Robert O'Herlihy, ACA, FPAC

Strategic Leadership and Crisis Management:

• Partnered closely with the founder to navigate the travel industry crisis throughout the pandemic period, successfully stabilizing the business despite a >45% drop in revenue. Awarded Employee of the Year in 2022 in recognition of the successful financial stewardship and leadership shown.
• Drove revenue growth from $30M pre-pandemic to over $50M, achieving a threefold increase in profitability within three years.
• Implemented strict expense and cash management strategies, maintaining operations with minimal external funding during the downturn.
• Developed additional promotional value propositions to attract customers during periods of low demand.

Expansion Enablement:

• Led a comprehensive financial transformation project, overhauling the tech stack, team structure, and processes within the Accounting & Finance functions. Achieved a 20% reduction in headcount, operational efficiencies and annual savings of > $500k.
• Introduced robust financial systems, including a new budgeting system promoting accountability and a forecasting system utilizing a model to periodically forecast revenues and set sales targets. This resulted in >$1m overhead savings annually.
• Implemented a new treasury strategy, optimizing interest income and achieving a 5x increase in annual returns.
• Acted as a key business partner to all departments, influencing strategies, delivering insights, and supporting decision-making across the business. Ensured efficient allocation of resources and diligent financial decisions were bring made across the organization.
• Championed the implementation of a strategy and execution methodology-software combination to establish a robust operating model and foster company-wide operational discipline.
• Designed and implemented an updated incentive structure for the Sales team and management, aligning goals with company objectives and extending incentives to other operational teams.
• Developed a responsible dividend policy, balancing prudent cash management with shareholder satisfaction.
• Recruited a new executive team, including a CEO, to lead the business following the founder's retirement.
• Implemented a comprehensive Cyber Security Training & Awareness platform to mitigate risks and ensure data security.

Awarded promotion withing nine months of joining the company and tasked with taking responsibility for the finance function from our departing Director of Finance. Worked closely with the founder, CEO and CFO on reestablishing the role of finance within the organization.

• Established an FP&A frameworks to enable efficient MD&A reporting that could compare performance against prior periods and periodic P&L forecasts.
• Developed a direct cash flow forecasting model that accurately predicts cash flows across multiple currencies, mitigating foreign exchange risk by facilitating strategic hedging decisions. Optimized working capital management through educating stakeholders on a this model, as well as implementing new accounts receivable and accounts payable processes.
• Drove improved financial performance on product portfolios and revenue streams by offering proactive analytical support and guidance.
• Spearheaded the continuous improvements and automation across systems such as Salesforce, Marketo & Google Analytics to ensure adequate data capture and hygiene processes were captured. Provided the company with value chain reporting to identify areas of strength & weakness in sales and marketing efforts.
• Advised on Financial Reporting policies and processes to optimally meet accounting standards.
• Mentored junior team members, cultivating strong analytical skills and fostering a culture of curiosity within the organization.

Hired to develop a new FP&A function from the ground up within the business. Responsible for reviewing & refining internal controls, budget and forecast processes, and consolidating data & insights from across the business.

• Lead a team of cross-functional analysts to generate impactful insights, then enabled decision-making by delivering recommendations to senior management.
• Developed a KPI dashboard to give senior management visibility on financial performance trends.
• Conducted regular reviews of financial systems and processes, recommending improvements that resulted in increased efficiency and effectiveness.
• Managed cash flow effectively by monitoring working capital requirements and ensuring timely payments from clients.

Owner of a wide range of insolvency cases such as Receiverships and Independent Business Reviews (IBRs). Tasked with maximizing the return on a wide range of collateral assets, following loan defaults.

• Managed a diverse range of assets including residential properties, commercial properties & trading businesses.
• Compiled various financial information, and prepared extensive periodic update reports & recommendations on maximizing net return.
• Negotiated preferable contract terms by leveraging strong communication and relationship building with professionals in the legal, property, insurance and banking industries.
• Conducted Independent Business Reviews into affairs of financially distressed companies, including detailed company / industry analysis and detailed free cash flow projections for the company.