Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Cindy, M. Rickets

Paramaribo, Suriname

Summary

Dynamic finance leader with 20 years of experience in international NGOs, multinational mining, and private sectors. Expertise in strategic financial planning, multi-donor program management, and operational oversight. Successfully managed budgets, contributed to optimized processes, and built high-performing teams. Actively strengthened financial integrity and streamlined operational effectiveness at stg. Conservation International Suriname, recognized for achieving successful performance metrics, unqualified audits, and improving donor satisfaction.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Operations & Sr. Finance Manager

Stg. Conservation International Suriname
Paramaribo
04.2020 - 05.2025
  • Aligned operational functions with the program’s business plans and CI’s conservation goals, while ensuring compliance with policies and regulations.
  • Supervised a multicultural team of five across finance and accounting, HR (finance functions), IT, general services, and grants and contracts.
  • Facilitated communication with HQ, legal entities, financial institutions, and local authorities to support the program.
  • Conducted strategic financial planning, developed, and closely monitored the overall program budget, and delivered timely and accurate financial reporting.
  • Developed comprehensive proposal budgets for submission to international donors, both restrictive and flexible.
  • Monitored project budget execution and prepared financial reports for multi-donor portfolios.
  • Strengthened internal control systems and maintained audit readiness through structured practices.
  • Implemented cost-reduction strategies through process optimization and technology integration.

Finance Manager

Stg. Conservation International Suriname
Paramaribo
09.2015 - 03.2020
  • Led the finance function of stg. Conservation International Suriname, overseeing finance and accounting, budgeting, compliance, and reporting.
  • Supervised the month-end closing and general ledger reconciliation.
  • Responsible for annual operational budget planning of the CI Suriname program, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and projected cash flows.
  • Developed detailed proposal budgets for major donors in collaboration with fundraising and project teams.
  • Produced real-time budget monitoring reports and adjusted forecasts throughout the fiscal year.
  • Managed donor-funded projects from financial proposal, financial reporting, to close-out, ensuring compliance with policies.
  • Supervised a finance team of two, facilitating professional growth through performance goal setting and regular check-ins.
  • Acted as liaison between Suriname office and regional, HQ finance, operations, and technical teams.
  • Maintained relationships with external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, and tax authorities.

Financial Accountant

Surgold Company LLC (exploration phase Newmont Suriname))
Paramaribo
07.2008 - 06.2015
  • Provided comprehensive financial accounting and payroll services across multiple entities, ensuring compliance and enhancing operational decision-making.
  • Contributed to month-end closing processes for Surgold LLC and Newmont Suriname exploration, ensuring accuracy in journal entries and reconciliations.
  • Maintained general ledger integrity and reconciled intercompany accounts according to corporate standards.
  • Prepared and submitted monthly exploration cost reports to Newmont headquarters.
  • Payroll activities for hourly and monthly contractors, i.e. timesheet review and submission to the payroll contractor for gross-to-net salary and other benefits calculation.
  • Assisted with tax filings and compliance reporting for expatriates.

Finance Manager

LNB Surimix N.V.
Paramaribo
07.2007 - 07.2008
  • Led financial management and reporting for local livestock feed company, ensuring accurate data for parent company Cargill and other stakeholders.
  • Supervised daily financial operations, including cash management, purchasing, and sales accounting.
  • Managed monthly general ledger reconciliations to ensure data integrity and transparency.
  • Prepared and analyzed reports on KPIs such as gross margin and production costs.
  • Implemented cost-control strategies that reduced unit costs significantly.
  • Collaborated with sales team to analyze revenue trends and optimize pricing strategies.
  • Worked alongside production manager to improve productivity and decrease operational costs.
  • Executed regular inventory counts, reconciling variances to uphold accurate stock valuation.

Supervisor Financial Accountant

bhpBilliton Maatschappij Suriname N.V.
Paramaribo
01.2006 - 04.2007
  • Supervised a financial accounting team of five for BHP Billiton's Suriname operations, administering full-cycle accounting, reporting, compliance, and overseeing daily operations across cash, bank, fixed assets, and vendor management.
  • Analyzed monthly financial statements, resolving discrepancies post-review.
  • Delivered in-depth cost analysis reports to inform decision-making by senior management and joint venture partners.
  • Conducted initial review of joint venture reports for CFO approval and submission to partner Suralco LLC.
  • Managed VAT filings and exchange rate margin reporting for regulatory compliance.
  • Supported yearly audit readiness through accurate journal entries and reconciliations.
  • Fostered a collaborative, safety-focused environment that boosted morale and performance.
  • Acted as a liaison between team members and upper management to ensure transparent communication and alignment on goals.
  • Successfully contributed to the implementation of SAP (GSAP) for finance operations.

Financial Accountant

bhpBilliton Maatschappij Suriname N.V.
Paramaribo
04.2005 - 12.2006
  • Established Sarbanes-Oxley compliance procedures to improve internal controls.
  • Coordinated compliance reviews among Accounting, IT, and Procurement departments.
  • Analyzed data to identify control gaps and recommended risk mitigation strategies.
  • Assisted SOX audit team by delivering organized documentation during inspections.

Audit Associate

Tjong A Hung Accountants & Consultancy
Paramaribo
03.2000 - 03.2005

Project Coordinator

N.V. Havenbeheer Suriname
Paramaribo
08.1997 - 02.2000

Education

Drs. - Bedrijfseconomie

Anton De Kom Universiteit Van Suriname
Paramaribo, Suriname
05.2000

Skills

  • Budget and cash flow management
  • Strategic financial oversight
  • Accurate donor reporting
  • Month-end close
  • GL account reconciliation
  • Payroll and tax administration
  • Internal audit expertise
  • Risk management
  • Donor compliance
  • GAAP, IFRS, and SOX compliance
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Collaborative leadership

Accomplishments

Impact Award winner 2020, Conservation International

Languages

Dutch
First Language
English
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Sranang tongo
Intermediate (B1)
B1

Timeline

Operations & Sr. Finance Manager

Stg. Conservation International Suriname
04.2020 - 05.2025

Finance Manager

Stg. Conservation International Suriname
09.2015 - 03.2020

Financial Accountant

Surgold Company LLC (exploration phase Newmont Suriname))
07.2008 - 06.2015

Finance Manager

LNB Surimix N.V.
07.2007 - 07.2008

Supervisor Financial Accountant

bhpBilliton Maatschappij Suriname N.V.
01.2006 - 04.2007

Financial Accountant

bhpBilliton Maatschappij Suriname N.V.
04.2005 - 12.2006

Audit Associate

Tjong A Hung Accountants & Consultancy
03.2000 - 03.2005

Project Coordinator

N.V. Havenbeheer Suriname
08.1997 - 02.2000

Drs. - Bedrijfseconomie

Anton De Kom Universiteit Van Suriname

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