Cecilia Leong, Finance Expert in Burlingame, United States

Cecilia Leong

Management Consulting Expert

Location
Burlingame, United States
Toptal Member Since
May 16, 2022

Cecilia has over 20 years of experience specializing in organizational change management, business process transformation, risk management, and internal audit. She possesses technical know-how coupled with strong interpersonal skills. Cecilia's proactive approach to analyzing business processes and organizational culture before applying the change management strategies makes her a valuable resource to any company wanting to achieve a successful change transformation.

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Career Highlights

Case Studies

Image of Finance Shared Service Center Implementation  project
Finance Shared Service Center Implementation
Business Process OptimizationChange ManagementProject Management
Image of Mobile Application – Order Processing Project  project
Mobile Application – Order Processing Project
Business Process OptimizationOrganizational Change Management (OCM)

Expertise

Business OperationsInternal AuditsOperational Risk ManagementOrganizational Change Management (OCM)Process MappingShared Service CentersSOX ComplianceTraining & Training Content Development

Work Experience

2010 - 2019

Operational Excellence Director

Bunge Asia
  • Led a team in the business process of re-engineering and transforming business units in Asia to enable process standardization, identification of internal control weaknesses, and duplication of work efforts for remediation.
  • Led the organizational change management efforts in implementing the Asian financial and sales order processing shared service center, resulting in overall cost savings and improved efficiencies and controls.
  • Developed the Asia-wide standard operating procedure manuals and training website for the trading and distribution division within the organization.
  • Played the role of change management lead for the SAP ERP system, OpenText, enterprise content management, and mobile application for order processing system implementations across Asia.
  • Achieved recognition as a subject-matter expert in the process, risks, and compliance, working with key users and system teams to resolve process issues, risks, and control deficiencies for Asia.
  • Played the role of Asia's regional order-to-cash and procure-to-pay process owner.
  • Oversaw the implementation and management of the sales contract centralization project for Asia. Managed the operations of Asia's contract management team for three years.
Focus areas: Organizational Change Management (OCM), Internal Control Evaluation, Business Process Optimization
2007 - 2010

Management Consultant

RGP
  • Conducted internal and SOX compliance audits independently for clients from various industries.
  • Reviewed the client’s business processes to ensure control processes were in place and developed or updated financial policies and procedure manuals.
  • Developed operational business policy and procedural manuals.
Focus areas: Internal Audits, SOX Compliance
2004 - 2007

SOX Compliance Manager

Tyco
  • Spearheaded the roll-out of the global SOX 404 program, including scoping, preparation of process narrative of key controls, development of test plans and methodology, working with the audit firm, and performing SOX testing.
  • Worked closely with process owners to design and implement remediation plans and monitored for closure of identified gaps. Trained and supported stakeholders to ensure a thorough understanding of the SOX requirements.
  • Played the primary liaison between finance, IT, process owners, and internal and external auditors to support day-to-day compliance activities.
Focus areas: SOX Compliance
2003 - 2004

Internal Auditor

Dell
  • Conducted operational and financial audits for business units across Asia Pacific.
  • Conducted trade compliance audits across business units in Asia.
  • Performed potential fraud investigative reviews across Asia.
Focus areas: Internal Audits
2000 - 2002

Global Internal Auditor

Neptune Orient Lines
  • Developed and maintained annual internal audit budgets and audit resource planning.
  • Led global risk-based internal audits, developed an audit work program, and presented audit reports to department stakeholders or owners.
  • Developed a standardized operational and financial risk assessment template to be used by the Internal audit team globally.
  • Played the role of an internal control specialist in the finance, shared-service center implementation.
Focus areas: Internal Audits, Risk Management
1997 - 2000

Risk Management Consultant

Deloitte
  • Planned and executed financial and operational audits using a risk-based audit methodology.
  • Conducted fraud investigative audits for clients across various industries.
  • Developed an operational risk assessment template.
Focus areas: Operational Risk Management, Fraud Investigaton
1996 - 1997

Internal Auditor

Singapore Turf Club
  • Performed financial and operational audits for the company.
  • Hired and spearheaded the establishment of an internal audit function.
  • Managed a group of eight auditors when the internal audit manager was on long-term leave.
Focus areas: Internal Audit Function

Education

1992 - 1995

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Finance

University of New South Wales - Kensington, Australia

1993 - 1994

Graduate Diploma in Taxation

University of Sydney - Sydney, Australia

Certifications

JANUARY 2002 - PRESENT

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

Certified Internal Auditors

JANUARY 1999 - PRESENT

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Australia CPA