Résumé

Résumé for Ben Finney

Updated:2011-08-08

Summary

Computer professional with a broad base of PC, Unix, and network skills, in administration, analysis, programming, quality assurance, and support. Able to effectively communicate in a written and oral capacity using a strong grasp of language and of differing perspectives. Suitable for a role in system administration, system design and integration, analysis/programming.

Contact details

Name:Ben Finney
Mobile:+61 416 223 222
Email:ben@benfinney.id.au
Website:<http://www.benfinney.id.au/>

Career achievements

2011 Mar – 2011 Aug
Senior Developer
Empowered Communications
  • Web application design and development (using Python, Django, MySQL, Bazaar, RT, Jenkins)
  • Agile development practice improvements (using sprints, scrums, code review, automated integration)
2003 Aug – 2011 Feb
Technical Consultant
Cybersource Pty. Ltd.
  • Database application development (using Python, PostgreSQL, Perl, Bazaar)
  • Web application design and development (using PHP, MySQL, PostgreSQL)
  • “Trim client” networked desktop environment and administration system (using Ubuntu, Webmin, Postfix, Squid, PXE)
  • Network troubleshooting and repair (using Debian GNU/Linux)
  • Firewall configuration and maintenance (using Debian GNU/Linux, Shorewall)
  • Customer requirements gathering (since 2005, over 50 projects)
2009 Oct – 2010 Feb
Application Programmer
RMIT Training Pty. Ltd.
  • Web application design and development (using PHP, AJAX, jQuery)
2005 May – present
Debian Maintainer
Debian Project
  • Package maintenance of free software for the Debian operating system (using Debian GNU/Linux, Bash shell, Python, Perl, Bazaar)
  • User request tracking and correspondence
  • Policy drafting and negotiation
2005 Apr – 2005 Aug
Contract Programmer
National Australia Bank
  • Program development: foreign exchange reconciliation system for 150 different database combinations (using Python, Sybase)
2003 Aug – present
Technical Trainer
Advanced Training
  • Presentation of technical training courses (in GNU/Linux, Korn and Bash shell, TCP/IP networking, MySQL, PHP, Python)
2003 Apr – 2003 Aug
Technical Support 3
Muir Electrical Company
  • Administration and troubleshooting of nationwide retail network (using Debian GNU/Linux, Red Hat GNU/Linux, AIX, Korn shell script)
  • Implemented nationwide print server for 50 stores (using Python, CUPS, Bash shell script)
2001 Nov – 2003 Apr
Technical Consultant
Sole trader
  • Networking consulting and implementation (using Debian GNU/Linux, Red Hat GNU/Linux, OpenBSD, BIND, Samba, CUPS, Postfix)
  • Security consulting and implementation (using Debian GNU/Linux, Red Hat GNU/Linux, OpenBSD, Shorewall)
  • Web application design and programming (using PHP, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Apache)
2001 Mar – 2001 Nov
Technical Consultant
Powerlan Ltd
  • Designed and implemented proxy firewall for student network (using GNU/Linux, Squid, packet filter)
  • Performed security audit of corporate web hosting servers (using GNU/Linux, SSH, tcpwrappers, Postfix, Apache)
  • Replaced Cisco 4000 router, serving internal network over six floors, with commodity PC running GNU/Linux, providing DHCP, WINS, DNS, packet-filter functions
  • Migrated and maintained corporate mail server providing SMTP and mailbox access for over 30 national stores
1999 Aug – 2001 Mar
Technical Consultant
Fulcrum Consulting Group
  • Staged server installation of 14 Sun E450 servers with different Solaris configurations (using Solaris 2.6)
  • Implemented encrypted data transfer system between business partners (using PGP, Perl, Sendmail)
  • Research and implementation of centrally-managed desktop systems for Sales and Administration staff (using Debian GNU/Linux)
1999 Jun – 2002 Nov
System Administrator
Squidly Research Consortium
  • Implemented community hosting site (using OpenBSD, GNU/Linux, Apache, Postfix, SSH, BIND)
  • Ongoing maintenance of hosting services (using Mailman, GNU development tools, RCS)
1999 Sep – present
Technical Support,
#debian IRC channel, Freenode Network
  • Volunteer technical support for Debian GNU/Linux users
  • Channel operator responsibilities 2001 Feb – 2006 Apr
1995 Dec – 1999 Aug
System Administrator
PrintSoft Pty Ltd
  • Designed and implemented corporate security policies for 50-user site network
  • Research, implement and maintain corporate firewall (using GNU/Linux, QMail, FWTK)
  • Specify and implement corporate intranet server (using GNU/Linux, Apache, Samba, InterNetNews)

Qualifications

Business Japanese Proficiency (229/800)
Nov 2005: JETRO
Japanese I
Feb 2003 – Apr 2003: Holmesglen College of TAFE
Introduction to Psychology
Apr 2002 – Jun 2002: Holmesglen College of TAFE
Linux Certified Administrator
Nov 2001: SAIR Linux/GNU Certification
Linux Certified Professional
Jul 2001: SAIR Linux/GNU Certification
Master of Information Systems
Jul 1997 – Jun 1999 (50% completed): Swinburne Institute of Technology
Advanced Certificate in Computing
Jan 1989 – Dec 1991: Elizabeth College of TAFE

Motivations

Objectives

Seeking to contribute to the free software ecosystem, and enact improvements in the quality of the Australian and international IT industry, both community and commercial.

Interests

  • Free (“open-source”) software
  • Software programming quality
  • Mathematics and science
  • Go, the ancient Asian board game
  • Language and social communication