Alexandre (Alex) Lopes, CPA, MBA
Chief Financial Officer at Oriental Weavers USA- Claim this Profile
Click to upgrade to our gold package
for the full feature experience.
-
English Native or bilingual proficiency
-
Portuguese Native or bilingual proficiency
-
Spanish Native or bilingual proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Christina Ford
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Alex for the past two years. As a Controller, I found Alex to be extremely knowledgeable and forward-thinking, as well as an excellent mentor. No matter the situation, and no matter how stressful, Alex always had a smile on his face and was ready to take on any challenge that came our way. Under Alex's guidance, we were able to implement controls as needed, develop policies to support those controls, and really turn the company's accounting around so they had their best foot forward. His presence had a very positive impact on the company, and he was a joy to work with and to be around.
Raysa Ahuja
Alexandre was a valuable team member for GrandVision (For Eyes Optical), bringing his extensive knowledge about the optical business (since 2009 with GrandVision in 4 different countries). He served as mentor for most of finance team members in a transformation environment. He was fundamental and knowledgeable to provide support to all business leaders regarding budgeting and forecasting initiatives (1st time implemented in the company). Alexandre is an extremely dedicated professional with a problem-solving mindset. He is also excellent at keeping a positive attitude at all times, even during stressful situations. I highly recommend Alexandre!
Christina Ford
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Alex for the past two years. As a Controller, I found Alex to be extremely knowledgeable and forward-thinking, as well as an excellent mentor. No matter the situation, and no matter how stressful, Alex always had a smile on his face and was ready to take on any challenge that came our way. Under Alex's guidance, we were able to implement controls as needed, develop policies to support those controls, and really turn the company's accounting around so they had their best foot forward. His presence had a very positive impact on the company, and he was a joy to work with and to be around.
Raysa Ahuja
Alexandre was a valuable team member for GrandVision (For Eyes Optical), bringing his extensive knowledge about the optical business (since 2009 with GrandVision in 4 different countries). He served as mentor for most of finance team members in a transformation environment. He was fundamental and knowledgeable to provide support to all business leaders regarding budgeting and forecasting initiatives (1st time implemented in the company). Alexandre is an extremely dedicated professional with a problem-solving mindset. He is also excellent at keeping a positive attitude at all times, even during stressful situations. I highly recommend Alexandre!
Christina Ford
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Alex for the past two years. As a Controller, I found Alex to be extremely knowledgeable and forward-thinking, as well as an excellent mentor. No matter the situation, and no matter how stressful, Alex always had a smile on his face and was ready to take on any challenge that came our way. Under Alex's guidance, we were able to implement controls as needed, develop policies to support those controls, and really turn the company's accounting around so they had their best foot forward. His presence had a very positive impact on the company, and he was a joy to work with and to be around.
Raysa Ahuja
Alexandre was a valuable team member for GrandVision (For Eyes Optical), bringing his extensive knowledge about the optical business (since 2009 with GrandVision in 4 different countries). He served as mentor for most of finance team members in a transformation environment. He was fundamental and knowledgeable to provide support to all business leaders regarding budgeting and forecasting initiatives (1st time implemented in the company). Alexandre is an extremely dedicated professional with a problem-solving mindset. He is also excellent at keeping a positive attitude at all times, even during stressful situations. I highly recommend Alexandre!
Christina Ford
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Alex for the past two years. As a Controller, I found Alex to be extremely knowledgeable and forward-thinking, as well as an excellent mentor. No matter the situation, and no matter how stressful, Alex always had a smile on his face and was ready to take on any challenge that came our way. Under Alex's guidance, we were able to implement controls as needed, develop policies to support those controls, and really turn the company's accounting around so they had their best foot forward. His presence had a very positive impact on the company, and he was a joy to work with and to be around.
Raysa Ahuja
Alexandre was a valuable team member for GrandVision (For Eyes Optical), bringing his extensive knowledge about the optical business (since 2009 with GrandVision in 4 different countries). He served as mentor for most of finance team members in a transformation environment. He was fundamental and knowledgeable to provide support to all business leaders regarding budgeting and forecasting initiatives (1st time implemented in the company). Alexandre is an extremely dedicated professional with a problem-solving mindset. He is also excellent at keeping a positive attitude at all times, even during stressful situations. I highly recommend Alexandre!
