Laura Keegan Email & Phone Number

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

BlackLine unifies your accounting data and processes, automates repetitive tasks, and empowers your team to get in front of the numbers and move your business forward.

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. This role leads the Finance Systems Team which is a part of the Business Service Centre, servicing all of Downer.Key Achievements:• Designed and project managed the creation and implementation of 45 SAP security profiles to enforce segregation of duties for over 2000 users driving standardisation, compliance and good governance.• Completion of the trans-tasman transformation impacting all parts of Downer by ensuring the finance systems were updated to reflect the changed management structures.• Assisted with the Implementation and ongoing maintenance of ServiceNow. This has enabled greater visibility of the tasks the teams are performing as well as being able to monitor incidents and perform more informed root cause analysis. • Growth of the team from 3 in 2018 to over 30 in 2023 across multiple states and countries. This has been driven by the confidence in my customers to enable scope growth for the team.• Assisted with the implementation of OneStream and the ongoing business as usual management of the application. Key responsibilities include: • Mentor and develop the team (across multiple states and countries);• Design and maintain security profiles in our Finance Systems to remain compliant and consistent;• Review and audit compliance and security access;• Identify and act on process improvements and optimisations particularly in the use of systems;• Monitor and report on Finance system usage;• Liaise and coordinate external finance and IT audits, as well as internal audit requirements;• Ensure governance in the use of our Finance Systems;• Manage the interfaces between systems and ‘back end’ IT maintenance;• Align systems and processes; • Provide systems and process improvement and optimisation support.Finance Systems Used:• JD Edwards• ServiceNow• SAP• Coupa• BlackLine• Concur• Hyperion• OneStream• Kronos• Jira• Banking platforms• Kofax

During my time with Downer, I have been able to perform a variety of roles in different aspects of the business. The details of these roles are split out further in my profile.I have been able to build on my experiences from being fully involved within the operational business in delivering all aspects of results to assist in driving best practice and consistency.

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. We are committed to building strong relationships with our customers and our people.Downer Group employs approximately 56,000 people across more than 300 sites, primarily in Australia and New Zealand but also in the Asia-Pacific region, South America and Southern Africa.This role leads the Finance System Team which is a part of the Business Service Centre servicing all of Downer.This role is required to: Ensure governance in use of our Finance Systems;Manage the interface between system usage and ‘back end’ IT maintenance;Align systems and processes; Provide systems and process improvement supportMentor and develop the teamResponsibilities:Identify and act on process improvements particularly in the use of systems;Monitor and report on Finance system usage;Ensure security profiles in our Finance Systems are compliant and consistent;Assist in aligning businesses into the Finance Systems.Finance Systems Used:JD EdwardsSAPCoupaBlackLineConcurHyperionOneStreamKronosWebtimes

Melbourne, Australia

Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and New Zealand Stock Exchange as Downer EDI Limited (DOW), we are an ASX 100 company that also owns 88 per cent of Spotless Group Holdings Limited (SPO). Downer Group employs approximately 56,000 people across more than 300 sites, primarily in Australia and New Zealand but also in the Asia-Pacific region, South America and Southern Africa.This role leads the System Accountant Team which is a part of the Business Service Centre servicing all of Downer.This role is required to: Ensure governance in use of our Finance Systems;Manage the interface between system usage and ‘back end’ IT maintenance;Align systems and processes; Provide systems and process improvement supportMentor and develop the teamKey Achievements:Centralised finance audit requests into one team. This reduced the time requirements for the business and the audit teams whilst still providing all the required information to provide comfort that Downer’s financial reports are true and accurate.Transition of the master data and time capture systems support teams to optimise processes and ensure greater focus on governance and compliance.Integrated the ex Spotless team. This included bringing in new systems to the team, mainly SAP.Developed a new site for customers to access the Business Service Centre services and transitioned information from disparate sites to a single source of truth. In addition, a specific team site was created to share information to customers to encourage business partnering.Responsibilities:Identify and act on process improvements particularly in the use of systems;Monitor and report on Finance system usage;Ensure security profiles in JD Edwards are compliant and consistent;Assist in aligning businesses into the Finance Systems.Finance Systems Used:JD Edwards (9.1 & 8.12)BlackLineConcurHyperion

