Wednesday, October 27, 2010

CFOs: Don't leave home without...

On first impression, the title of this blog can make you think of many things not to leave home without.

My version is: Don't leave home without your business cards. Actually, I recommend you always carry your work business cards and personal business cards.

Carrying your work business cards should be obvious. However, too many times when I meet CFOs in a non-interview context, they do not have a business card on them.

As I have recommended previously (read Network for Work), part of your career path development requires that you network constantly and consistently.

Why should you have personal business cards?

Having a professionally designed and well branded personal business card is an effective way to allow those who you would like to stay in touch with to do so. You never know when a golden opportunity could have your name on it, and the person who thinks about you can't find you because you no longer work at the company on the card.

A personal business card is especially useful during a career transition. It can certainly help you stand out from the competition during the interview process.

For those receivers of your card who are more old school, chances are they will file it properly in their business card organizer (which usually means a pile on their desk). They might not be on LinkedIn (yet), but they do keep track of their business cards. Give your personal business card out selectively to those who you would like to stay in contact with beyond your current role.

Making the investment in personal business cards and remembering not to leave home without them can pay huge dividends.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Canadian CFOs on the Move – week ended October 22, 2010

Indico Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: IDI) appointed Peggy Wu as its Chief Financial Officer to replace Michael Kinley, who resigned as CFO in order to devote more time to other issuers of which he is also the Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Wu’s past experience includes three years at Smythe Ratcliffe LLP as a senior accountant and, prior to that, two years at STS Partners LLP as staff accountant.

Savant Explorations Ltd. (TSX-V: SVT) announced that David Douglas has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer, replacing Robert McKnight, interim CFO. Mr. McKnight will remain a Director of Savant. Mr. Douglas has served as Chief Financial Officer or Corporate Secretary to a number of junior mining companies including Blackstone Ventures Inc., Western Keltic Mines Inc., Stornoway Diamond Corporation, Sherwood Copper Corporation and Eastfield Resources Ltd. Mr. Douglas will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer of Blackstone Ventures Inc.

Alberta Oilsands Inc. (TSX-V: AOS) announced the appointment of Andrew Constantinidis as Vice President Finance and Business Development of the Company. Most recently he was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Calgary based Eurogas Corporation (TSX-V: EUG). Mr. Constantinidis' international experience includes positions at companies including Deutsche Bank, Citibank, ExxonMobil and domestically at IBM.

Unigold Inc. (TSX-V: UGD) announced that John Green has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, replacing Joseph Del Campo who has resigned as CFO but will continue as a Director. Mr. Green has worked with Falconbridge Limited, Lac Minerals Limited, AfriOre Limited, Platexco Inc., and Intrepid Minerals Ltd. in a variety of roles including CFO and Director. For the last seven years, as Controller of High River Gold Mines Ltd., he has been closely involved with the financing and construction of two new open-pit gold mines.

Essar Steel Algoma Inc. announced that Amit Agarwal, Chief Financial Officer has been assigned new duties at Essar's Corporate Office in India and has consequently relocated to Mumbai, India. Rakesh Kapur, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer for Essar Steel Algoma, accountable for all financial functions. He comes to Essar from ArcelorMittal where he served most recently as Chief Financial Officer and Member of the Board of Directors at their steel complex in the Czech Republic.

DiaMedica Inc. (TSX-V: DMA) announced the appointment of James Parsons as Vice President of Finance, replacing Eric Johnstone. Mr. Parsons was previously the Chief Financial Officer for both private and public life science companies including Amorfix Life Sciences, Trillium Therapeutics and Lorus Therapeutics. He has also consulted for numerous firms including Astra Zeneca.

If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

CFOs: The Question you must ask your recruiter

Q: "Is this a retained or contingent search?"

CFOs who are looking for their next career opportunity should be asking this question to any search firm that they will be working with. The reasons for this question are as follows.

A Retained Search shows a different level of value and seriousness from the Company. It shows a decision to approach the candidate market with one point of representation; allowing a better demonstration of both position and candidate assessment. The Company has already invested in your eventual hire. They are committed to a process that will make sure they hire the best person for their needs. Your time will not be wasted from the beginning.