Credentials
-
Managing Emotions in Times of Uncertain
Yale Center for Emotional IntelligenceJun, 2021- Nov, 2024 -
Getting started with Power BI Desktop
CourseraApr, 2021- Nov, 2024 -
Creating Interactive Dashboards in Tableau 10
LinkedInFeb, 2019- Nov, 2024 -
Financial Modeling Foundations
LinkedInDec, 2018- Nov, 2024 -
Become a Six Sigma Green Belt
LinkedInMay, 2018- Nov, 2024 -
Project Management Foundations: Stakeholders
LinkedInMay, 2018- Nov, 2024 -
Project Management Foundations: Teams
LinkedInMay, 2018- Nov, 2024 -
Change Management Foundations
LinkedInApr, 2018- Nov, 2024 -
Six Sigma Foundations
LinkedInApr, 2018- Nov, 2024 -
Six Sigma: Green Belt
LinkedInApr, 2018- Nov, 2024 -
Accreditation in Internal Quality Assessment of the Audit Activity
IIA-The Institute of Internal AuditorsNov, 2005- Nov, 2024 -
CRC (CPA Brazilian equivalent)
Conselho Regional de Contabilidade do Estado de São Paulo (CRCSP) - OficialFeb, 2004- Nov, 2024
Experience
-
Oriental Weavers USA
-
United States
-
Textile Manufacturing
-
1 - 100 Employee
-
Chief Financial Officer
-
Aug 2023 - Present
-
-
-
Weener Plastics Group
-
Netherlands
-
Packaging and Containers Manufacturing
-
400 - 500 Employee
-
Finance Director BU Americas
-
2021 - 2023
Weener Plastics is a full service global supplier of innovative plastic packaging solutions, with a strong focus on the functionalities DISPENSING, CONTAINING and CLOSING. The company designs, develops and manufactures added value Caps, Closures, Roll-on Balls, Jars and Bottles for the Personal Care, Food & Beverage and Home Care markets. Headquartered in Ede, The Netherlands, the company employs about 4,700 people and has 26 facilities in 18 countries worldwide. Weener Plastics in… Show more Weener Plastics is a full service global supplier of innovative plastic packaging solutions, with a strong focus on the functionalities DISPENSING, CONTAINING and CLOSING. The company designs, develops and manufactures added value Caps, Closures, Roll-on Balls, Jars and Bottles for the Personal Care, Food & Beverage and Home Care markets. Headquartered in Ede, The Netherlands, the company employs about 4,700 people and has 26 facilities in 18 countries worldwide. Weener Plastics in Americas is presented with manufacturing facilities in USA, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina. Show less Weener Plastics is a full service global supplier of innovative plastic packaging solutions, with a strong focus on the functionalities DISPENSING, CONTAINING and CLOSING. The company designs, develops and manufactures added value Caps, Closures, Roll-on Balls, Jars and Bottles for the Personal Care, Food & Beverage and Home Care markets. Headquartered in Ede, The Netherlands, the company employs about 4,700 people and has 26 facilities in 18 countries worldwide. Weener Plastics in… Show more Weener Plastics is a full service global supplier of innovative plastic packaging solutions, with a strong focus on the functionalities DISPENSING, CONTAINING and CLOSING. The company designs, develops and manufactures added value Caps, Closures, Roll-on Balls, Jars and Bottles for the Personal Care, Food & Beverage and Home Care markets. Headquartered in Ede, The Netherlands, the company employs about 4,700 people and has 26 facilities in 18 countries worldwide. Weener Plastics in Americas is presented with manufacturing facilities in USA, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina. Show less
-
-
-
Balta Group
-
Belgium
-
Textile Manufacturing
-
400 - 500 Employee
-
Country Controller US
-
2019 - 2021
Publicly traded company - manufactures & distributes textiles flooring with a consolidated revenue of $750 million (Group level based in Europe). Responsible for all Finance (Accounting, Treasury/Banking, Budget & Cash Forecasting, Controlling, Audit and Tax) , Claims/Compliance function and oversees Payroll for US operations covering Brick & Mortar and E-commerce businesses & both Distribution Centers located in US. • Reorganized the entire finance set up including recruiting… Show more Publicly traded company - manufactures & distributes textiles flooring with a consolidated revenue of $750 million (Group level based in Europe). Responsible for all Finance (Accounting, Treasury/Banking, Budget & Cash Forecasting, Controlling, Audit and Tax) , Claims/Compliance function and oversees Payroll for US operations covering Brick & Mortar and E-commerce businesses & both Distribution Centers located in US. • Reorganized the entire finance set up including recruiting most of team and redefining processes to support both the traditional brick & mortar customers and the new Distribution Center for e-commerce customers. Reestablished the Monthly Financial Reporting (3-days reporting) and Board presentations. • Set up from scratch the Claims & Compliance role for analyzing (addressing operational issues regarding returns, shortages, PO fill rate etc.) and disputing chargebacks from customers allowing the company to recover 1.2pp margin. • Enhanced the internal control environment and governance implementing clear & concise internal policies and S&OP ( Standard and Operating procedures) in order to have a smooth and organized general flow within the company. Show less Publicly traded company - manufactures & distributes textiles flooring with a consolidated revenue of $750 million (Group level based in Europe). Responsible for all Finance (Accounting, Treasury/Banking, Budget & Cash Forecasting, Controlling, Audit