Michael Benatar Email & Phone Number

Melbourne, Vic, Au

Melbourne, Australia

Metka-EGN is part of a large European multinational. In Australia Metka-EGN has developed, constructed and is operating several large-scale solar farms. The construction part of the business is the largest with turnover more than $150m per year undertaken as full EPC contracts. The operations/asset management side of the business has 5 fully generating solar farms with more coming on stream. New Zealand operations are expected in 2024.As Regional Finance Manager for Australia and NZ, I am responsible for all financial matters reporting directly to Europe including accounting, budgets, project forecasts, taxation, insurance, cash flow management and banking. I am involved in procurement and logistics and many office administration functions.

Hawthorn

Group Finance Manager at McConnell Dowell, an Australian based infrastructure construction group, operating in more than 12 countries with revenues fluctuating between $1 billion to $2.9 billion over the period. MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS Developed and implemented system for producing consolidated financial accounts for the group – both monthly and annually. The group has more than 20 subsidiaries in over 12 countries.Improved profitability on construction projects by optimising procurement methods, financing structures and cost control.Managed the treasury operations including foreign exchange management. I was successful in expanding credit facilities with new lenders in times of growth and reducing when the business was contracting. Guided the group through times of cash shortage by effective management of existing assets and liabilities and intensive forecasting.Increased finance facilities from $500m to $900m including loans, asset finance, bank guarantees and insurance bonds, this included minimising interest, fees and legal costs.Managed the group tax obligations and tax planning both in Australia and internationally, including, tax risk framework, tax governance, transfer pricing and income tax. Reporting to Board and parent company on tax matters. Successfully managed a review by the Australian Taxation Office, effectively answering questions thereby minimising any adverse impact. Effectively negotiated terms of commercial agreements including loans, parts of construction contracts and acquisitions. Resolved complex accounting issues such as disposals of subsidiaries and translation of foreign subsidiaries. Company Secretary for several group companies.

Melbourne, Australia

Consolidation and preparation of management accounts and statutory accounts. I was consistent in achieving accurate and timely accounts.Preparation of papers reporting and analysing results for CFO, Board, Stock Exchange and Parent company.Conducting internal audits of construction projects including providing recommendations for improvements.Managed Treasury operations including cash forecasting, bank facility negotiations and foreign exchange exposures.Assistance in Strategic planning for the group.

Melbourne, Australia

Managed all financial activities including bank relationships, board reporting, measuring hospital KPIs, capex, staff training, reporting and tax.I was involved in the acquisition and disposal of hospitals including negotiating with buyers and vendors.I assisted, at Board level, the strategic planning of the group and developing the right financing structures for the group.

Consolidation accounting for up to 25 companies in 10 countries both management accounting and statutory accounting. Preparation of reports for the CFO.

South Yarra

Consolidations and preparation of financial statements

Melbourne, Australia

Bachelor Of Commerce (B.Com.), Accounting

Activities and Societies: tutor in finance to first and second year students Bachelor of Commerce degree and Honours degree in financial.

Honours Degree, Financial Management