A Contingent Search means that the recruiter will only make a fee if they hire you. The search firm you are speaking with may not be the only search firm looking to fill the role. Though the Company may be committed to hiring, there is an easier chance they could be just shopping or have not clearly assessed what ideal candidate they are looking for. Plus, in the rush of competition, there is no guarantee your recruiter has done their diligence on role assessment and best fit. You may end up wasting time from the first day.

Retained is for Leaders in Strategic Roles.

Contingent is for Functional Roles.

Do you consider your role to be strategic or functional?

Are you a Leader?

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Canadian CFOs on the Move – week ended October 15, 2010

Standard Exploration Ltd. (TSX-V: STD) announced the appointment of Neil Burrows as Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

Bowmore Exploration Ltd. (TSX-V: BOW) announced the appointment of Martin Nicoletti as Chief Financial Officer. Since 2004, he has been involved with public junior mining companies carrying exploration activities worldwide, with responsibilities in financial controls and reporting. Mr. Nicoletti replaces Richard Grass who acted as interim Chief Financial Officer during a transition period. Mr. Grass will remain as Chairman of the Audit Committee.

Athabasca Minerals Inc. (TSX-V: ABM) announced the appointment of Don Hruba as the Company's Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He most recently served as Vice President, Finance & Administration for a large Canadian publishing and distributing company.

Western Plains Petroleum Ltd. (TSX-V: WPP) announce that Steven Glover has been appointed by the Board of Directors as Vice-President, Finance, and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Glover previously was Vice-President, Finance, with TSX Venture Exchange listed entities Valiant Energy Inc. (2005 - 2006) and Eagle Rock Exploration Ltd. (2006 - 2009). Mr. Glover currently serves as a Director and Chair of the Audit Committee for Travel Alberta, and also provides consulting financial advisory services to private corporations, partnerships and income trusts. Throughout his career, Mr. Glover has remained active in various professional accounting organizations, serving as a Director of the Canadian Public Accountability Board (2003 - 2005) and as an Executive Director of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta (1984 - 2005).

RTN Stealth Software Inc. (CNSX: RTN, OTCBB: RTNSF, FWB: 8RT) announced that John Doma has been appointed the Company's CFO, following the resignation of Larry Tsang.

Verafin, Inc. announced that Brian G. Whiteway has joined the company as chief financial officer. Prior to Verafin, Mr. Whiteway held positions as vice president, chief financial officer and chief operating officer at International Communications & Navigation (ICAN) Limited. Before ICAN, Mr. Whiteway was senior manager of mergers and acquisitions at Bell - Aliant Inc. He has also held management positions with the Business Development Bank of Canada and Scotiabank.

Blackdog Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: DOG) announced the appointment of James W. White as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. White replaces Linda Legere-Tetzlaff, who has tendered her resignation as Chief Financial Officer of the Company.

Deploy Technologies Inc. (OTC: DPLY), announced that the company has appointed Wisdom Ncube as Chief Financial Officer of the company.

Merc International Minerals Inc. (TSX-V: MRK) announced the appointment of Michael G. Leskovec to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Leskovec replaces Thomas Pladsen as Chief Financial Officer, who remains as a director. Mr. Leskovec is also the Chief Financial Officer of White Pine Resources Inc., as well as the Financial Control Officer of Northfield Capital Corporation. Most recently, Mr. Leskovec was Corporate Controller and an Officer of Andina Minerals Inc. From May 2007 through September 2008, Mr. Leskovec served as Controller and an Officer of Gold Eagle Mines Ltd which was sold to Goldcorp Inc. in September 2008 for $1.5 billion.

Ridgeline Energy Services Inc. (TSX-V: RLE) announced the appointment of Jim Maldaner as Chief Financial Officer, replacing John Longley. Mr. Maldaner is a Chartered Accountant and a Partner located in the Calgary office of DNTW LLP, Chartered Accountants.

Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ) announced the appointment of Andrew Chen as Chief Financial Officer, replacing Arthur Chien, who will continue as a special advisor to the CEO's office until the end of the year. Before joining Canadian Solar, Mr. Chen served as Chief Financial Officer of different NASDAQ listed companies.


If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.

Friday, October 15, 2010

CFO / Lawyer Relationships

In my travels, I speak with many individuals. One of the categories of people I speak with are lawyers.