and Tax) , Claims/Compliance function and oversees Payroll for US operations covering Brick & Mortar and E-commerce businesses & both Distribution Centers located in US. • Reorganized the entire finance set up including recruiting… Show more Publicly traded company - manufactures & distributes textiles flooring with a consolidated revenue of $750 million (Group level based in Europe). Responsible for all Finance (Accounting, Treasury/Banking, Budget & Cash Forecasting, Controlling, Audit and Tax) , Claims/Compliance function and oversees Payroll for US operations covering Brick & Mortar and E-commerce businesses & both Distribution Centers located in US. • Reorganized the entire finance set up including recruiting most of team and redefining processes to support both the traditional brick & mortar customers and the new Distribution Center for e-commerce customers. Reestablished the Monthly Financial Reporting (3-days reporting) and Board presentations. • Set up from scratch the Claims & Compliance role for analyzing (addressing operational issues regarding returns, shortages, PO fill rate etc.) and disputing chargebacks from customers allowing the company to recover 1.2pp margin. • Enhanced the internal control environment and governance implementing clear & concise internal policies and S&OP ( Standard and Operating procedures) in order to have a smooth and organized general flow within the company. Show less
-
-
-
Taurus Holdings, Inc.
-
United States
-
Manufacturing
-
1 - 100 Employee
-
FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis) Manager
-
2018 - 2019
Taurus is publicly traded company - manufactures & distributes variety of revolvers, pistols and long guns. Headed the Financial Planning & Analysis (contract role) to build 2019 US budget using the following approach: • foundation driven supported by strategic plan and business goals; • modeled and structured through 3 statement model; • coordinated and shared with the Business leaders in order to have their inputs and accountability. Taurus is publicly traded company - manufactures & distributes variety of revolvers, pistols and long guns. Headed the Financial Planning & Analysis (contract role) to build 2019 US budget using the following approach: • foundation driven supported by strategic plan and business goals; • modeled and structured through 3 statement model; • coordinated and shared with the Business leaders in order to have their inputs and accountability.
-
-
-
GrandVision BV
-
Netherlands
-
Retail
-
400 - 500 Employee
-
Business Controller (USA Leader of FP&A)
-
2016 - 2018
Managed the FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis) function supporting 115 FOR EYES stores, warehouse and manufacturing. Also provided valuable information for business decisions, driven the company strategy, and reporting. Led quarterly forecasting and annual budget. Led the outside accounting firm for audit engagement. • Implemented FP&A function aligned to Group KPIs and metrics, covering daily, weekly and monthly reports including MD&A (Management Discussion and Analysis) providing… Show more Managed the FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis) function supporting 115 FOR EYES stores, warehouse and manufacturing. Also provided valuable information for business decisions, driven the company strategy, and reporting. Led quarterly forecasting and annual budget. Led the outside accounting firm for audit engagement. • Implemented FP&A function aligned to Group KPIs and metrics, covering daily, weekly and monthly reports including MD&A (Management Discussion and Analysis) providing consistent, timely and reliable information. • Established annual budget & quarterly forecasting processes business partnering with all senior management involved in project providing guidance, framework and obtaining accountability by key stakeholders.
-
-
Head of Controlling & Internal Audit (Peru)
-
2014 - 2016
Oversaw FP&A, Financial Reporting and Internal Audit team supporting 190 stores (Topsa, Vision Center, Econolentes and Solaris stores) covering Retail, Wholesale and Manufacturing businesses. Led the communication with headquarters for Finance and Legal matters. Key sparring & business partner for CEO on implementation of retail commercial policy (worldwide implemented by GrandVision). • Reduced the financial closing process from 20 to 5 days remodeling the processes and creating… Show more Oversaw FP&A, Financial Reporting and Internal Audit team supporting 190 stores (Topsa, Vision Center, Econolentes and Solaris stores) covering Retail, Wholesale and Manufacturing businesses. Led the communication with headquarters for Finance and Legal matters. Key sparring & business partner for CEO on implementation of retail commercial policy (worldwide implemented by GrandVision). • Reduced the financial closing process from 20 to 5 days remodeling the processes and creating reporting function. Reached just a few months post-acquisition. • Achieved the fastest improvement ever within GrandVision worldwide implementing a set of key controls and addressing the weakness in all areas corroborated by Group Internal Audit team assessment. • Established the business model for stores closings and openings using metrics / KPI to support commercial and financial assessment. • Reduced the shrinkage & breakage % level in ~20% through identification of main causes, implementing KPIs per cause and monthly follow up on specific areas/categories.
