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Michael
Harvey CPA has nearly 20 years experience in Financial Management,
Project Management and General Management. Originally trained as
an accountant, Michael has the skills and the background to "make
a real difference to the way organisations go about their business."
Michael
commenced work as a trainee accountant in a small public practice
accounting firm at the same time as starting University part-time.
The hard road of full-time work and part-time study finally paid
off when Michael graduated from the University of Tasmania in 1992.
He then advanced to CPA status in 1995. Michael has worked in Devonport,
Launceston, Melbourne, Hobart and Adelaide over the past 20 years.
He is now a resident of Launceston again and is enjoying the ongoing
development of this beautiful city.
Most
recently, Michael worked for nearly eight years as a Business Manager
in the Employment and Education sector. The organisation - NGT -
was at the forefront in developing innovative business models, giving
Michael great exposure to a range of commercial business practices
being applied to an industry that has a primary social purpose.
Other industries that Michael has been involved in include:
- Transport
and Distribution: Skills gained in this area include implementing
a new management information system following the merger of three
trading companies into one new legal entity. Michael initially
worked for the holding company for the Australian-based subsidiary
of an international transport company. This provided Michael with
a range of experiences in dealing with Treasury, Internal Audit,
Consolidation Accounting and other business management issues.
- Tourism
and Hospitality: Michael was employed by the Federal Group
for a period of two years, allowing him to gain first-hand experience
of accounting and business issues for the Tourism and Hospitality
sector.
- Public
Sector:
Michael was employed at the University of Tasmania for a period
of four years. During this time he gained an insight into the
challenges facing the public sector. Michael led a small team
at the budget office that produced the annual budget for the University,
and successfully introduced the first triennial budget into the
University.
The range of projects that Michael has been involved with include:
- Financial
Analysis Michael has had many years of practical experience
in analysing businesses, whether in the whole business or specific
business segments. Michael has used sophisticated tools such as
Activity Based Costing, and advanced spreadsheets in order to
understand the key cost and revenue drivers of a business.
Michael has reviewed the break even analysis required for Transport
companies, Employment companies, Training companies, Tourism companies,
Agricultural companies and even "profit centres" for
not for profit companies and Universities.
- Quality
Management Michael led a key project to review NGT's systems
and to look at ensuring that cusotmer feedback was collected in
a systematic manner, reviewed and 'actioned'. Michael led over
seven project teams as part of the Continuous Improvement initiative
under the company's ISO quality system. These projects involved
participation from a wide cross-section of staff, who were able
to provide valuable input into the review of systems, and implementing
changes to those systems.
- Mergers
and acquisitions
Michael has been involved in three business acquisitions over
the past five years. The first involved the acquisition of a training
and employment organisation, which operated in two states. The
second involved a merger with another acquisition of a training
company in Perth, WA. The management skills acquired during these
projects have proven to be invaluable for Michael. They all involved
acquisitions in a not-for profit industry, which presented its
own unique set of challenges.
Michael has also been involved with the merger of three transport
companies to form one Division of Transport Development Group,
TDG Distribution. Michael was involved in developing a new management
reporting system from the merged company.
Michael was also responsible for the commencement of NGT South
Australia from a 'greenfield site'. Starting a new operation from
scratch taught Michael many aspects about business operations,
sales management and customer service management.
- System
improvements One of the key projects that Michael has managed
has been the centralisation of all of the administrative functions
for the organisation. This involved high level project management
skills and the management of a raft of people-related issues.
The outcome has seen the organisation gain a greater level of
control over its administration, for about half the cost. This
experience, together with observations of other companies, has
led him to believe in the advantages of a centralised administration
model. It is a way of thinking that he is keen to share and introduce
at other organisations.
- IT
Systems Michael has implemented a range of IT systems, both
networks and software packages, including:
- JD
Edwards Enterprise Resource Planning System
- ACT
sales database
- Vettrak
training management system
- Attache
accounting software
- National
Wide Area Network using internet based virtual private network
- New
Apprenticeships Centre on=line system
- Budget
and Planning Module for University HR system
- Accpac
accounting software
- Intranet
- Web
site development
- Extranet
access for clients and key sub contractors
- Small
business management Michael has experienced a range of small
business management issues, mainly through personal and family
connections. Michael has been involved in an Electrical Contracting
business, a Day Care Centre, and a Security business. Through
Michael's personal interests, he now operates a Holiday Accommodation
business with his wife, and has a small Property investment business.
- Values
Michael's values and work philosophy have been formed through
a range of work experiences that have taught him that his key
personal attributes of honesty, fairness, and getting the job
done are extremely important to maintain. These values have been
driven by his desire to make a real difference to how a business
performs. Central to achieving this goal is the need to continually
question and review why things are done the way they are done
and whether business practices can be improved.
Michael is a very positive person, who approaches all that he
does in an enthusiastic manner. Having a young family, and only
being in his late-thirties, ensure that he maintains that youthful
exuberance to the task at hand. The wisdom gained in nearly 20
years of experience balances this enthusiasm, to ensure that a
practical approach is maintained. Michael also approaches problems
in a very calm and level headed manner. Michael believes that
there is no point in being overwhelmed with a problem, but instead
what is required is to remove what is perceived to be the urgent
issues, and instead focus on the key important issues in addressing
the problem first.
Michael also enjoys the company of people, and firmly believes
in the power of teamwork. Michael is also comfortable working
independently on projects, and can manage his own time and priorities
in a professional manner.
Michael is also extremely confidential and trustworthy. He prides
himself in keeping his word, and in delivering what he says he
will do. Michael has the capacity to see projects through to completion,
and taking a pragmatic approach to problems to ensure the work
adds true value to a business.
Michael strongly believes that one of the keys to a happy life
is to ensure a healthy balance is maintained in everything he
does. That is why family life is very important to him, and he
takes every opportunity to spend time with his wife, Jenny and
their three children - Georgina, Jack and Veronica.
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