Sean Wessels
Melbourne,Australia
Summary
Accomplished finance professional with extensive experience in strategic financial leadership roles at the mine site level , including roles in challenging jurisdictions . Proven track record in leading and influencing teams to meet strategic financial objectives, with hands-on expertise in developing and managing financial systems that align with business goals .
Adept at identifying opportunities for cost reduction , profit improvement , and risk management , while ensuring compliance and supporting informed decision-making through economic modelling , budgeting , and forecasting .
Known for driving continuous improvement in financial processes by analyzing and presenting valuable data to stakeholders, optimizing both operational efficiency and financial performance . A collaborative leader who fosters respect and motivation, skilled at working in multicultural environments and maintaining a detail-oriented , accuracy-driven approach .
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Financial Planning & Analysis
Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine (Ivanhoe Mines)
12.2023 - Current
- Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine is a tier-one asset , recognized for being one of the largest, highest-grade, and fastest-growing copper mines in the world.
- Reporting to the Executive, Finance I rejoined Kamoa to head up the FP&A role and provide strategic financial support to the on-site Executive Leadership Team (ELT).
- Drive effective problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives that align with key operational KPI's, focusing on profitability and cost efficiency .
- Lead the development and management of the annual and quarterly planning and budgeting process , overseeing a budget of US$ 3 billion .
- Oversee the strategic implementation of digital solutions to enhance FP&A functions, streamline cost management , and support data-driven decision-making .
- Responsible for managing the fixed asset accounting functions , ensuring compliance and optimization of asset management practices.
Finance Business Partner
Healthscope Operations Pty Ltd
06.2023 - 11.2023
- Healthscope is a PE backed national private healthcare provider with a network of hospitals across Australia .
- Contracted as a Finance Business Partner , reporting to the Deputy CFO , to provide financial support to the Corporate Finance office .
- Partnered with Project Directors to build business cases for capital projects and developed reporting frameworks to provide financial insights and support decision-making .
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to establish bottom-up capital budgets , ensuring alignment with corporate goals and financial constraints .
- Prepared monthly financial statements and variance analysis reports from TechOne data for management review.
- Supported risk management by analyzing financial risks and recommending mitigation strategies
Senior Management Accountant
Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine (Ivanhoe Mines)
11.2020 - 05.2023
- Reported to the Head of Finance , playing a key role in establishing the newly formed Management Accounting department in preparation for commercial production .
- Contributed to the successful implementation of a new business unit , cost centre , and chart of accounts structure .
- Performed cost control processes (tracking, analyzing, and managing cost performance).
- Developed monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports covering physical, operational, and capital expenditure , guiding strategic decision-making for senior management.
- Conducted monthly variance analysis between budget, forecasts, and actual results , facilitating departmental cost review meetings and identifying areas for improvement .
- Improved financial reporting accuracy by streamlining the month-end close process and implementing tools for accruals and inventory valuation reconciliation .
- Managed a team of junior accountants , providing mentorship and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Organized and detail-oriented , with a strong work ethic .
Finance Consultant
Ivanhoe Mines (South Africa)
01.2019 - 10.2020
- Reported to the Group Manager, Business Services , contributing to the development of the JDE (Oracle) ERP system at Ivanhoe Mines .
- Contributed to the development of long-term IT strategies , aligning business objectives with technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency .
- Member of the Procurement Automation project team , which reduced manual data entry by automating key processes within the Procure-to-Pay and ERP system .
- Conducted thorough end user testing (UAT) before implementation, minimizing disruptions to daily operations during rollouts.
- Developed comprehensive documentation for all changes, enabling efficient knowledge transfer among team members.
- Supported a smooth launch and user experience through functional end user testing and interface testing .
Financial Accounting & Supply Chain Manager
Kipushi Corporation Mine (Ivanhoe Mines)
01.2018 - 12.2019
- Reported to the Group Manager, Financial Accounting , responsible for daily accounting processes (reporting, treasury, accounts payable) and supply chain (procurement, warehouse, logistics) at Kipushi Copper and Zinc Mine.
- Led a team of accounting professionals to achieve department goals while fostering a positive work environment .
- Reviewed, analyzed, and improved internal controls over financial reporting for greater effectiveness.
- Assisted executive management with ad-hoc financial analysis to support informed business decisions .
- Monitored cash flow projections , ensuring sufficient funds for daily operations.
- Oversaw demand planning , purchasing , and logistics .
- Streamlined month-end closing procedures resulting in reduced processing time of the reports generated.
- Managed procurement activities , driving cost savings through strategic sourcing and contract negotiations .
- Facilitated a culture of continuous improvement , encouraging team-driven process enhancements .
- Contributed to successful external audits by preparing documentation and handling auditor inquiries .