-
-
Finance Director (Colombia)
-
2012 - 2014
Led Accounting, FP&A, Financial Reporting, Treasury, Internal Audit, Legal and IT teams supporting 110 stores (Lafam and Multiopticas stores), warehouses and manufacturing. Prepared organization to move to next level targeting leader position in Optical Colombian Market. Business sparring partner for the CEO. • Rebuilt reliability on financial reports (sales, sales by category / units, margin, operational costs, overhead costs, cash-flow) on local & group level ensuring accurate and… Show more Led Accounting, FP&A, Financial Reporting, Treasury, Internal Audit, Legal and IT teams supporting 110 stores (Lafam and Multiopticas stores), warehouses and manufacturing. Prepared organization to move to next level targeting leader position in Optical Colombian Market. Business sparring partner for the CEO. • Rebuilt reliability on financial reports (sales, sales by category / units, margin, operational costs, overhead costs, cash-flow) on local & group level ensuring accurate and timely information to run the business. • Reduced 20% the credit card fees during one-year (70% of the sales by credit cards) by renegotiating with banks. Implemented key reconciliation with lenses supplier addressing major issues attaining +2pp EBITA. • Integrated an asset acquisition of 71 stores (Multiopticas) across several cities into the existing structure managing contingency plans covering the credit card capabilities, banking accounts and training & communication to all stores in an extremely short period of time. • Achieved a consistent improvement on the control environment confirmed by Group Internal Audit since it moved two steps 1 to 3 in the overall assessment. • Key influencer in the corporate culture change to all other areas having a smooth transition from a family to a multinational company and addressing the sales people mindset (target and KPI oriented)
-
-
Interim CFO (Brazil)
-
2011 - 2012
Played key oversight role for turnaround process when company had disclaimer of opinion by auditors. Managed 35 people in Accounting, Controlling, Tax, Treasury, Legal and Audit departments supporting 120 stores (Fototica stores), warehouses and manufacturing. • Stabilized ERP (Navision) fixing ERP implementation done two years before by fixing the system (interfaces, implementation key functions), training people, setting up policies, and reducing the Excel spreadsheets usage. The… Show more Played key oversight role for turnaround process when company had disclaimer of opinion by auditors. Managed 35 people in Accounting, Controlling, Tax, Treasury, Legal and Audit departments supporting 120 stores (Fototica stores), warehouses and manufacturing. • Stabilized ERP (Navision) fixing ERP implementation done two years before by fixing the system (interfaces, implementation key functions), training people, setting up policies, and reducing the Excel spreadsheets usage. The final outcome was achieved coming from a “disclaimer” to a clean opinion (PwC external auditor). • Reorganized reporting processes for local purposes (BR GAAP) and external (IFRS) using Hyperion. Gaining reliability and consistency achieving Group standards (quality/timing). • Rebuild reliable P&L (store level) to support critical business decisions. Implemented tool for new store openings and refurbishments to sustain the decision make process. • Restructured the Supply Chain model gained efficiency, improved Inventory management, improved products distribution and reduced the burden in the Account Payable routines. We addressed the issues: - change Contact Lenses ordering (stores were ordering directly to vendors with no limits, no supervision, no basics controls in place, poor execution, no process & procedures). - Warehouse management (no proper stock counts, huge amounts of old & damaged products) - Vendors billing (ophthalmic lenses billing was on an individual basis - huge volume of paperwork and impossible to track, register and pay the invoices). • Negotiated payroll move to another bank achieving 50% increase on 1st offer. Also renegotiated bank fees with local banks achieving 20% lower costs. • Revised Tax issues and got a saving of $ 300k+ on penalties. Dealt with State tax authorities to get the best deal to pay tax (timing). • Restructured completely the internal control over A/P, A/R and Banking transactions building a reliable Cash Flow forecasting.
-
-
Latin America Audit Director
-
2009 - 2012
Led, set up and built internal audit function in 7 Latin America countries covering all acquired and new companies during the expansion in Latin America. Fast-paced growth moving from 190 (2 countries) to 900 stores (7 countries). • Implemented and set up the audit function in each country using strategy of sharing and learning approach in quick and efficient way. The supportive mindset was key accordingly to each country maturity stage. • Co-led both ERP (MS Dynamics - AXAPTA)… Show more Led, set up and built internal audit function in 7 Latin America countries covering all acquired and new companies during the expansion in Latin America. Fast-paced growth moving from 190 (2 countries) to 900 stores (7 countries). • Implemented and set up the audit function in each country using strategy of sharing and learning approach in quick and efficient way. The supportive mindset was key accordingly to each country maturity stage. • Co-led both ERP (MS Dynamics - AXAPTA) and Store Cash closing (Treasury) systems implementation - Mexican company (over 60 Stores) executed leading 2 different teams in two operating companies in the country.
