16 minute read
New South Wales
Your council was able to have a Christmas catch up in a covid-safe fashion at the stunning “Bar at the end of the wharf”. L to R: James Smith, Grant Morris, Theresa Brown, Rachael Hurrell, Dave Hunt, Treacy Sheehan, Sam Pearlman and Gary Poslinsky. Missing: Peter Morgan, Balveen Saini, Arthur Tchetchenian and Kimberly Watts.
Presidents Report
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Despite 2021 being ‘another’ year of COVID lockdowns the NSW council continued to work tirelessly throughout the year to deliver several Face to Face and virtual events this year: z The economic/CCE Breakfast – was a great kickstart to the year (if you were an early bird!) z The YCP social night at Archie Brothers – a fantastic night of both networking and socialising – I personally hope this one returns! z “Technology in credit” seminar was held at the stunning ARMA office, where we heard from 4 great speakers sharing their knowledge and insights into various topics such as: digital onboarding using Facial biometrics, Bureau and non-traditional data and how having the right AR systems can assist with the E2E
Credit management. z We had virtual coffee catchups with the Council members and sponsors over zoom. z We adapted to lock downs by moving both the YCP celebrations for both state and nationals to virtual awards nights. Again, my congratulations goes out to
Oliver Berger from CBA for being the NSW Finalist. z Unfortunately we did have to postpone the 2021
WINC which was a massive shame given we were looking to have our largest number of registrations on record – but we are very much excited to see this event return in Feb 2022 (Fingers crossed!) z But we did end the year strong, with over 120+ members, CCE’s and sponsors attending the NSW
Pinnacles awards night. It was so great to see so many new and familiar faces, all enjoying everyone’s company after such a long time. Congratulations to all of the amazing finalists and winners you are all so deserving!
I would also like to thank everyone who attended for their overwhelming generosity, collectively we raised over $3,500 dollars for the AICM Education Foundation Scholarship program – these much-needed funds will go towards providing scholarships to the next generation of credit professionals. THANK-YOU!
In addition to these great events, we saw strong membership growth throughout the calendar year and had 7 new CCEs pass their exams – I am looking forward to celebrating this tremendous accolade with you at the economic CCE breakfast in the new year.
From a council perspective we are saddened to say farewell to Rachael Hurrell who has stepped down from council, we thank you for all your contributions over the past 3 years, we will surely miss the “bling” you brought to each event! This does leave an opening on council, if you are interested in joining, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or one of our council members to find out more.
Finally, I would like to thank each and every one of the NSW council members, it is you who brings the energy, professionalism and high calibre (and content!) to each and every event. I am really looking forward to working with you all in the new year and I am especially excited for all of the events we have planned for next year... Bring on 2022!
Upcoming events
Add a placeholder or register now: z WINC, 25 February z Economic/CCE Breakfast, 11 March z Social networking event, 24 March z Risk Seminar, 12 April
– Theresa Brown MICM CCE NSW Division President
Arnela Adanalic (NSW TAFE), Arthur Tchetchenian (NSW Councillor), James Galpin, Renee Steedman (both Robert Walters), Tony Pilimon, Damien Kelly (both Rexel) and Trent Eather (Equifax).
Andrew Nazur (HVG), John Fairgray (BBW Lawyers), Miral Sarvaiya (AMPAC), Natalie Ledlin (Ledlin Lawyers) and Christopher Williams (Holcim). Kathrina Doran of illion welcomes attendees to the 2021 Pinnacles.
Maya Dekanovic, Will Ryan, John Myers (all OCR Labs) and Theresa Brown (NSW Division President).
NSW Pinnacle Awards
The NSW Pinnacle Awards was a fantastic event with a full room at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney. The event location matched the glamour of the attendee’s all dressed to match the occasion. We had over 120 Guests and the night was hosted by new NSW President Theresa Brown and our MC was NSW Councillor Sam Pearlman.
NSW Pinnacles Award Premium Sponsor illion was represented by Kathrina Doran, Co-Chief Operating Officer addressed the audience who were full of anticipation. Following a lovely dinner and social break the awards were presented to recognise the best credit professionals our industry has to offer. The Winners were:
Proud 10 year anniversary certificate recipients: Cynthia Thomas (Auscare Collect) Sam Pearlman (Colin Biggers & Paisley) Pty Ltd, Georgia Barbera (Bingo Industries) and Sev Indrele (Southern Steel Group).