Financial Accounting Manager
Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine (Ivanhoe Mines)
06.2013 - 12.2018
- Reporting to the Group Manager, Financial Accounting , I was responsible for overseeing the on-site accounting function at Kamoa Copper Mine
- Collaborated with senior management and stakeholders to develop long-term financial plans.
- Improved overall financial reporting by streamlining internal control processes and reporting structures .
- Developed financial policies and procedure (SOP's) that supported organizational objectives while adhering to internal audit and SOX compliance standards .
- Mentored junior accountants , fostering a supportive learning environment that resulted in increased team performance while fostering a positive work environment .
- Developed annual budgets that aligned with company goals , effectively managing resources and controlling expenses.
- Reviewed, analyzed, and improved internal controls over financial reporting for greater effectiveness.
- Assisted executive management with ad-hoc financial analysis to support informed business decisions .
- Monitored cash flow projections , ensuring sufficient funds for daily operations .
- Streamlined month-end closing procedures , reducing report processing time .
- Contributed to successful external audits by preparing documentation and handling auditor inquiries .
Finance Manager
Africa Swiss Trading Lda (AST)
08.2012 - 05.2013
- AST was a subsidiary of the South African JSE-listed Dawn Africa Group , with interests in the wholesale manufacture, warehousing, and distribution of building and construction materials.
- Reported to the Group Finance Head in South Africa , I was responsible for the in-country finance function for operations at site in Angola .
- Ensured compliance with group policies and processes , generating monthly reports for submission and consolidation by Group Finance.
- Responsible for treasury management , supervision of accounts payable and receivable functions , supporting warehouse and inventory management (costing) , and maintaining the fixed asset register .
- Managed the annual budget process , including operational expenses , sales (revenue) budgets , and capital budget requirements .
- Supported the in-country General Manager , providing concise data and reports to assist in decision-making .
- Trained new and existing staff members in various financial procedures to ensure job readiness.
Senior Auditor
MGI Bass Gordon
07.2009 - 07.2012
- By joining MGI Bass Gordon , a leading mid-tier professional services firm , I continued my audit traineeship and expanded my audit exposure to larger corporate entities .
- Reporting to the Audit Partners , I supervised and performed the statutory audit assurance function on the financial statements of companies and not-for-profit entities .
- Mentored junior auditors , contributing to their professional development and enhancing team performance.
- Performed due diligence for clients considering M&A with prospective entities.
- Completed my formal audit traineeship through the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) during my tenure at MGI Bass Gordon .
Audit Trainee
Brandt Stoltz & Co
04.2008 - 06.2009
- I started my audit traineeship at this firm of chartered accountants by joining Brandt Bowling & Co , which later rebranded as Brandt Stoltz & Co .
- Compiled statutory financial statements and conducted audit assurance engagements for small companies and not-for-profit entities .
- Performed detailed testing of account balances, transactions, and disclosures to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial records.
- Gained valuable experience in various industries by working on diverse client engagements .
- Assisted clients with individual and corporate tax compliance as well as trust and estates administration .
Education
Postgraduate Diploma (Applied) Accounting Sciences -
University of South Africa (Unisa)
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences -
University of South Africa (Unisa)
Bachelor of Accounting Sciences -
University of South Africa (Unisa)
Skills
Confident Communicator
Meticulous & Attention to Detail
Teamwork & Collaboration
Reliable & Responsible
ERP Systems Expertise
Budget & Financial Modeling
Analytical & Critical Thinking
Leadership & People Development
Memberships
ASA - Associate with CPA Australia, working towards full membership
AGA (SA) - Associate with SAICA South Africa
Timeline
Head of Financial Planning & Analysis
Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine (Ivanhoe Mines)
12.2023 - Current
Finance Business Partner
Healthscope Operations Pty Ltd
06.2023 - 11.2023
Senior Management Accountant
Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine (Ivanhoe Mines)
11.2020 - 05.2023
Finance Consultant
Ivanhoe Mines (South Africa)
01.2019 - 10.2020
Financial Accounting & Supply Chain Manager
Kipushi Corporation Mine (Ivanhoe Mines)
01.2018 - 12.2019
Financial Accounting Manager
Kamoa-Kakula Copper Mine (Ivanhoe Mines)
06.2013 - 12.2018
Finance Manager
Africa Swiss Trading Lda (AST)
08.2012 - 05.2013
Senior Auditor
MGI Bass Gordon
07.2009 - 07.2012
Audit Trainee
Brandt Stoltz & Co
04.2008 - 06.2009
Postgraduate Diploma (Applied) Accounting Sciences -
University of South Africa (Unisa)
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences -
University of South Africa (Unisa)
Bachelor of Accounting Sciences -
University of South Africa (Unisa)
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