Lawyers, like CFOs, have a tendancy to be grouped together by those that don't know them. Luckily, I know many different types of lawyers, and I am fortunate to know them.

Many of the Lawyers I have spoken with have mentioned to me that the CFO is one of the key people they deal with in organizations. And that got me thinking.

What is it that is so special about the CFO / Lawyer relationship? I have some opinions, but I want to back it up with fact.

If you are a CFO, I would love to hear your point of view. CFO2Grow has created a short survey to better understand your relationship with Lawyers. Please visit http://conta.cc/bBM0kn to give us your feedback.

I'm looking forward to sharing our insights soon.

Samuel

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Canadian CFOs on the Move – week ended October 8, 2010

Prophecy Resource Corp. (TSX-V: PCY, OTCQX: PRPCF, FRANKFURT: 1P2) appointed Derek Liu to the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Liu will be replacing Mark Lotz who will be leaving Prophecy to pursue other opportunities. Mr. Lotz will remain during the transition process. Most recently, Mr. Liu was the controller of Silvercorp Metals Inc., a position he held since 2006.

Intermap Technologies Corp. (TSX: IMP) announced the appointment of Nigel Jackson, to the position of Interim Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Jackson replaces outgoing vice president and CFO, Brian Musfeldt. Mr. Jackson previously served as Intermap’s vice president finance and secretary from 1996 to 2003. Since March of 2007 Nigel has served as and remains the President Director of PT Exsamap Asia, Intermap's essential data editing Indonesian subsidiary.

PRD Energy Inc. (TSX-V: PRD) announced that Roger Harman, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, is no longer with the Company.

Paget Minerals Corp. (TSX-V: PGS) announced the appointment of April Hashimoto as Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Hashimoto has a long, successful career in the mining industry and has held various senior positions, most recently as CFO for Pacific Rim Mining Corp.

SAND Technology Inc. (OTCBB: SNDTF.OB) announced that Tony J. Guiliano will join the company as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Guiliano was previously CFO for Avensys Corporation.

Maudore Minerals Ltd. (TSX-V: MAO, OTCBB: MAOMF, FWB: M6L) announced the appointment of Ron Amstutz to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Amstutz is a director and/or secretary-treasurer with a number of companies. Within the mining sector, he has been the Chief Financial Officer of Niocan Inc. since 2006 and has been auditor for the Baskatong Quartz Mine in Quebec for 20 years. Ron Amstutz is a Director and the Treasurer of the Swiss-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and speaks fluent French, English, and Swiss-German.

Northern Rand Resource Corp. (TSX-V: NRR) announced that John Jardine has been appointed to succeed James Grinnell as Chief Financial Officer.

Aberdeen International Inc. (TSX: AAB) announce Ryan Ptolemy has been appointed CFO of the Company. Mr. Ptolemy currently serves as CFO to a number of public companies in the mining sector. Mr. Ptolemy currently serves as CFO to a number of public companies in the mining sector. Stephen Theron is stepping aside as CFO to focus on his new role as Chief Executive Officer of Forbes & Manhattan Coal (TSX:FMC), which recently completed a successful listing on the TSX.

Diamcor Mining Inc. (TSX-V: DMI) announced the appointment of Darren Vucurevich as the Company's new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Vucurevich has been a director of the Company since July of 2005.

Georgetown Capital Corp. (TSX-V: GET.P) announced that upon completion of an upcoming transaction, Mark Newman will be resigning from his role as Chief Financial Officer.

If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Are you ready to give up your CA for a CPA?

If you are a Canadian CA, there is a good chance you worked hard for it, and are quite proud of the designation. I know I worked hard for it, and I am proud CA.

Buried in my emails recently I found a letter from Bill MacKinnon, FCA, Chair of the CICA Board of Directors discussing two points of concern for the future of our profession that came up out of a recent meeting of leaders’ of our profession.

The first point of concern for our leaders, which addresses “Pathways into the CA Profession in Canada” is continuing down the slippery slope that was created when the CICA started accepting training for new professionals outside of an audit firm environment. While I do have concerns in this area, this is currently overshadowed the 2nd point of concern – A Canadian CPA. (Click here to view the new logo).

