Quick wins in the role:

• Centralized the FP&A/controlling function that was scattered across regional divisions
• Optimized the headcount of the department by 20%
• Challenged and re-designed the existing budget process
• Launched the automation of the budgeting model

Areas and responsibilities:

Financial planning, control and analysis

• Developed annual budgets and forecasts including long term needs evaluation of each department
• Implemented and oversaw the company's budgeting IT system
• Led the selection of ERP system (a budgeting module)
• Managed the cost control activities over $2.7 billion expenses and reviewed operations for cost-savings opportunities
• Re-designed existing processes and procedures for FP&A function to ensure higher efficiency
• Drove communication with the external regulator on behalf of the company
• Led annual external audits conducted by the industry regulator
• Implemented BI tools (Power BI) to deliver meaningful insights into business performance
• Oversaw cash management and other treasury related activities
• Participated in eurobonds issue and managing banking and borrowing

Leadership

• Re-established the strategic role of the FP&A/controlling function dedicated to add value to the business
• Reshaped the diverse team of about 50 employees by attracting young talents from multinational companies to replace those with low engagement
• Led the strategic planning for the Finance function of the company
• Acted as Deputy-CFO during the CFO's absence

Relationships

• Became the trusted focal point for complex financial queries, providing advice to cross-functional teams
• Developed partnership with stakeholders (incl. Board members and functional Directors) throuhout the organization
• Built strong and positive relationships with Financial Responsibility Centers and Cost Centers

Quick wins in the role:

• Identified revenue growth potential through employees efficiency audit by analyzing available vs. billable hours
• Developed an incentive model for employees remuneration based on KPI
• Optimized purchase prices by 10-20% through introduction of a price check and tender process
• Negotiated an office rent rate decrease by 20%
• Identified and corrected errors in "Power BI" data visualization algorithms

Areas and responsibilities:

Strategy and leadership

• Cooperate with the C-level team to develop the strategic plan by contributing managerial accounting reports and recommendations
• Develop the financial and tax strategies to drive the business transformation
• Manage the budgeting and reforecast processes, implement budget control
• Provide leadership and management of the finance team of six professionals

Accounting & Finance Operations

• Monitor financial performance by analyzing results and initiating corrective actions
• Ensure cash flow is appropriate for the organization's operations
• Manage and retain relationships with clients and suppliers
• Ensure financial reporting is prepared in an accurate and timely manner
• Establish the company's risk profile and perform risk management activities
• Ensure compliance with the law and company's policies

Tax planning

• Lead tax planning for the group of companies
• Identify and mitigate tax risks
• Ensure compliance of all tax filings and coordinate responses to tax notices

Automation and Technology

• Lead integration and customization of finance IT systems - 1C, Power BI and Lexia
• Drive operational efficiency through quicker access to data, with decisions made in real time

Key achievements:

• Analytics and Digital Audit leader at EY Ukraine

• Audit methodology leader at EY Ukraine

• Counselor of the year at Assurance department

• The largest number of entrusted audit engagements

• Successfully negotiated on acquiring 14 new clients in 2018 - 2020

Finance expertise

• Provide executive management and Supervisory Board with advice on the financial implications of business activities
• Ensure compliance of financial accounting with IFRS and Ukrainian GAAP
• Prepare separate and consolidated financial statements
• Assess corporate budgets and cash flow projections for reliability
• Review companies' risk management system
• Review finance IT applications for effectiveness
• Testing the strength of internal controls
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and internal policies
• Challenge financial models and impairment tests
• Analyse financial stability and the going concern assessment

Leadership experience

• Build high performing teams
• Encourage innovation and initiatives by team members
• Create a positive team environment
• Develop negotiation tactics responsive to diverse stakeholders

Project management

• Apply Scrum methodology to manage engagements
• Develop and manage plans for project teams
• Monitor teams' progress
• Ensure a measurable result through close collaboration with team members

Analysis and insight

• Identify ways to capture, process and visualize big data
• Apply judgement and critical thinking in addressing root causes of identified problems
• Devise a range of practical insights based on analysis performed
• Presenting insights to critical stakeholders

Operating skills

• Managing a complete audit process (from the planning to reporting stage)
• Analysis of the business environment and competitive forces
• Analysis of a company's performance against financial and non-financial measures
• Analysis of actual budgets and review of budget forecast for consistency
• Designing KPI and Management Accounting system within a performance improvement consultancy project
• Ensuring procedures and policies are followed as designed and effective controls implemented
• Identification of patterns within fraudulent activities and evaluation of fraud detection systems effectiveness
• Internal control testing and risk assessment
• Ensuring financial statements are presented in accordance with IFRS/UA GAAP
• Preparing stand-alone and consolidated financial statement in accordance with IFRS and UA GAAP
• Communication with senior management and producing management commentary for executives