Melbourne, Australia

Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure and facilities.Listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and New Zealand Stock Exchange as Downer EDI Limited (DOW), we are an ASX 100 company that also owns 88 per cent of Spotless Group Holdings Limited (SPO). Downer Group employs approximately 56,000 people across more than 300 sites, primarily in Australia and New Zealand but also in the Asia-Pacific region, South America and Southern Africa.This role is in the newly created System Accountant Team a part of the Business Service Centre servicing all of Downer.This role is required to: Ensure governance in use of our Finance Systems;Manage the interface between system usage and ‘back end’ IT maintenance;Align systems and processes; Provide systems and process improvement supportKey Achievement:Implementation of the Systems Accounting team to support the business for finance systems. This team was a key to ensuring the ongoing success of the newly implemented ERP (JD Edwards) and to obtain return on investment.Responsibilities:Identify and act on process improvements particularly in the use of systems;Monitor and report on Finance system usage;Ensure security profiles in JD Edwards are compliant and consistent;Assist in aligning business into the Finance Systems.Finance Systems Used:JD Edwards (9.1 & 8.12)BlackLineConcurHyperion

Melbourne, Australia

The Infrastructure Services division reports into Downer Group. It is made up of a Roads Services, Infrastructure Projects and Utilities business streams. Annual turnover approx. $7bThis role has combined the System Accountant role with additional business support activities as described further below.This role is required to: provide leadership and direction to the accounting services function in the effective provision of AP, AR, payroll and other accounting and administration processes; Lead the team of four administrators to ensure services are provided as effectively as possibly to internal and external customers;Manage the relationships between the internal customers in Infrastructure Services and with our service providers in the Service Centre;Manage the interface between system usage and ‘back end’ IT maintenance;Align systems and processes; Provide systems and process improvement supportResponsibilities:• Identify and act on process improvements particularly in the use of systems or centralisation of transaction based activities.• Transition financial and administrative activities into the accounting services function.• Ensure change management procedures are fully implemented to enhance the transitions.• Provide advice on opportunities to further enhance the team and the wider IS business.• Mentor, coach and lead the accounting services team members• Ad hoc systems and process support for a variety of IT systemsAchievements:• Centralised template for fuel tax credits to increase allowable claims through consistent process and record keeping• Uncovering and resolving issues that have previously gone unnoticed

Melbourne, Australia

The Infrastructure Services division reports into Downer Group. It is made up of a Roads Services, Infrastructure Projects and Utilities business streams. Annual turnover approx. $7bThis role is required to: provide leadership and direction to the finance function in the use and optimisation of systems and information; Manage the interface between system usage and ‘back end’ IT maintenance;Align systems and processes; Provide systems and process improvement supportResponsibilities:• Communicate, and manage the implementation of a new ERP.• Identify and act on process improvements particularly in the use of systems.• Ensure that training is provided timely and at the right level for all new starters• Ad-hoc projects for CFO and finance team• Ad hoc systems and process support for a variety of IT systemsAchievements:• Centralisation of administration of BlackLine (online reconciliation tool)• Ensured consistency in set-up and preparation of reconciliations

Melbourne Area, Australia

The Downer Infrastructure East division reports into Downer Infrastructure who report to Downer Group. It is made up of all states of Australia except WA for Roads, Rail and EC&M. Annual turnover approx. $4bThis role was a project base role supporting the operational business. It was primarily to service internal stakeholders with analytical/financial business analysis/interpretation and reporting. This role reported to the General Manager, Business Support and the Finance Manager Eastern Region.Responsibilities:• Ad-hoc projects for CFO and finance team• Benchmarking reporting for Asphalt manufacturing and laying business• Monthly reporting and management for a JVAchievements:• Streamlined the bench marking reporting and ensuring that it was more professional looking and easier to use (Excel)• Transferred a JV from one ERP to another• Ability to manage multiple managers with conflicting priorities