Consultant of the year
Sponsored by Jirsch Sutherland
z Eddie Smith MICM, Head of Sales, ARMA z Leila Vanner MICM CCE Director, NSW Corporate
Credit Services z Maya Dekanovic, Head of Customer Success,
OCR Labs z Renee Steedman, Managing Consultant for Finance,
Robert Walters z Congratulations to Malcolm Poslinsky MICM CCE,
EDX Australia
Equifax well represented by Back row Jonathan Wightwick, Debbie Leo (AICM Director), Trent Eather, Jennifer Noonan and Maja Dunimaglovska. Front row Lucas Wong, Michael Zou, Brianna Numa and Thibault Aymonier-Newman.
Jocelyn Nazur, Andrew Nazur (HVG), Terrence Eames (Surepayd), Renee Steedman James Galpin (both Robert Walters).
Back row: Treacy Sheehan (Trace Personnel), Tyson Leybourne (Westpac), Odette Lafourcade, Peter Morgan (both Byron Thomas Recruitment), Faizal Mohammed (AICM). Front row: Andrew Le Marchant, Claire Kasses (both AICM), Ellen Singleton (Cosyn) and David Hunt (Fujifilm).
External Collections Agent of the Year
Sponsored by Creditorwatch
z Anthony Stevanja MICM CCE, Relationship Manager,
AMPAC Debt Recovery z Joseph Safi MICM, Key Account Manager, ARMA z Congratulations to Cynthia Thomas MICM,
Auscare Collect Credit Supervisor/Senior Credit Officer of the Year
Sponsored by Colin Biggers & Paisley Lawyers
z Arnela Adanalic, Credit Analyst, Financial Control &
Treasury, TAFE NSW z Maya Obeid, Customer Relationship Manager,
ARMA z Congratulations Alex Simmons MICM, Optus
Josh Mizzi, Yasmin Sarkis, Nicholas O’Connor (all BBW Lawyers), Adam Dayien (DSBA), Balveen Saini and John Fairgray (both BBW Lawyers).
Grant Morris (NSW Councillor), Malcolm Poslinsky (EDX), Sabina Piljek, Theoni Barla, Sev Indrele (all Southern Steel) and Gary Poslinsky (EDX).
Jay Narang, Leila Vanner (NSW Corporate Credit Services), Karen Harrington, Melissa Cole (both Brennan) and Greg Odlum (Hypotheque).
Credit Manager of the Year
Sponsored by Esker
z Andrew Nazur MICM, National Credit Manager,
Halifax Vogel Group z Karen Harrington MICM, Credit Manager, Brennan IT z Congratulations Tony Pilimon MICM CCE,
Rexel Australia.
Following the awards, we held a charity auction with prizes including a private Equifax corporate box to a Sydney Kings Basketball game and a cricket bat signed by Australia’s new Test Captain Pat Cummins. These benefit the AICM Education Foundation which will provide A huge thank you!!! NSW Councillors Grant Morris and Theresa Brown with John Fairgray (BBW Lawyers) with the bat he generously purchased at our auction.
Michael Chatfield, Adam Howard, Joseph Revoltar, Gaurav Gupta, Shoban Thavachelvam (all illion).
Back row: Christopher Hadley (Holman Webb), Peter Moore (Jirsch Sutherland), Michael Finch (Rostron Carlyle) Andrew Tanna (Holman Webb). Front row Natalie Ledlin (Ledlin Lawyers), Carolyn Docherty (Jirsch Sutherlan), Terry Ledlin (Ledlin Lawyers) and Andrew Spring (Jirsch Sutherland).
