Zug, Zug, Switzerland
As an ESG and Risk Manager, I am responsible for developing and implementing ESG reporting requirements and analyzing risks and strategies for the Gearbulk Group, a global leader in shipping and logistics. I commenced employment at Gearbulk in June 2020 as a Financial Controller/Accountant, and quickly progressed to the role of Business Analyst since January 2021. I am a qualified chartered accountant (CA) with in excess of 10 years' experience in the mining and shipping industries. I have a solid background in financial accounting, management accounting, budgeting, forecasting, consolidation, and reporting in accordance with IFRS and US GAAP. I am also digitally skilled in the use of tools such as MS Office, Dynamics, and Power BI which I use to create and deliver data-driven solutions. I am very passionate about ESG and sustainability and aim to contribute to the business' vision of being an ESG responsible organization.
Headed the implementation of robust ESG reporting frameworks at Gearbulk Group, meticulously aligning them with our organizational objectives. By conducting thorough risk assessments, I crafted strategic plans that bolstered our ESG compliance, ensuring adherence to industry standards. Additionally, I provided strategic guidance on promoting ESG responsibility, emphasizing alignment with best practices. Through cross-functional collaboration, I successfully integrated ESG principles into our business operations, nurturing a culture of sustainability throughout the organization.
I have orchestrated comprehensive budgeting, and forecasting processes, fostering seamless coordination within the group. By designing and implementing solutions within Microsoft Dynamics and Power BI, I have significantly improved efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, I was key in preparing consolidation and reporting packages for the Ship Owning entity, enabling informed decision-making. My expertise extends to developing and implementing procedures, particularly in cost and management accounting, driving optimization of financial performance. Furthermore, I consistently provide technical accounting support in alignment with IFRS and US GAAP standards, ensuring meticulous compliance and accuracy throughout operations.
With a proven track record in global finance leadership, I have headed accounting, financing, and consolidation efforts across diverse subsidiaries in Africa, the USA, and Europe, overseeing multidisciplinary teams in each region. My expertise extends to designing and implementing robust processes to safeguard organizational integrity and compliance. As a strategic partner, I've led group-wide budgeting and liquidity planning initiatives, ensuring alignment with overarching objectives. Furthermore, I've provided meticulous supervision over the financial statement process, ensuring accuracy and transparency. Leveraging financial modeling, I've driven project accountability and success, while my adeptness in debt and investment restructuring has yielded efficient, cost-effective solutions, catalyzing profit growth and organizational resilience.
In addition to my core financial management responsibilities, I've taken on diverse roles within the organization, showcasing my versatility and expertise. From investment planning and structuring potential projects to driving business development initiatives, I've played a pivotal role in shaping the company's strategic direction. My proficiency extends to risk management, where I meticulously identify, evaluate, and recommend mitigating factors to safeguard organizational assets and interests. Furthermore, I have demonstrated my project management accounting skills, ensuring accurate implementation and reporting to optimize project performance. With a keen focus on internal controls, I've designed and implemented robust frameworks to fortify accounting processes. In my role overseeing accounting and finance for subsidiaries in Africa and Switzerland, I've led cross-functional teams to deliver results. From budgeting and liquidity planning to supervising the financial statement process and audits, I've consistently ensured compliance and transparency, driving organizational success and growth.
With a sound background in finance, I've excelled in maintaining meticulous financial records and heading of the preparation of comprehensive monthly reporting packs. Actively involved in the budgeting process, I've contributed strategic insights to optimize financial planning. My expertise extends to overseeing the submission of VAT returns and providing valuable assistance with IFRS and GAAP queries, ensuring compliance and accuracy. As part of my responsibilities, I've successfully completed the consolidation process, guaranteeing seamless integration of financial data. Additionally, I've conducted thorough evaluations of cash flow and project finance, offering strategic advice to drive optimal outcomes. With a keen focus on risk management, I've identified potential risks and implemented effective mitigation strategies. Moreover, I've adeptly handled technical accounting queries, providing timely and accurate guidance to support informed decision-making processes.
As an experienced in financial management, I've effectively maintained and managed trial balances for various subsidiaries, ensuring accuracy and compliance across sales, operating expenses, inventory, debtors, creditors, fixed assets, and cash. I've played a pivotal role in preparing and meticulously reviewing monthly management accounts, facilitating informed decision-making processes. Attending to annual audit processes and compiling annual financial statements, I've demonstrated expertise in navigating complex regulatory requirements. My proficiency extends to handling all tax matters, including VAT, income tax, provisional tax, and royalties, ensuring full compliance. Additionally, I've provided valuable support in collating and preparing strategic financial plans and budgets, while also developing and implementing financial systems and models to enhance efficiency. As a proactive member of the finance team, I've assisted in addressing queries and reporting on project performance, focusing on OPEX/CAPEX budgets and profit forecasts. Furthermore, I've consistently sought methods to improve cost control, forecasting expenditure in alignment with company targets.