident Register), Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Register, conflicts of Interest register• Collate the Declaration of Private Interest from High Exposed Professionals annually.• Act as the protected disclosure officer• Act as the Fraud and Corruption Control Officer• Provide updates on the Fraud incidents, Gifts & Benefits and Protected Disclosure to Risk and Audit Committee• Ensure that EPA is ready to meet the internal audit on Standing Directions• Formulate the management action plans for deficiencies in the process• Develop the Compliance Management Framework for EPA• Develop Policy framework• Ensure Policies are complying with the legislative requirements• Prepared the Integrity Framework Policies viz Conflict of Interest, Gifts Benefits and Hospitality, Fraud and Corruption Control Policy and Protected Disclosure Policy for EPA• Standardise the policy and procedure documentation• Roll out the compliance training to all employees• Reconcile the Audit Tracker with Open Audit issues• Establish a process to identify and follow up open audit issues• Establish a robust process for compliance of Standing Directions of FMA 1994. Show less

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  Victorian Agency for Health Information (VAHI)

  Oct 2017 - Jun 2021

  The Manager Finance is responsible for proactively and strategically delivering a range of financial support functions, including financial planning, modelling, analysis and reporting, for the Victorian Agency for Health Information (VAHI).The role works across VAHI to provide accurate and timely high-level advice, reporting, problem solving and support to executives, managers and staff to ensure the agencies’ business outcomes are met within relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks.Key accountabilities:• Work across VAHI to identify current, presenting and future finance and budget needs required to achieve organisational outcomes and engage with the executive and colleagues to develop strategies to meet these needs.• Implement and maintain financial systems, reports, ongoing fiscal monitoring and feedback that supports delivery of best practice; contemporary financial management and services; aligns with legislative requirements and DHHS internal controls.• Routinely provide advice on budget, finance policy, risks, trends and provide solutions and options for decision-making in addition to assisting with scenario and cost modelling for initiatives and budget submissions.• Support agency project management offices (where applicable) in ensuring project portfolios are delivered to budget.• Monitor risks and issues and provide progress reports and authoritative recommendations to ensure budget outcomes can be achieved.• Comply with the Financial Management Act 1994 and other relevant legislation, regulations and government directives, policies and guidelines. Show less To manage the audit, risk management and compliance activities for the Agency. The role has oversight of all internal and external audit and risk management issues, leads the development of strategies, policies and procedures for organisational compliance, and implements assurance mechanisms and processes. The position liaises with the DHHS Audit, Compliance and Integrity Branch and co-ordinates VAHI input to DHHS Audit and Risk Management Committee and its related functions. The role ensures the Agency has an effective risk management framework in place which adequately identifies, captures and mitigates organisational risks across the branches and business units of the Agency. It also reviews issues undertaken or actioned by business units within the Agency in which strict compliance with legislation or policies needs to occur. Show less

  • Finance Manager

    Mar 2020 - Jun 2021

  • Senior Project Offier - Risk, Audit and Compliance

    Oct 2017 - Oct 2020
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  Victorian Department of Families, Fairness & Housing

  Jul 2021 - Sept 2022

  Manager - Finance and Business Services

  The Manager, Finance and Business Services is responsible for proactively and strategically delivering a range of financial management functions (including planning, modelling, analysis and reporting), audit, risk management, compliance and corporate reporting activities to foster a culture of business innovation and quality improvement required for realising strategic and corporate goals across Readiness, Response and Emergency Management Division.The role works across the Division to provide accurate and timely high-level advice, reporting, problem solving and support to executives, managers and staff to ensure the agencies’ business outcomes are met within relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks. Show less

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  Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC)

  Sept 2022 - Sept 2024

  Manager - Finance

  Responsible for organisation wide financial management that enables IBAC to deliver to strategic goals, includes compliance with FMA,1994, Standing directions and other legislative requirements. Responsible for budgeting , asset management ,AP, AR, preparation of annual forecast, and IBAC tax compliance and statutory financial reporting. Manages the planning and delivery of Finance team's program of work. Responsible for providing leadership, expert advice, clear directions and support to staff in performance of their functions. Responsible to develop, manage and drive the continuous improvement of finance policies, systems and procedures which support the delivery of strategic corporate initiatives. Show less

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  Department of Justice and Community Safety, Victoria

  Sept 2024 - now

  FAS Payments and Business Support Manager

  The FAS is a landmark reform that will replace the judicially based Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal with an administrative scheme that prioritises the needs of victims and supports their recovery from violent crime. The FAS is highly anticipated by victims and stakeholders. It represents a major leap forward in the Victorian Government’s response to victims of crime. Established under the Victims of Crime (Financial Assistance Scheme) Act 2022, the FAS will provide financial assistance through a simple and easy to navigate process that is fair, sensitive, and responsive to victims’ needs. It will acknowledge the harm done, be trauma informed, inclusive, and culturally safe. I am responsible for leading a small team to coordinate and approve financial assistance payments. This includes quality assurance, continuous improvement, auditing, and reporting for the financial assistance scheme. Also I am supporting the scheme with budgeting and financial reporting. Show less