Paul Gostelow
Director Astra Consulting Srl-Rome Italy
Implementation of s302 and s404 Sarbanes-Oxley compliance in Europe for quoted Companies.
Documentation of processes, flowcharting, identification and testing of key controls, remediation of control weaknesses, reporting and documenting conclusions and embedding compliance as business as usual.
Internal audit projects.
Consolidation and other accounting services.
Establishing credit control procedures.
Fraud risk assessments and remediation.
Other special projects and investigations.
Training.
Astra Consulting is made up of consultants who have wide experience in a Big-4 environment. However our rates are not those of the Big-4 and we offer the quality of service at a price that is reasonable.
4 contattiSpecializes in providing services to International companies.
• Implementation of s302 and s404 Sarbanes-Oxley compliance in Europe for quoted Companies (including Technicolor, Tyco Electronics, Lafarge, Delta Biologicals, and Nalco).
• Documentation of processes, flowcharting, identification and testing of key controls, remediation of control weaknesses, reporting and documenting conclusions and embedding compliance as business as usual.
• Internal audit projects (including American Express, General Motors).
• Consolidation and other accounting services.
• Establishing credit control procedures.
• Fraud risk assessments and remediation.
• Other special projects and investigations
2001 - 2005• Responsible for audit of international and local clients for financial and operational audits
• Appointed to implement improved audit methodology and provide consultancy advise
• Managed dual aspect to role 80% auditing and 20% special projects and due diligence
• Transformed financial statements from local format into both IAS and US GAAP
• Consolidation of Group Accounts
• Completed due diligence work for acquisitions; special investigations and reviews
• Worked with clients to develop strategic design and implementation projects
• Provided advice and consultancy for clients for accounting practice and commercial control
• Delivered training programmes for internal courses compliant with E&Y methodology
• Implemented formal controls and operational reports for KPI benchmarking activity
• Designed specific audits to meet client specifications for operational controls
1989 - 20001994 to 2000: SENIOR MANAGER: KPMG Slovensko
• Responsible for financial auditing and reporting for both local and international clients
• Responsible for audit and reporting for not for profit sector (including US clients)
• Appointed to set up an audit department in line with KPMG international standards
• Advised clients wishing to invest in the Slovak Republic; supporting with due diligence
• Established KPMG's 1st outsourced bookkeeping, payroll and treasury service in Republic
• Developed business from scratch to holding a client base of 50+ within 2 years
• Created a customer centric environment, with a highly motivated team of people
• Designed lecturing programmes and delivered throughout Central and Eastern Europe.
1989 to 1994: UK - MANAGER: KPMG Reading
• Responsible for internal and external audits of local government and education authorities and health authorities (not for profit)
• Appointed to complete standard audits, VFM audits: financial and control based
• Organized the set up of a new function; developed risk profile and audit plans
• Developed new client accounts, analyzed risks and all aspects within business
• Completed business effectiveness reviews; achieved substantial cost savings for clients
• Designed and delivered training programmes for soft skills and management techniques