In this month’s Employee Spotlight, we talk to Chief Financial Officer, Kim Yap.
When did you start work at Redox and can you tell us what your first role was? It wasn’t that long ago (laughs), February 1989. I was hired as an accountant; at the time I was looking after a team of 3 people. My cousin was an external financial auditor for Redox and when he found out that there was a vacancy there, he let me know right away. I was fortunate enough to be interviewed by the founder Roland (Coneliano), and Robert (Coneliano) and luckily, I got the job.
How has your career progressed over the years, what do you feel was your first important role? After graduating from the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Commerce, I joined an accounting firm before moving to a financial services firm as an accountant. That was followed by another accountant role with a multinational manufacturing organisation before joining Redox. My most important role to date, without question has been the promotion to CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of Redox.
What do you love most about working at Redox? It is a happy environment to work here and the teamwork we have to overcome the challenges. Since joining Redox sales have grown by over 32 times. The challenge to balance the needs of all stakeholders, customers wanting longer payment terms, Account Managers pleading for more leniency on overdue invoices, credit limits, suppliers requests for shorter payment terms, Product Managers preferring payment terms which will provide the best purchase price and the need to continue to fund the growth of Redox.
How have processes or technology changed at Redox and what benefits have you witnessed from it? Our systemised processes and continual investment in technology have enabled Redox to provide personalised, comprehensive, and efficient service to our customers. Redox continually reinvest in technology and people and the results are evident in our success. It’s part of what separates us from our competitors.
What do you like best about the job? The opportunity to work with stakeholders, at every level, and the realisation that each of these people have the same goal: achieving the most optimal outcome for the customer. There is a great synergy across the board.
In your experience, what advantages does Redox leverage to stay ahead of its competition? Redox has a natural advantage of having access to the largest range of chemical products to sell to our customers and as many of our customers continue to simplify their supply chain, they would benefit greatly in choosing Redox as their key supplier.
You have a special nickname at Redox, can you share that with us? ‘The Smiling Axe’ given to me by our sales team.
What’s your boss like? My boss has been very supportive of me and he leads by example with commitment, determination, and dedication to Redox.
What are you work mates like? I enjoy working alongside my work mates. I never get bored working here. I found this photo of the legendary Redox touch footy team of 1996. It’s been 25 years since that photo and 8 of these legends are still with Redox.
