Damian Baker Email & Phone Number

Johannesburg, Gp, Za

South Africa

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

As Head Cloud Accounting Manager at Outsourced CFO, I oversee the strategic direction of this division and ensure that all processes are running effectively in order to meet the needs of our clients. With a strong focus on quality control, I am responsible for ensuring that client deliverables meet our high standards of accuracy and completeness.In this role, I lead a team of talented professionals in providing a range of cloud-based accounting services to our clients. This includes everything from day-to-day bookkeeping and financial reporting to budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning. I work closely with our clients to understand their unique business needs then develop tailored solutions that help them achieve their goals.In addition, I am responsible for driving innovation and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the field of cloud accounting. I facilitate ongoing training and development for our team to ensure that we are providing the most advanced and effective services to our clients.As a thought leader in the industry, I regularly participate in industry events and conferences, sharing my expertise and insights with other professionals in the field. Through my work, I have helped numerous clients streamline their accounting processes, reduce costs, and improve their overall financial performance.To learn more about our division, please visit our website at https://www.ocfo.com/cloud-accounting/.

South Africa

The XPAC team is a core part of the Xero ecosystem, playing a crucial role as a consulting group of industry experts who provide real-time feedback on behalf of the industry to drive meaningful change. Through open discussions, industry insights, and actionable feedback, XAPC members seek to make a difference to South African Xero Partners, businesses, and their communities. Made up of a diverse range of advisors from across the country, XPAC ultimately seeks to make a difference in the lives of Xero partners, businesses, and their communities.

Miami, Florida, United States

As the Head of Cloud Accounting at Trigger, I lead a dynamic team to deliver cutting-edge cloud accounting services on a global scale. TriggerCAAS, a division of the renowned Trigger Group, specializes in strategic offshoring of financial solutions, including bookkeeping, accounting, and virtual CFO services.Key Highlights:Leadership: Spearheading the direction of Trigger's Cloud Accounting Services by aligning technology, infrastructure, and expertise with clients' evolving needs.Team Empowerment: Building and nurturing a high-performing team dedicated to delivering excellence and upholding industry standards.Operational Excellence: Ensuring seamless execution, accuracy, and efficiency in delivering cloud accounting solutions adhering to global accounting standards.Client-Centric Approach: Collaborating closely with clients, acting as a trusted advisor, and tailoring services to address their unique financial objectives.Innovation & Efficiency: Leveraging emerging technologies and tools to enhance service quality, automate processes, and drive efficiency.Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborating with sales, marketing, and technology teams to ensure holistic client experiences.Let's connect! I'm passionate about driving financial excellence through strategic cloud accounting solutions. Open to networking and discussions on industry trends, technology integration, and global financial strategies.

Pretoria Area, South Africa

As a Manager of Business Process Solutions at SNG Grant Thornton I was responsible for managing the accounting division, supervising the accounting staff, and ensuring the accuracy of clients' accounts. My role required me to establish and implement financial and accounting processes for new and exciting clients, and migrate data from 3rd party applications to Xero. I also onboarded new clients and transitioned them to cloud-based processes, providing technical support to clients and supporting staff understanding of applications and integrations.I managed the month-end closing of accounts and supervised the preparation of clients’ financial reports. As part of the management team, I engaged in cross-functional working groups to improve best practices and processes. I collaborated with clients on a regular basis, developing strong relationships and understanding their needs to provide tailored solutions.Budgetary controls were an essential part of my role, and I was responsible for managing invoicing, budgets, investment in work in progress, and debtors. I compiled management reports based on commercial awareness that added value to clients, highlighting key insights and opportunities.As the first line of support for Caseware, I provided guidance and support to the team when needed. I also edited national Caseware templates, ensuring that they were up to date and accurate. Additionally, I facilitated training related to the accounting division and advanced excel training for the entire firm, supporting staff development and enhancing our team's capabilities.My role required strong leadership skills, and I supervised SAIPA trainees, taking responsibility for the accuracy of their accounts. I also provided ongoing technical support and training to the accounting staff, ensuring they had the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in their roles.

Pretoria Area, South Africa

As an IT Audit Supervisor at SNG Grant Thornton, I assisted the IT audit team in conducting IT audit engagements in a timely and efficient manner. My role involved providing guidance and support to the team, and ensuring that all audit assignments were completed to a high standard.I provided training and support to the IT audit team, including on-the-job training and counselling of trainees, to help them develop their skills and enhance their performance. I also provided training to trainee accountants to ensure that they were well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of their roles.I was involved in special audit assignments that required the use of my knowledge in data analysis procedures using Computer-Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs). Additionally, I played an important role in developing client relations by communicating effectively with clients and building trust.Budgetary controls were also an essential part of my role. I was responsible for planning, managing and finalising small to medium audits while assisting in the management of larger audits. This required me to manage budgets, investment in work in progress and debtors, and ensure that projects were completed within budget.As the first line of support for Caseware, I provided guidance and support to the team when needed. I also edited national Caseware templates, ensuring that they were up to date and accurate.

Pretoria Area, South Africa

At SNG Grant Thornton, I worked as an Audit Supervisor from January 2015 to January 2017. In this role, I was responsible for managing a team of audit trainees and ensuring that all audits were conducted in accordance with the company's high standards.One of my key responsibilities was staff management on audits. This involved providing on-the-job training and counseling to trainees, as well as providing training to trainee accountants. I was also involved in special audit assignments, where I had the opportunity to develop my skills in a more specialized area of audit.Another important aspect of my role was developing strong client relationships. This involved regular communication with clients, as well as ensuring that their needs and expectations were being met. I also managed budgetary controls, including planning, managing, and finalising small to medium audits and assisting in the management of larger audits.In addition to these responsibilities, I was responsible for managing budgets, investment in work in progress, and debtors. This involved ensuring that all financial records were accurate and up-to-date, and that the company was operating within its budget.Overall, my time at Grant Thornton provided me with valuable experience in managing teams, developing client relationships, and working with clients to achieve their financial goals.

Pretoria Area, South Africa

At Grant Thornton, I worked as an Audit Trainee from January 2012 to December 2014. During this time, I was part of a team of experienced auditors and was responsible for various tasks that helped me to grow my skills and gain valuable experience in the field of audit.My primary responsibilities included executing critical audit objectives such as inventory, revenue, financial liabilities, investment properties, and income tax. This involved working closely with clients to understand their business operations and ensuring that the audit was conducted in a thorough and efficient manner. I was also responsible for managing client relationships and reporting to managers and partners on the status of audits.Another key aspect of my role was providing guidance and support to junior members of the engagement team. I was responsible for coaching and training these team members and performing staff appraisals to ensure that they were meeting the high standards expected of all Grant Thornton employees.In addition to these responsibilities, I consolidated group companies in group audit engagements and drafted annual financial statements in accordance with the Companies Act. I also reviewed Annual Financial Statements and completed income tax returns for companies and individuals.Throughout my time at Grant Thornton, I developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and gained valuable experience in financial reporting, internal controls, and risk management. I am proud to have been part of a team that was committed to delivering exceptional service to its clients.

Pretoria Area, South Africa

Tutored vulnerable and marginalized high school accounting students during holidays school programs.

Postgraduate Diploma In Computer Auditing, Computer Auditing

Postgraduate Diploma In Accounting Science, Accounting

Bachelor Of Commerce (Bcom), Accounting

Activities and Societies: Tutor to first year accounting students in the Accounting Department.