Regional Financial Controller
LUSH Cosmetics
Total years of experience :22 years, 0 Months
Regional Financial Controller & Systems Manager - LUSH LLC, Dubai, UAE
September 2016 - Present
Revamped entire Financial department for 4 countries by streamlining processes, creating separation of duties, and defining team expectations to end unreliable accounting and perform to accurate audit standards
Reduced month-end process time by over 35% by implementing a new financial software and organizing team timetable and tasks in an efficient manner
Transformed unmotivated & underperforming team into engaged employees by creating a clear vision for team and supporting individual needs resulting in a reduction of team turnover by 50%
Generated efficient company reporting to save 100s of hours of staff time each month
Reduced annual travel costs of over 50, 000 AED through infrastructure improvements
Business Systems & Analysis Manager - LUSH LLC, Dubai, UAE
August 2015 - September 2016
Customized and implemented new POS system & scales across the region which captured and reported KPIs and inventory figures in a timely manner allowing for immediate strategic decision making
Orchestrated multiple information and training sessions with shop staff leading to being voted the “Head Office Shining Star”
Established first-ever company-wide systems procedures documents and guides which reduced errors and system inquiries by more than 75%
Revolutionized reporting with new automated analytical reports to help drive business decisions saving over 50 staff hours per month
Responsible for analytic reports, forecasts, and market figures used by the Brand Director and Managers for daily and extraordinary critical brand decisions. Identified and analyzed sales and market trends for Audi and competitors; planned product mix, forecasts and sales and promotional strategies.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Revolutionized pre-existing office practices, analytic reports, and forecasting and planning models to create new automated reports, tools and systems which improved office efficiency by 300% and data quality by 100%.
-Spearheaded the development of dealer showroom inventory database based on pre- existing systems saving 400% in costs while increasing data quality by 250%.
- Identified and solved multi-year critical system programming errors which jeopardized data quality of values communicated with Headquarters.
- Led teams of Sales Force members and Product Managers in data collection and analysis, promotional activities, volume forecasting, product mix, promotional activities, and excel consultation.
- Identified and analyzed sales and market trends of Audi and competitors for Directors.
Experienced top-management view of company by working directly with CEO and Directors in the analysis and presentations of Market, Marketing and Strategic data.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Led a team to restructure monthly volume and economic presentation report (70pg.) for Managers and Directors reducing production time by 300% while removing all data collection errors.
- Responsible for multi-brand market and marketing research reports and tools including pricing, tracking, customer profile and satisfaction, and promotional effectiveness.
- Conducted market, marketing and economic analysis and frequently presented results for Company Directors and CEO.
- Worked together with external suppliers, headquarters, and multiple Brands to determine proper strategies in data interpretation, problem solving and cost value evaluations.
Director of all financial and daily operational aspects of regional lyric opera organization and its endowment. Acted as key advisor to the Board and Managing Director during a difficult transitional period.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Created and implemented the first long-term financial plan for debt reduction to vest future financial stability and strategic and growth plans.
- Established official HR policies, employee handbook and training processes.
- Constructed a safe operating internal database and efficient office technology systems.
- Planned and supervised the implementation and maintenance of the first dynamic Company website.
Responsible for collaboration with government, community members and companies in the coordination and promotion of regional events. Worked on Business Development team which raised funds to cover annual budget and managed customer and donor members. Administered and designed print and digital promotional materials.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Founding Coordinator and Manager of event which annually drew 10, 000 spectators and over 100 volunteers, and was considered one of the region’ Best Events.
- Organizer and Director of Gala which received national acclaim and raised over $130, 000 for one day.
- Taught English as a second language to students of all ages
- Assisted students in improving vocal and musical skills
Beginning as an Intern, I was shortly offered a full-time position which I had accepted as a temporary job.
DUTIES:
- Monitored and audited daily cash flow for multi-million dollar organization
- Prepared documents for annual audit
- Worked through financial statements and details to solve accounting discrepancies
- Assisted with payroll
- Created entertainment guide for National Opera conference
- Treasurer of Graduate Finance Organization - Recipient of full tuition scholarship and monthly stipend - Participated in four real-life team consulting projects for multi-national companies to plan, analyze and present strategic solutions to real corporate issues, all of which were received with much enthusiasm. - Coordinator of Integrated Marketing Communications plan for ACFIN Center - Co-editor of Quarterly Dividend ACFIN newsletter
- Graduated Magna Cum Laude with two B.S. Degrees - Recipient of multiple scholarships based on academic merit - Performed in selective travelling musical group; music ompetition winner - Involved in multiple organizations holding office positions - Handled multiple work positions throughout University