Back row: Daniel O’Connell (Solved Group), Paul Hutchison (Gartree Thompson Lawyers), Christopher Williams and Sami Goundar (both Holcim). Front row: James Hunt, Niranga De Silva (both Holcim), Pradha Gurumahan, Daniel Ivers (both Gartree Thomson Lawyers) and Sally Kumar (Holcim).
aspiring credit professionals with the opportunity to further develop their careers. After a few tense minutes of bidding, the winning bids went to John Fairgray from BBW Lawyers (Cricket Bat) and Bryon Thomas Recruitment (Corporate Box). Thanks to the AICM Council event organisers and sponsors for a wonderful night.
NSW Coffee Catchup
Our first event hosted by President Theresa and Vice President James Smith was a great success.
We had a virtual breakfast with two speakers, Chris Hadley from Holman Webb Lawyers and Brad Prout from Finstro.
Chris shared industry highlights around what he has seen changing over the last year. Of particular interest in the conversation was that he described an increase in what he described as ‘unmeritous claims’ from Insolvency Practitioners. This he explained was an aftereffect of the reduction in insolvencies. An example may be that an insolvency practitioner may have more time to try their luck in seeking preference claims since they have less workload.
Our CEO Nick Pilavidis asked that if any AICM Members come across such situations please report them to the AICM.
We are the ideal organisation to collate and report such activity to government bodies and we can make a difference.
Brad Prout from Finstro, which provides finance to Australian Businesses was our second speaker. We enjoyed his discussion presented online from Denver where it was freezing cold.
Brad discussed a number of technology evolutions taking place in the industry.
We covered AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Machine Learning to identify and reconcile remittances; increases in use of a payfactor model where intermediaries are used to making payments easier for customers; increasing usage of OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to speed-up data entry as well as digital cheques, blockchain, and BNPL (Buy Now Lay Later) like Afterpay.
The only guarantee in life (and business) is change and we got a real sense of that listening to Brad. A great morning. Chris Hadley Brad Prout Milestones
Recently we’ve had the opportunity to interview and celebrate a few of our NSW members who have achieved major tenure milestones. We spoke about their careers, some challenges along the way and how being an AICM member has benefited them.
Nick Razmovski
Credit Manager at Call 25 years
Nick Razmovski from Credit Manager at Call, recently celebrated 25 years as a member of the AICM. Nick’s advice to a successful career is to have the courage to ask the right questions.
Nick Razmovski
My very first job got me involved in both. It was a dual role of Assistant Accountant and Northern NSW Credit Controller at Monier Roof tiles, now CSR. My state manager got me to attend the AICM. I worked in Credit at Brambles Industrial Services for a number of years as well as Boom Logistics before starting my own business which is also in Credit – it’s called Credit Manager at Call.
What has AICM done for you?
Over time I became the AICM Newcastle Branch president. We eventually merged with the Sydney AICM. I travelled back and forth many times to further my qualifications. I became a CCE and completed the Diploma of Credit Management. I wanted to show that I knew Credit Management was about more than just getting the cash. Its about understanding the legal aspects of what you do. Its about knowing the whole process from opening account to recovery. It has given me a lot of credibility over the years.
What has been the most rewarding role and why?
It would be the last 20 years where I have been a Self-Employed Credit Manager Contractor. I have had the opportunity to work across so many different businesses and Industries from Construction, Engineering, Food & Beverage, Accounting, Security and Schools. The consistent theme is providing Credit Management Support whilst sharing the Love of Credit.
You seem so passionate about where you live. What’s the secret of Newcastle?
It’s a very comfortable city, people get to know each other. For example, in the engineering, building, food, beverage and construction industries I have developed a trusted brand, my name is well respected. When I make a client visit, I know who to lean on to get results. Plus, Newcastle isn’t a small town – it’s the biggest regional city in Australia. I have plenty of hobbies here. I’m Treasurer for the Broadmeadow Magic Football Club, the same Football (soccer) team which I used to play in my earlier days. I have been involved with this club for over 30 years.
What advice can you give to emerging credit professionals?
You have to love the job you are in to succeed. Have the courage to ask people questions they may not be comfortable with. Keep learning. Build your credentials by doing things like joining the AICM. Be honest. There is always a way to improve.
Bruce Bills
Credit Manager Risk & Security, Metcash 30 years
Bruce Bills who recently celebrated 30 years as a member of the AICM. Bruce’s advice to a successful career is to keep reinventing yourself.
How did you get involved in the Credit industry?
