SIVA CHERLA, M.B.A, M.

COM
Unionville, ON L6C 1T5
siva.cherla@rogers.com (416) 917-0420 https://ca.linkedin.com/in/sivacherla

SENIOR FINANCE EXECUTIVE

Results oriented financial executive with diverse experience in professional and financial services,
working in leading edge and fast-paced organizations. Exceptional team player who effectively
manages change through strong leadership, communication, interpersonal skills, and analytical
abilities. Seeking a position where I can utilize my skills and education to take organizations to the
next level. Areas of expertise include:
Mergers & Acquisitions
Leadership
Analytical skills

Forecasting/Budgeting
Operations Management
Strategic Planning

Expense Management
Financing
Resources
Optimization

EDUCATION, DEVELOPMENT & ASSOCIATIONS

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Ottawa University

Major in Finance & Consumer Behavior - Telfer School of Management
Master of Commerce (M. Com.), University of Agra - Major in Accounting
Director Bricks Technologies Systems Inc. Part of Remah International Group, Abu Dhabi
Fundamentals of Internal Auditing 2005
Lessons in Leadership Dr. Stephen R. Covey 2013
Institute of Internal Auditors Toronto Chapter
Member York Tech/TECHCONNEX
University of Ottawa MBA Alumni Association Member

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
BRAINHUNTER, Toronto, Ontario
2010 2016
Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Provided leadership and guidance for the companys accounting, financial and human resource
management activities, including the deployment of systems, policies, processes and resources.
Delivered an accurate and timely analysis for budgets, financial trends and forecasts.
Established and maintained productive relationships with bankers, auditors, tax professionals,
legal counsel and other service providers.
Supported financial stewardship to key stakeholders and executive committees based on
strategic initiatives such as potential acquisitions or mergers.
Managed a staff of 13 professionals, including 3 Managers and 1 Vice-President/Controller.
Key Achievements:
Negotiated the separation of Brainhunter Inc. and all affiliates from the Zylog Systems Ltd name,
and subsequent merger with Quess Corp Ltd, a subsidiary of Fairfax Financial.
Negotiated with CIBC, TD, Scotia Bank, ICICI Bank Canada to obtain working capital with the
completion of banking transactions with ICICI Bank Canada, resulting in reduced interest
expense from 6% to 3%, savings of $1.5 M annual.
Consolidated financial transactions and implemented process efficiencies for acquired companies
resulting in headcount savings of 11 resources in finance team, bringing the team from 24 to 13.
Transitioned payments of incorporated consultants from outsourced company to in-house
process which improved liquidity by 2 days in addition to payroll process improvements.

SIVA CHERLA, M.B.A, M.COM.

BRAINHUNTER INC. Toronto, Ontario (Public company)

Chief Financial Officer

Page 2

2005 2010
(Interim 2009 2010)

Key Achievements:
Recommended to the CEO and Board Members for Brainhunter to file for bankruptcy protection.
Prepared and presented a restructuring plan to the Board, to come out of bankruptcy protection.
Actively worked with the senior partners of E&Y, KPMG, PWC and Deloitte during the bankruptcy.
Sr. Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller
2005 2009
Prepared the Managements Discussion and Analysis of Operating results and financial condition
and published annual financial statements.
Managed accurate and timely monthly financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and management
reports for senior management, board of directors, external auditors, and major shareholders.
Key Achievements:
Negotiated the acquisition of 13 companies to the Brainhunter name.
Reduced expenses by $500K per year by realigning the finance department headcount from 36 to
24. Reduced DSO from 123 days to 65 days.
Reduced month-end close from 5 to 2 weeks and improved public reporting obligations.
MERRILL LYNCH CANADA INC. Toronto, Ontario
1999 2005
Vice-President/Controller, Financial & Management Reporting
Managed the companys financial reports, forecasting, budgeting, management/corporate
reporting, payroll, accounts payable, and P&L across Merrills business platforms.
Served as Group Controller for all support group directors -- Operations, HR, Finance,
Technology, Treasury, Internal Audit, Corporate, and Tax. Managed a staff of thirty.
Key Achievements:
Responsible for a $US 50 million annual technology spend. Obtained technology savings/expense
reductions of $US 4.5 million. Numerous employee/consultant staff reductions of $US 0.7 million.
Managed IBM/ISM $US 12.0 million trade processing contract renewal with savings of $US 2.2
million, an AS400 lease contract renewal resulting in server consolidations and annual savings of
$US 2.5 million, a CGI market data contract conversion to Reuters and Bloomberg with annual
savings of $US 1.0 million.
Implemented a Contingency and Recovery facility for Canada, key objectives of this $US 8.3
million 5-year contract was to support a four-hour recovery for Tier 1 critical applications, and
set up a dedicated alternate work site for critical staff.
Restructured the Finance Department to consolidate the functions performed by 12 accountants
and eliminated other positions to bring headcount from 36 in 2001 and prior years to 13 in 2002.
DELL COMPUTER CORPORATION, North York, Ontario
1996 1999
Senior Manager, Strategic Planning & Reporting
Managed the preparation and dissemination of budgets, forecasts and financial reports for the
use of executive management in Canada and the corporate office in Austin, Texas.
Managed a staff of 15 including the Planning and Reporting team, Business Information Group, IT
Telecommunications Group and Inventory Control Department.
CANON CANADA INC., Markham, Ontario
Director Planning & Administration

1991 1996

Responsible for the company budgeting process and for effectively managing the regular
communication of budget performance to senior management and branch personnel.
Managed a staff of 130 Operations personnel with a budget responsibility of $35 million.