Accountable for Global Reporting and Analytics Content and IT Strategy. Established Finance Information Steering Group consisting of key business and IT stakeholders with responsibility to manage portfolio and funding to ensure stability and innovation of IT Reporting and Analytics systems. Role includes close cooperation with teams managing IT transactional systems (e.g. SAP ERP) and IT Master Data systems. I am responsible for team of 20 employees and 100+ external consultants based across the globe.
In this role I was part of major regional transformation Program (implement common SAP ERP and BW templates) to deliver operational cost savings through better integration of Operating Companies in Asia, Africa and Russia. I was responsible for implementing systems for information and reporting across Sales, Finance, Supply Chain and Marketing. I led the team of 10 employees and around 30+ consultants located across the region. While most of my career was in Performance Management and Finance, in this role I further developed understanding of Sales, Supply Chain and Marketing Performance Management. This was not a core IT role and there were IT teams responsible for technical delivery, I developed good understanding of system architecture and under close cooperation with IT Director we made significant improvements in report performance which was key blocker to driving adoption.
In 2008 relocated from Shanghai to Singapore and took over additional responsibilities for Beverages Category Asia financial strategy and results, inclusive of Ready To Drink business in Japan (Suntory/Morinaga partnership) and Fruit Juice business in South East Asia. Key responsibility is ensuring maximum Value Creation and Growth through development of strategic action plans, innovation business cases, setting strategic pricing & sourcing decisions.
Finance Business partner to Regional Marketing Vice President as Unilever was implementing new operating framework with split between Strategy Teams (Developing Brand mixes & Innovation) and Operating Companies (responsible for In-market mix execution). My key responsibilities were developing balanced regional performance strategy, innovation business cases and ensuring strategic objectives are adopted and executed by Brand Building organization. Managed small team of financial assistants collocated within China Group.
Audit manager in a team of 15 auditors responsible for audit reviews of Operating Companies in the Asia region. This role took me out comfort zone to strengthen my core financial skills and to get exposure to developing markets. Audit reviews included standard accounting practices, financial statements as well as Operating Company adherence and implementation of Corporate Strategy and Policies. Job involved 2-3 week company deep-dives and agreeing risk and control mitigation plans with company Board. Successfully completed audits across 10+ Asia markets including China, India, Japan, Australia and Indonesia. I gained valuable experience in working under tight timelines in relatively unsympathetic environments and presenting to senior company boards to agree audit issues / reports.
Joined Unilever 'start-up' to develop business in ex-Yugoslavia markets of Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia and Hercegovina where I was assistant manager in Performance Management Department. I had hands on experience in resolving various challenges that come from building business (e.g. managing cash flow, trade terms strategy with new customers, marketing investment modeling) that I would not have in larger and mature corporation with more strict separation of departments and responsibilities.
Management Trainee in Corporate Finance Department in INA headquarters.