Bruce Bills
In my second job I went to work for Midwest Bottling. This was 1983. I had previously worked as an accountant but I was brought onboard to sort out their debtors. This was my first role in credit so it was a big learning curve.
Work took me from Dubbo to Newcastle in 1987 where I worked as the Regional Administration Manager for 11 years. Midwest was acquired by Tooheys (when Alan Bond owned it) who then sold the business to Coca-Cola Amatil in 1987. They were supportive of the AICM and as I progressed, they wanted me to be a member. I joined and it offered good support for my role. I got more and more involved with credit in my Regional Administration Manager role.
At CCA I worked in a number of credit related roles whilst being involved in AICM conferences and the local AICM Newcastle branch.
I moved to Sydney in 1999 and continued my involvement at the various meetings, training courses and conferences. I remember the sessions were great. I love to learn and enjoyed networking with other likeminded Credit Managers. It’s still good to go to AICM events and catch-up with colleagues and friends across the industry.
What is your biggest professional accomplishment to date?
After 28 years at CCA I moved across to Metcash to prepare for the biggest change in Credit for decades. This was in 2011 and the PPSR was about to launch in January 2012. This was a different ball game to anything I had ever done. Implementing the changes across the group was a big task. We had 17 different credit applications across the company.
We had to work with the legal team to revamp these, include the correct clauses needed going forward and build a new single credit application for the entire Metcash group. Then we had to bulk register huge volumes of customers. This was hard work but we did it using Veda (now Equifax).
The best thing we did was decide to utilise this big change to its fullest extent. We don’t just take security over the stock we sell but we also register over all the business assets. This effectively replaced the old fixed and floating charges. It has proven to be immensely valuable as we are the primary supplier to so many of our customers.
Working from home has been the biggest change and it has proven to be successful for us. With our involvement in the grocery industry, we have needed to be cautious and we have been working at home since the last outbreak. The business benefits as we work from home rather than getting sick. It’s been working well and many people have had productivity increases.
The challenge is that I miss interacting with people. We have daily online catchups which is social and good, but it’s still challenging. We have managed to migrate our ERP system from SAP to MS D365 while working from home. I find that amazing. Things that previously would take months have been done much faster with COVID. This is a great achievement.
Thanks to my 11 years in Newcastle I have always
supported the Newcastle Knights. I love watching them play. I also keep busy spending time with the family, concerts, musicals and I dabble in photography. It’s good to keep busy.
Simon Holloway
Sydney Wide Building Supplies 20 years
It’s clear that credit is a perfect pathway to the CEO. Listening to Simon its important to always develop your financial acumen and take the opportunities that are presented.
How did you get involved in the AICM?
Simon Holloway
I was invited by a colleague 20 years ago whilst I was working for Carlton United Breweries. I attended the meeting and loved what I saw. It wasn’t long after when I put my hat in the ring for the YCP and was the NSW finalist. It was great networking at a young age and I continue to maintain those lifelong relationships.
Working at Carlton United Breweries (CUB) was the most rewarding time in my career. I went from NSW Credit Manager to National Credit Manager to Head of Order to Cash, to managing and running a large offshore team in Delhi, India. I felt that my professional credit expertise was recognised and rewarded with promotions throughout my tenure at CUB.
After 18 years at one company, I have moved twice in the last 2 years. I have moved from CUB to Holcim Australia, the largest concrete manufacturer globally, now to CEO of Sydney Wide Building Supplies and Reo steel.
We have grown over the last 6 months which has been assisted by large Government spending in the construction industry as well as the change in personal spend of individuals. It has been great to be CEO of company that is growing so quickly through mergers, acquisitions and an exciting new start up business.
The Australian Institute of Credit Management welcomes our Partners for 2022
National Partners
Trusted Insights. Responsible Decisions.
Divisional Partners
CREDIT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
Official Division Supporting Sponsors
Our National, Divisional and Professional Partners support and work with the AICM to promote the Institute’s activities, represent the Credit Industry and develop the careers of all Credit Professionals. As these organisations support your Institute and your Industry please consider them when you require assistance.
I like to keep fit and spend time with the family. I love soccer and Man U is my team.