-
-
-
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
-
Netherlands
-
Banking
-
700 & Above Employee
-
VP / Global Audit Manager
-
2007 - 2008
• Prepared and defined the structure and framework to perform the test of operating effectiveness globally (based in the Netherlands) in order to be in compliance with SOX (section 404). Anticipating phases, simplifying and integrating processes resulting in better performance. Also saved +$ 12M with consultants.
-
-
VP Internal Audit
-
1999 - 2008
• Managed 20+ auditors (including Big 4) for SOX process (Quality review on scope, mapping, test of design, test of operating effectiveness and monitoring action plans), during this period Brazil consistently kept the best performance within all ABN AMRO units and, obtaining resources rationalizing with external auditors. • Planned, defined scopes and managed auditing on banking products such as, loans, guarantees, capital markets, FX, cash management products, risk management… Show more • Managed 20+ auditors (including Big 4) for SOX process (Quality review on scope, mapping, test of design, test of operating effectiveness and monitoring action plans), during this period Brazil consistently kept the best performance within all ABN AMRO units and, obtaining resources rationalizing with external auditors. • Planned, defined scopes and managed auditing on banking products such as, loans, guarantees, capital markets, FX, cash management products, risk management (operational, credit and market), Compliance, Finance, Tax, HR, Legal areas, raising issues with substantial impact on business and improving performance. • Key team member setting up the Internal Audit function for Latin America and Caribbean (14 countries) for both bank and insurance operations bringing the insurance knowledge in a quick and well managed set up.
-
-
-
Allianz
-
Germany
-
Financial Services
-
700 & Above Employee
-
Audit Coordinator
-
1998 - 1999
Set up the Regional Audit function for Allianz (+AGF) in South America as the leader in this process. Set up the Regional Audit function for Allianz (+AGF) in South America as the leader in this process.
-
-
-
Real Bank
-
Brazil
-
Banking
-
200 - 300 Employee
-
Audit Coordinator
-
1996 - 1998
Responsible for auditing the 5 Latin American countries on insurance business, as well as, covering the other activities in Brazil such as, Industries, Radios, Hotels and House & Construction business. Responsible for auditing the 5 Latin American countries on insurance business, as well as, covering the other activities in Brazil such as, Industries, Radios, Hotels and House & Construction business.
-
-
-
KPMG
-
Canada
-
Accounting
-
700 & Above Employee
-
Supervisor Senior
-
1991 - 1996
Five-year experience as an external auditor working in Controllership and Financial Statements audit (planning and execution) in Local/Foreign companies; Banks and Investments funds as well as Insurance companies; Internal Control flow and accounting information survey execution in operational areas and back office in Local and Foreign companies; Investments, Credit and Exchange operation in Financial Institutions and Acceptance/Underwriting Process, Risk and Claims Assignments in Insurance… Show more Five-year experience as an external auditor working in Controllership and Financial Statements audit (planning and execution) in Local/Foreign companies; Banks and Investments funds as well as Insurance companies; Internal Control flow and accounting information survey execution in operational areas and back office in Local and Foreign companies; Investments, Credit and Exchange operation in Financial Institutions and Acceptance/Underwriting Process, Risk and Claims Assignments in Insurance companies. Show less Five-year experience as an external auditor working in Controllership and Financial Statements audit (planning and execution) in Local/Foreign companies; Banks and Investments funds as well as Insurance companies; Internal Control flow and accounting information survey execution in operational areas and back office in Local and Foreign companies; Investments, Credit and Exchange operation in Financial Institutions and Acceptance/Underwriting Process, Risk and Claims Assignments in Insurance… Show more Five-year experience as an external auditor working in Controllership and Financial Statements audit (planning and execution) in Local/Foreign companies; Banks and Investments funds as well as Insurance companies; Internal Control flow and accounting information survey execution in operational areas and back office in Local and Foreign companies; Investments, Credit and Exchange operation in Financial Institutions and Acceptance/Underwriting Process, Risk and Claims Assignments in Insurance companies. Show less
-
-
Education
-
Insper Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa
MBA, Finance -
Universidade Paulista
Bachelor, Accounting with CPA/CRC (Certified Public Accountant)