AFAS - Outsourcing & Consulting

OVERVIEW

Business corporations are always facing a new and ever-changing business landscape, a business landscape that has no boundaries and with competition intensifying on all fronts. In order for businesses to come across these challenges and competitions, they need to focus and concentrate on enhancing their core competencies. In this environment, businesses do not attempt to carry out every function in-house but outsource these functions to other entities, whose special competencies and expertise allow them to carry out these functions efficiently, effectively and economically.

AFAS outsourcing practice has the competencies and expertise to assist business organizations carry out services that are a management distraction if performed in-house. We add value to business organizations’ strategy of competitive advantage by carrying out outsourcing services in the areas of Finance and Accounting (F&A), Tax Compliance, Financial Department Routines, Payroll & HR, with thus freeing valuable client resources to focus on core areas of the business organizations.

We have a diversified portfolio of clients including companies from the United States of America, Canada, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, India, South Africa and other countries around the world, as well as local companies. Our clients are in the areas of commerce, industry, and services.

Our Organization

Established on July 15, 1991, by Paulo Schiesari Filho and Alberto Carlos Moleros Nakamae, AFAS was formed as the result of a spin-off transaction of the Outsourcing Department of KPMG in Brazil. Paulo was Auditor and Director of the Outsourcing Department at KPMG and Alberto was Auditor at KPMG and Vice President of Financial Control and Capital Market at Citibank.

Aiming to provide continuity of these services at the same quality level, KPMG recommended the transferring of all clients to AFAS. Since then, AFAS has grown significantly, based on its expertise, skills and high-end standards.

International Alliance

As an independent member of GGI, one of the top ten international accounting, consulting and law firm alliances, our firm is able to deliver the best possible advice on a global scale. Through GGI we have access to experts around the world who are able to give advice on local regulations, compliance and go-to-market strategies.

GGI’s broad international presence opens up a gateway to the global marketplace for both us and our clients. Through our GGI membership we have access to high quality firms in nearly every major financial and commercial centre worldwide. This remarkable facility applies whether you are looking for business opportunities beyond national boundaries, or need international support in addition to services in your home market. We are here to help and support your success wherever your business takes you. For more information, visit GGI (www.ggi.com).

About GGI - Disclaimer

GGI Geneva Group International (GGI) is a global Alliance of independent professional firms. GGI Geneva Group International AG, a company incorporated in accordance with the laws of Switzerland, operates solely as an administrative resource of the Alliance and therefore provides no legal, audit or other professional services of any type to third parties. Such services are provided solely by GGI member firms in their respective geographic areas. GGI and its member firms are legally distinct and separate entities. These entities are not and shall not be construed to be in the relationship of a parent firm, subsidiary, partner, joint venture, agent or a network. No member firm of GGI has any authority (actual, apparent, implied or otherwise) to obligate or bind GGI or any other GGI member firm in any manner whatsoever, equally, nor does GGI have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. All GGI members are independent firms, as such they all render their services entirely on their own account (including benefit and risk), without any involvement of GGI and/or other GGI member firms.

Our approach

AFAS offers its clients the opportunity to focus on their core competencies by using our outsourcing services solutions. We developed our methodology based on the concept of “Business Process Solutions” (BPS) and we are confident that AFAS is in a position to offer a combination of competence, experience and commitment to meet your needs and your expectations. To fulfill the objectives of the outsourcing services, our methodology comprises three stages:

Diagnosis

This stage provides the basis of the outsourcing and normally includes the following steps:

Understanding of the company

Critical areas, questions and challenges that affect the outsourced processes.

Process analysis

The analysis includes considerations about the interfaces that the outsourced processes have with other company’s departments. Based on the analysis we will have an understanding of:

Administrative structure.
Volume of transactions.
Requisites for conformity.
Approval levels.
Performance indicators.

Determination of the business rules that govern the performance of outsourced services

Controls, policies, legal requirements, requirements for financial reports, third-party reports and reports of the Board of Directors.

Clear definition of the roles and duties of AFAS and our clients, internal controls, maintenance of a policy and internal processes.

Definition of communication procedures and protocols.

Support structure

Personnel, location, providing of fixed assets, systems and considerations on general expenses.

Work plan for the transition

Determination of the next steps, development of the project, timetable for the transition and action plans.

Transition

Execution of the work plan for the transition. AFAS will assume responsibility for the processes and execution of the outsourced services.

Continuity

Activities carried out during this stage include:

Monitoring of conformity with the commitments for delivery.
Employing techniques for continual improvement.
Strategic support and access to AFAS resources.
Training and performance measurement tools.
Monitoring, maintenance and updating of technological solutions.

Engagement team

Engagement team

Our commitment

We shall provide an engagement team, led by a partner, a director or a manager, depending on the occasion or necessity, who, in collaboration with you, will gather information, assess and discuss with the company management the risks of your processes and strategies, your specific operations and other related matters.

Benefits for companies

Rapid replies, discussion with professionals who are up-to-date with respect to the company operations and its market segment.

Partners

GILBERTO DE FARIAS

Bachelor of Science Business Administration, Bachelor of Accountancy and International Executive MBA from University of Pittsburgh. Gilberto joined AFAS in 2001 and his previous experience includes 6 years as an Auditor at KPMG, 7 years as Controller at Proudfoot Consulting Group and Latin America Finance Director for Packard Bell NEC do Brasil and 8 years in Consulting Services.

GILMAR DE FARIAS

Bachelor of Science Business Administration, Bachelor of Accountancy and MBA degree from Fundação Getúlio Vargas. Gilmar joined AFAS in January 2011 and his previous experience includes 18 years at KPMG as Senior Manager Auditor and Director of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) department and 6 years in Consulting Services.

JULIO MITUO SHINZATO

Bachelor of Accountancy and Master’s degree in Accounting from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo. Julio joined AFAS in July 2009 and his previous experience includes 15 years as a tax consultant and auditor in audit firms such as KPMG and Soteconti and 16 years in financial market institutions such as ING Bank, Banco Real, BCN Bank and Credicard.

MILTON MASSATAKA MIYAHARA

Bachelor of Accountancy and MBA from Fipecafi – São Paulo State University – USP. Milton joined AFAS in March 2012 and his previous experience includes 9 years as Accounting Manager and Controller at Sumidenso (auto parts industry), and at IT and Consulting Services Firms and 7 years at KPMG as Senior Manager and Director in the Controllership and Outsourcing (BPO) Departments.