I have worked with Neil over the last 9 months whilst he was managing the Financial Planning & Analysis function for Praxair Surface Technologies. Neil came on board and quickly demonstrated his strategic thinking and accounting skills. His evaluation, guidance and technical expertise led a change in the month-end close & reconciliation process. Neil applied his knowledge and expertise to drive positive change from when he came on board, streamlining activities, understanding his key Finance business partner roles upstream and downstream, which enabled him to make changes very quickly leading to an improved through-put-time to close and less stress in the month-end cycle. Neil was a big asset to Finance as we worked though the 2019 plan cycle. He demonstrated the ability to review, understand and positively challenge processes that lead to improvements across many areas also highlighting the risks. Neil invested time to understand his partners, the processes and build positive relationships so that recommended changes were adopted. Neil very quickly became a great sounding board and trusted partner for me to work with and walk through business scenarios where I needed further input. His commitment and professionalism in the role was outstanding supporting multiple activities, meeting US timelines, out of the box thinking and more. Whoever Neil is working with I have no doubt he will recognise opportunity, bring stabilisation and positive change.
Very efficient, professional and thorough.