James Harkness

Group Chief Financial Officer at Opteon AUS & NZ

James Harkness has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries and positions.

In 2000, Harkness worked as a Commercial Manager at Pacnet for four years.

From 2005 to 2009, they served as the Finance Director at ACCIONA, playing a crucial role in growing the company's Australian renewables business. During their tenure, the company acquired and operated approximately 225MW of wind farm assets.

In 2009, Harkness joined Nu Energy as the Chief Financial Officer, responsible for overseeing the company's rapid growth in the solar energy installation business.

In 2011, they worked as an M&A Adviser for AGL Energy, providing advisory services for the acquisition and integration of its residential solar installation business. James also served as the Head of Finance and Operations Delivery at Jetstar Airways during the same year.

From 2015 to 2016, Harkness held the position of Chief Financial Officer at CareerOne Education, where they contributed to the integration and financial management of several acquisitions.

In 2016, they became the Chief Financial Officer at Capitol Health Limited, leading a successful turnaround after the company's share price decline and quadrupling its market capitalization.

Harkness served as a Non-Executive Director and Treasurer at the Stroke Association of Victoria Inc from 2017 to 2020. James played a key role in the organization's expansion and securing increased government funding.

From 2017 to the present, Harkness has served as the Group Chief Financial Officer at Opteon, a property services provider with operations in Australia, the USA, and New Zealand. In this role, they have been responsible for company strategy, financial reporting, investor relations, and leading a global finance team.

Their most recent work experience is as a Non-Executive Director for JC Health Group Pty Ltd, a start-up focused on acquiring and rolling up medical and health clinics. Harkness provides strategic guidance on M&A and finance matters for the company.

James Harkness's education history begins in 1985 when they attended Brighton Grammar School. James pursued their VCE degree there, completing their studies in 1990.

After completing high school, James enrolled at the University of Melbourne in 1991. James pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree and focused their studies on accounting, finance, and management. James successfully completed their degree in 1995.

Following their undergraduate studies, James continued to enhance their professional qualifications. In 1995, they attended Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, where they pursued a degree in Chartered Accounting. James completed this program in 1997.

Most recently, in 2017, James attended the Australian Institute of Company Directors. While there, they obtained a GAICD (Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors) qualification.

Based on the provided information, James Harkness's education history includes completing their VCE degree at Brighton Grammar School, obtaining a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Melbourne with a focus on accounting, finance, and management, earning a degree in Chartered Accounting from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and completing a program with the Australian Institute of Company Directors to attain a GAICD qualification.

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