The Downer Australia East division reports into Downer Infrastructure who report to Downer Group. It is made up of all states of Australia except WA for Roads, Rail and EC&M. Annual turnover approx. $4bThis role was a link between the operational part of the business and the head office team. It focussed on process improvements, including providing a more consistent and streamlined approach to tasks performedResponsibilities:• Ad-hoc projects for CFO and finance team• Policy and process documentation• Policy and process training, audit and compliance• ERP master data auditing for compliance and accuracyAchievements:• Part of transition team for relocating into a shared services scenario• Preparing rollout of delegated authorities for the newly formed region• Implementation partner for BlackLine

The Downer Australia East – Rail business stream reports into Downer Australia East Head Office. The business stream maintains train lines throughout Australia with state based results being consolidated. Annual turnover approx. $220mThis role was the financial controller role whilst the recruiting process for a new full time financial controller was ongoing. The role included finalising month end results and weekly cash flow management. I took the opportunity to undo old accounting practices and bring this business stream in line with the other business streams within Downer Infrastructure East. Other tasks included preparing budgets, as well as preparing for a new reporting structure to come into effect 1st of July 2011. Responsibilities:• Final combined result each month• Final information to be sent to head office• Budget preparation• Training of new management accountant• Cash flow managementAchievements:• Trained a new management accountant to enable the Financial Controller to be able to step back out of the day-to-day transactions• Implemented a consistent approach to the business stream to bring them in line with the rest of the company

(Downer Australia East Head Office)

The Downer Australia East division reports into Downer Infrastructure who report to Downer Group. It is made up of all states of Australia except WA for Roads, Rail and EC&M. Annual turnover approx. $1.3bThis role was a link between the operational business streams and the head office team. It focussed on documenting, implementing, training and auditing policies and procedures. It was also responsible for overseeing the master database of suppliers, subcontractors and customers within the ERP. The role was also required to perform a shared service feasibility assessment and investigation of a new software solution. The role was the main link between the external auditors and the business streams and head office finance teams. Responsibilities:• Policy and process documentation• Policy and process training, audit and compliance• ERP master data auditing for compliance and accuracy• Supervision of AP and AR teams• Operational support to business Financial Controllers and Management Accountants• Ad-hoc projects for CFO and finance team• Excel Model creation• Contact/Liaison for Audit• BAS including Diesel Fuel Rebate• Shared Service Feasibility assessment• Software implementation liaison (Concur)Achievements:• Improved the process flow with the external auditors• Creation of excel models to assist the business in making decisions and see results.

The Australia East division reported into the Downer Edi Works Head office. It is made up of all states of Australia except WA for Roads. Turnover approx. $350mThis role was responsible for monthly and weekly reporting to head office. It also included preparation of BAS and excise claims. The key aspect was looking at ways to improve efficiency within the division. Responsibilities:• Preparation of monthly and weekly reporting to HO• Preparation of monthly BAS and excise claims• Ad hoc tasks to improve efficiency• Preparation of BAS and excise claims

This role was responsible for a team of accountants and assistant accountants who looked after a number of the international companies in multiple countries around the world. It had an overall responsibility for the month end result for each entity and was responsible for presenting the financial information at board meetings. There was a lot of consultation with Managing Directors and Accounting Managers of other companies within the entity.Responsibilities:• Team management• Co-ordination of multiple companies around the world• Review of accounts, returns, and projects for the following countries: New Zealand, Fiji, New Caledonia, Indonesia, Belize, Dubai, India, UK, Chile, Brazil, Samoa, American Samoa, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Turkey, Romania, Marianna Islands, China, Tonga, Oman, Papua New Guinea, United States • Responsible for ensuring month results are prepared accurately and timely• Setting up companies overseas• Liaising with other accounting managers• Liaising with General Managers and Managing Directors• Presenting at Board meetingsAchievements:• Being a part of setting up a company overseas• Having the team come together to work more efficiently, effectively and harmoniously• Being responsible for companies setup in various countries

