Mike Morrison Email & Phone Number

Burlington, Ontario, Canada

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Hannon, Ontario, Canada

Ancaster, Ontario, Canada

Greater Toronto Area, Canada

Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Toronto, Canada Area

Key takeaways & strengths developed for future roles:Identification of efficiencies and value-add improvement advisory for operational processes, including reporting of financials, to summarize for senior management decision making purposes. Additionally, tackling a new Enterprise Risk Management mindset to be able to assist key personnel across the business in identifying risks to performance and strategies to mitigate those risks. Continued refinement of communication skills, leadership behaviours, team building and coaching, and project management as a more senior employee.Details: I was grateful to ne given the opportunity to step up to 'management,' a symbol of both trust and reward after my first two years with GWL. With the new responsibility, I started to tackle and manage additional projects at any given time, was assigned direct reports to formally lead and develop, and became more involved in the quarterly reporting process for Senior Management and the Audit Committee/Board. I now have the experience of managing more challenging or unique audits that land on the Audit Plan and have a more in-depth understanding of the operations of the Weston Foods portfolio.With a changing team dynamic, I also got introduced to the Enterprise Risk Management services provided by the department to the Weston Foods and Corporate Office entities. I slowly ramped up my involvement and autonomy, currently working with the VP of the department to lead quarterly and annual ERM packages which get summarized and presented to Sr. Management and the Audit Committee/Board. I'm also assigned special projects/initiatives which aim to increase the capabilities and collaboration that the department offers to the business going forward.I continue to learn and develop in this role as Manager of both Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Audit & Advisory Services, as well as partake in company-wide initiatives throughout the year to further develop my leadership behaviours.

Toronto, Canada Area

Key takeaways & strengths developed for future roles: A thorough understanding of the operations of a large public company in a manufacturing environment, including operational and financial controls, operations finance, and internal processesDetails: Making the step from public practice to industry was a decision that, in hindsight, I am extremely glad I made. My growth as a professional did not slow down in the slightest, and I have since been able to utilize my talents in an environment where the entire department and organization is contributing towards a common set of goals.As a Senior Analyst on the Enterprise Risk and Audit Services team, I was exposed to a unique mix of projects, including operational audits in a variety of core functional areas of the business, advisory-based projects, testing of controls over financial reporting, and other ad-hoc projects. All of these engagements require an explicit value-add service-focused mindset as we assist management in delivering high-quality output and executing on their strategies.In addition to previously acquired skillsets, I have expanded my capabilities to include:- Deep-Dive Process Analysis- Audit Risk Development- Root-Cause Analysis- Value-Add Recommendations- Presentation Skills- Consulting MindsetI was also provided with the fortunate opportunity to work in GWL’s Strategy & Corporate Development group for a three month secondment. Here I was able to gain exposure to variety of operational divisions of the Weston family of companies and contribute to multiple strategic projects while learning from an extremely talented and experienced team of individuals.While at GWL, I have also been participating in key initiatives, including the Weston/Loblaw CPA Pre-Approved Training Program, acting as a rotation supervisor, candidate mentor, and committee member, as well as GWL’s annual Seeding Stronger Communities fundraising campaign in support of Youth living Healthy and Active Lifestyles.

Toronto, Canada Area

Key takeaways & strengths developed for future roles: The ability to handle high-pressure project management, including ongoing coaching and team management, in addition to timely delivery of key messages to internal and client Sr. ManagementDetails: Promoted to Senior Staff Accountant, I became the on-site lead for audit and review engagements, overseeing teams ranging from 2-10 individuals while managing the relationship with clients and liaising with my superiors. I began to focus-in on real estate, mining, aerospace, and construction clients, while continuing to work on not-for-profit engagements. While sharpening my previously developed skills, I added several core competencies and vastly improved on several soft skills which strengthened me as a young professional. These core competencies and soft skills include: - Audit Planning - Testing Procedure Development - Consolidation Bridging - Report Writing and Development - Specific Audits, including Pro Forma Financials, Forecasted Financials, Impairment - Budget Forecasting and Analysis - Project Management - Client Relationship Building - Time Management - CommunicationI was also actively involved with EY’s well-known Entrepreneur of the Year Awards initiative by proactively researching, connecting with, and interviewing candidates for the coveted Ontario and Canada award ceremonies across multiple Entrepreneur-related categories.

Toronto, Canada Area

Key takeaways & strengths developed for future roles: The ability to quickly bring myself up to speed and adapt to a variety of industries and accounting systems, plus a strong yet efficient work ethic in the fast-paced environment that is 'big 4.'Details: I began obtaining my designation-relevant work experience as a Co-op student, working in EY’s Assurance practice for a combined 12 months over three work terms from 2009 to 2011 while attending University. As a Co-op student and full-time Staff Accountant, I was charged with proactively supporting my engagement teams on audits and reviews of client financial statements in the Public, Private, and Not-for-Profit sectors. I was exposed to a number of industries and reporting standards, becoming skilled in: - Process and control walkthroughs and documentation - Assessing control design effectiveness and operational effectiveness - Designing and executing sample testing and substantive testing procedures - Variance understanding and analysis - Documenting and summarizing findings to contribute to the overall Audit Opinion Also, one of my greatest accomplishments came in 2012 when I successfully passed all three required CPA, CA written exams on the first attempts: - Core Knowledge Exam (CKE), January 2012 - School of Accountancy (SOA), June 2012 - Uniform Evaluation (UFE), September 2012

Whitby, Ontario

Key takeaways & strengths developed for future roles:The ability to forecast, budget, and manage the financials and operation of a profitable business, as well as the foundational business acumen and effective communication skills I continue to foster to this day.Details: My first relevant work experience came as an Owner-Operator of a Student Works Painting Franchise while in 1st year University. Coming out of the recruiting sessions, I was told this would be an experience that would take me well outside my comfort zone; this was no lie. As soon as I was given materials to start my marketing campaign in the cold winter months, this was a non-stop process which I was passionate about and thoroughly enjoyed. Some of my notable achievements after running the Franchise out of Whitby, ON include: - Generated $55,000 in revenue from internal and external painting contracts with 70+ residential and commercial clients - Hired and managed a total of eight employees who worked on multiple job sites on a daily basis (max of five at any given time) - Planned and implemented a “cold call” marketing strategy, presenting Contract Estimates to 120+ home and business owners - Maintained over 95% customer satisfaction rating across all jobs