Simon Mundy's README

Why I’m at GitLab

I am at GitLab as I believe in the huge market opportunity and best in class fundamentals that the Company offers. I have always focused on roles at platform based Company’s, and thus GitLab’s mission to replace multiple point solutions resonates with me.

My Personal Values

1. Integrity and Transparency - These are non-negotiable foundations in everything we do, from financial reporting to day-to-day interactions
2. Responsiveness - Quick and effective communication is crucial for our success
3. Bias for Action - I believe in moving quickly and decisively while maintaining accuracy and compliance

My Super Powers - how you can get the best from me

1. Prioritization - Ability to effectively balance competing demands and identify what matters most
2. Stakeholder Management - Strong focus on understanding and addressing the needs of all stakeholders
3. Building High-Performing Teams - Track record of assembling and developing teams that consistently deliver excellence

My Weaknesses

1. Impatience - When issues or projects come up I have a bias for action and want clarity and a path forward as quickly as possible.
   • How to help me manage this: give me a clear timeline of a pathway to resolution. If the resolution date is unknown, clarify what dependencies there are and when those dependencies are expected to be known. Provide regular updates proactively. This will give me confidence the issue is being addressed and you are on top of it.
2. Switching off - I have difficulty switching off and often times will think about work matters on days off. This may result in questions in Slack on non-work days while it is top of mind for me.
   • How to help me manage this: do not feel obligated to respond immediately if I message after hours. If something is urgent I will make it known.
3. Perceived availability - I am in back to back meetings most days and as a result do not get to spend as much time as I would like with individual team members.
   • How to help me manage this: just because there is no meeting on the calendar, does not mean I am unavailable or uninterested. Please feel free to reach out over Slack if you would like to chat through anything at any time. I am busy, but supporting my team is of the utmost importance to me. We only drive results and efficiencies by working together, so help me, help you.

My Expectations of Everyone

1. Maintain a Strong Sense of Urgency: Our work is time-sensitive and impacts the entire organization
2. Take Full Accountability: Own your responsibilities completely
3. Practice Proactive Ownership: Identify and address issues before they become problems
4. Communicate Transparently and Timely: If challenges arise, raise them immediately
5. Follow-Through is Critical: If you commit to something, I will assume it’s done unless told otherwise in a timely manner
6. Quality is Non-Negotiable: We must maintain the highest standards in our financial reporting and controls

My Role

1. VP Corporate Controller leading:
   • SEC Reporting
   • Technical Accounting
   • General Ledger (GL) Accounting
   • Treasury
   • International Accounting
   • Revenue Accounting
   • SOX PMO Teams
2. Our team serves as the financial backbone of the company with two primary mandates:
   • Produce materially accurate financial statements that meet all regulatory compliance requirements
   • Ensure a robust internal control environment while maximizing operational efficiencies

Communication Preferences

1. Primary Channel: Slack is my preferred method of communication
2. Meetings:
   • Please contact Sarah Hobbs, my EBA, if you need help getting time on my calendar
   • Meetings should have a prepopulated agenda
3. Email: Not a fan of long email chains - let’s move lengthy discussions to Slack or a meeting
4. Response Time:
   • I aim to be highly responsive during business hours
   • For urgent matters requiring immediate attention, use text if Slack isn’t getting a response
   • If something can wait, please use Slack and I’ll respond as soon as possible

Expectations for leadership - What I need from you. What you will get from me

1. What I Need From You
   • Clear communication about deadlines and dependencies
   • Proactive flagging of potential issues or roadblocks
   • Ownership of your area of responsibility
   • Commitment to maintaining high standards in financial reporting and controls
2. What You Will Get From Me
   • Clear direction and priorities
   • Quick decision-making when needed
   • Support in removing obstacles
   • Focus on your professional development
   • Protection for the team when needed
   • Transparent communication about organizational changes and impacts

FAQs

1. How do you define “urgent?”
   • Impacts financial reporting accuracy
   • Affects regulatory compliance
   • Has significant business impact
   • Requires immediate attention to meet a deadline
2. What’s your approach to review cycles?
   • I expect materials to be thoroughly reviewed at team level before coming to me. Please highlight key changes, areas of concern, and specific questions requiring my input.

View page source - Edit this page - please contribute.