The Southern Region was made up of SA, NT, Vic, Tas, NSW and QLD operations in the roads services industry. The results were consolidated and analysed at this level before being submitted to the Downer Edi Works head office. Turnover approx. $350mThis role was responsible for the monthly result and associated reporting requirements. It was also responsible for managing the purchasing personnel within our location. This role was heavily involved with the many restructures and acquisitions that occurred and was responsible for ensuring integration of the business’ and assist in training for the parts separated from the region. This role was also a point of contact for all levels of staff and assisted project managers with project valuations and KPI’s. Responsibilities:• Prepare monthly result• Complete the regional management pack• Manage the Purchasing personnel based in Port Melbourne• Prepare the audit files• Integral part of combining and segregation business into the ‘Southern Region’ structure, both from internal restructures and acquisitions• Answer audit queries• Write, implement and enforce policies and procedures• Prepare budgets• First point of call for issues out at the depots• Assist project managers with valuations and KPI’s• Prepare cash flow• Maintain the financial system• Prepare FBT return• Deliver training in groups and individually• Asset management• Improve and streamline excel spreadsheets• Assist with conversions and implementation of the new Matrix financial and operational management systemAchievements:• Improved and streamlined excel spreadsheets• Assisted with converting and implementing a new ERP• Being a first point of call for many personnel

(Southern Region)

The Southern Region was made up of SA, NT, Vic, and Tas operations in the roads services industry and the national rail services. The results were consolidated and analysed at this level before being submitted to the Downer Edi Works head office. Turnover approx. $100mThis role was taking on responsibility of the financial controller whilst she was on maternity leave. This entailed the entire regions monthly result and reporting requirements. This role also coordinated the segregation of the SA/NT business to its own reporting structure and the integration of the rail business. Responsibilities:• Final combined result each month• Final information to be sent to head office• Actively participate in management meetings• Co-ordinate segregation of SA/NT business

The Southern Region was made up of SA, NT, Vic, and Tas operations in the roads services industry. The results were consolidated and analysed at this level before being submitted to the Downer Edi Works head office. This role prepared the month-end results and audit files. It was responsible for treasury operations including cash flow. The role was also responsible for maintaining the IT system and writing, implementing and enforcing policies and procedures. This role also assisted with budgets and restructures.Responsibilities:• Preparation of month-end reporting including reconciliations and reporting pack• Treasury operations including cash flow• Preparation of audit files• Writing, implementing and enforcing policies and procedures• Cheops maintenance• Preparation of FBT return• Review BAS• Assist with budgets• Assist with restructures

This role was to provide audit services to a number of different clients. The Deloitte audit approach and AS/2 software were used to ensure consistent and accurate audit files. This role commenced in the Financial Services group for the first 12 months. After that the role became a part of the Growth Solutions Group, with smaller emerging clients.Achievements:• Working in a team and alone on audits in order to reach the goals set• Reporting directly to Partners on work performed for the clients• Discussing issues with clients in relation to their business and ways to improve it• Teaching less experienced colleagues audit methodology and the culture at Deloitte• Assisting senior colleagues with issues in relation to the approach to be undertaken for the audit, and any issues that arise during the audit• Completing General Purpose Financial Statements and Special Purpose Financial Statements in accordance with the accounting standards• Exposure to hedge accounting• Working on Clients with up to $130 million revenue• Worked on Clients in the Malting, Fishing, Original Equipment – Cars, Environmental Services, Biotechnology, Textiles, Sports Fishing Products, Food Technologies, Wool, Councils, and Manufacture of Hardware goods Industry.• Preparing consolidated accounts with consolidated cashflows and foreign currency translation reserves – this is generally performed by people more senior

2004

Bachelor Of Business, Accountancy

Graduated with Distinction. Final year was completed while working full time.

Badges

Integrate Service Graph Connector for Jamf Flow Designer: Introduction Performance Analytics Essentials Service Graph Connector Essentials.