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BruceHolland

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EMPLOYER: ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION, FINANCIAL CONTROLLER, 1981-82

In 1981 Samoa was undertaking a major hydroelectric power development, through the Electric Power Corporation. This was financed both by loan and grant from major International funding bodies who demanded an upgrade of accounting and management control systems.

Adapted well and quickly to the very different conditions and lack of professional support in Samoa. Learned customs and language and established close relationships and friendships with many of the local people.

Accountabilities

1. Responsible for overall control of finances

2. Major emphasis on system design, introduced the first computer into Western Samoa . Designed and implemented a modern computerised accounting system and introduced many accounting policies and procedures.

3. Successfully encouraged many officers to commence or continue accounting studies and implemented staff training for many of the local staff (and other locals) both in -house and as a tutor at the University of the South Pacific.

4. Managed the local staff (in control of 30 in accounts department) and built a strong team spirit and belief in themselves. Evidence of success in this area was that one of these officers became the Financial Controller on departure.

5. Involved in management reporting

6. Hydroelectric development is a long-term business. Accountabilities included being in charge of financial planning (10 years), cash forecasting and annual budgets, administering off-shore loans, and financial grants, supervised contracts let under various sources of funding and developed a wide knowledge of dealing with international funding organisations with complexities in accounting methods and foreign currency.

7. Personally negotiated loans and grants from international finance organisations, including the Asian Development Bank, European Investment Bank, European Development Fund, the United Nations Development programme and the Treasury of Western Samoa.

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