About Me

I curently work @ Kobo Inc., where I am the Finance Manager of Operations. I'm responsible for the 2 streams of revenues and margin reporting related to e-book/content sales, as well as are hardware division with respects to our e-readers adn tablets. I currently manage a team of 3, that will be growing to a team of 8 by the end of the year. I find working for a competitive company, that is outgrowing most companies in a very competitive industry simply vigorating! It means endless opportunities to make a difference and its been a pleasure working here this past year. Some interesting times ahead and I can't wait to see what we will do, to really make our mark in this industry and in the world as proponents of reading!

I've always had finance accounting roles through-out my career, but have always desired to be close to the business and operations. I've worked for AB Inbev (I.e. Budweiser, Labatt, etc..) as the National Commercial Accounting Manager. There, I was responsible for managing the commercial side of the business and responsible for reporting the revenues of $3 billion. I managed much of our intercompany processes with our international affiliates/brands. The main challenge of the role was achieving results by managing a team in Brazil through our Business Shared Service Center. Remote management required an increased effectiveness of communication and driven focus to achieve business expectations and results.

Prior to AB Inbev, I had worked in the capacity of Controller @ a sustainable Packaging Distributor. There I was able to be involved at every level of the business. Working directly and reporting into the President of the company, I was highly integrated into the strategic decision making as well as the operational. 

Some of my key strengths include my logical approach to matters. Being able to break down complex situations and issues, and focusing on the main or root cause to deliver the result desired. This has always worked in my favour when working with ERP's. I've implemented an ERP from start to finish @ the Packaging Distribution Company (Celplast Packaging Systems Inc.) in a 6 month period. In addition to ly logical approach to matters, I'm highly professional and always strive for win-win outcomes. I have a emphasis on customer service, internal and external, and believe that my effective communication is a differentiator when it comes to being a leader in any organization.

I'm passionate about reading and learning. I'm always continuously trying to educate myself further and try new things. Some of my goals include to earn my MBA, which I have just begun the journey of accomplishing.  I really enjoyed my journey in obtaining my CMA, which I accomplished in 2007, and I feel this journey will be just as successful and enlightening (and hard work!). I would love to write a book and someday teach in a classroom setting.

Some of specifics of the my caeer can be found on my LinkedIn Page.
LinkedIn: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/nicksama