Yes. That’s right. The leaders of our profession are considering a Canadian CPA designation.

As a CA, I have been proud of the efforts in past years to brand the CA designation as the premier accounting designation in Canada (and the world). Now it seems that globalization of the accounting profession (which most recently has Canadian GAAP being replaced by International GAAP – IFRS) has made our leaders hedge our bets on our historic name and brand, just in case we need to “start consolidating into one or two global professions”.

What the future holds for Canadian CAs and the constituents we serve is currently unclear. It is not clear as to whether we can currently call ourselves CA, CPA or both together.

A few years back when the profession in its wisdom wanted to merge with the other accounting professions in Canada, our members were very clear that it was not what the grass roots members wanted.

My initial reaction to this development is: “I’m not interested, but I am willing to listen - you’ll have to convince me.” I believe that many CAs will have the same reaction. I hope that the leaders of our profession ensure that they properly consult with the CA members across the country, and not just make an administrative decision that deeply affects our attachment to our profession and to our brand.

What is your reaction?

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Canadian CFOs on the Move – week ended October 1, 2010

Le Centre Financier CGE Inc., a Fund Manager, announced the appointment of Isabelle Gauthier as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.

Tenth Power Technologies Corp. (TSX-V: TPI) announced the appointment of John Ng as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Ng joins Tenth Power from Schneider Power where he served as CFO during a successful IPO in 2008 and subsequent sale to a U. S. renewable energy company in early 2010. Prior to that, he was CFO at Telehop Communications Inc.

Seprotech Systems Incorporated (TSX-V: SET) announced that Ian Malone has been appointed as the Company's new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), taking over the functions of Matthew Anderson who was appointed Interim CFO on the 1st of July 2009. Mr. Malone has served as Chief Financial Officer at publicly-traded biomedical companies including Millenium Biologix and World Heart Corporation. In addition, Mr. Malone previously held executive positions with a Swiss-based global financial institution, and at Jennerex, Inc a privately owned cancer biotherapeutics company.

Yalian Steel Corporation (TSX-V: YL) announced that Ms. Lan Shangguan has been appointed as the Company's chief financial officer (CFO) and corporate secretary, replacing Murray Flanigan, who has served as CFO and corporate secretary since January, 2010. Ms. Shangguan has also served as a controller and as a CFO for a number of Canadian public companies including a company that was a United States SEC registrant.

SolutionInc Technologies Limited (TSX-V: STL) announced the appointment of Andy MacDougall as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining SolutionInc, Mr. MacDougall was a CFO consultant, Partner with Grant Thornton LLP, and Vice-President with PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

The Futura Loyalty Group Inc. (TSX-V: FUT) announced that David Campbell has been appointed to the position of Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"). Mr. Campbell joined Futura in January 2007 when he became a board member and chair of the audit committee. He will remain as a board member, but will relinquish his position on the audit committee. Mr. Campbell will assume the role from Darryl Kleebaum who has been the CFO of the Company since October, 2007. Mr. Campbell has been CFO of three early stage technology companies over the last 12 years, each of which he helped take public. Most recently he was a managing partner of Belweather Capital Partners Inc., a Toronto based early stage investment fund and advisory services firm. Mr. Campbell joined Futura in January 2007 when he became a board member and chair of the audit committee. He will remain as a board member, but will relinquish his position on the audit committee.

Alexander Nubia International Inc. (TSX-V: AAN) announced the appointment of Donald McGillivray Cameron as the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation.

Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. (TSX-V: SSS) announced the appointment of Michael Cook as Chief Financial Officer.

Medallion Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: MDL) announced that it has appointed Thomas Arnould as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Company. Most recently, Thomas has worked as a CFO of a private strategic-marketing firm, as a principal with Adler Business Solutions Inc and as the CFO of Securefact Inc. In addition, Mr. Arnould consults with other companies on finance and accounting matters.

GoldQuest Mining Corp. (TSX-V: GQC, FRANKFURT: M1W) announced the appointment of Paul Robertson as its new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Robertson is with Quantum Advisory Partners, LLP, an accounting firm that specializes in CFO services. Mr. Robertson has been appointed to succeed Ford Cannon.

If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.