Experience

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  American Iron & Metal (AIM)

  • Canada
  • Utilities
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Chief Financial Officer

    • Oct 2023 - Present

    Organizes, plans and implements initiatives to improve business performance and financial transparency with a commitment to organizational excellence and growth. Drives and maintains cross-functional communication with regional operational leadership in the US/MX and Europe, and act as the primary liaison to corporate leadership on financial matters. Establishes a best-in-class Finance function characterized by improved internal controls, costing and standardized processes across the region. Reduced the close process by 40% and improved corporate reporting for decision making, enabling better strategic planning, financial analysis and risk management.

  • Group Chief Financial Officer

    • Apr 2021 - Sep 2023

    Led global Finance and IT functions, reporting directly to the CEO and shareholders. Spearheaded the comprehensive reorganization of the finance team to strengthen business partnering, financial transparency, strategic planning capabilities, and establishment of a performance culture. The scope of the transformation included establishing a clear vision, setting strategic goals, redefining departmental roles, optimizing processes, centralizing key services, and digitally transforming the finance function. Partnered with the CIO to lead the enterprise-wide digital transformation, implementing a strategic IT roadmap, new ERP, and supporting systems.

• 

  Liberty Iron & Metal, Inc.

  • Phoenix, Arizona, United States

  • Chief Financial Officer, Member of the Board of Directors

    • Jul 2016 - Mar 2021
    • Phoenix, Arizona, United States

    Implemented a new corporate governance and organizational structure, simplified the business organization and created a platform for sustainable growth, including the establishment of a $50.0 million line of credit, repositioning the company for future growth. Led performance improvement initiatives and navigated the company through the COVID-19 crisis with a comprehensive response plan. Provided executive leadership alongside the CEO to secure a P.P.P. loan and negotiate key concessions from lenders. Implemented cost reduction strategies and managed the divestiture of most of the company's East Coast assets.

• 

  Scholz Recycling

  • Essingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

  • Senior Manager, Group Controlling and Investment Management

    • Nov 2014 - Mar 2021
    • Essingen, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

    Managed and developed group holding companies in Austria, the Balkans and the USA, providing hands-on guidance to improve operations and finances. Communicated regularly with senior executives and regional managers to improve operational efficiency and optimize the company's cost structures based on forecasts and budgets. Developed plans to improve performance and liquidity, including participation in merger and acquisition activities. Played a key role in the restructuring of the Group's U.S. region, resulting in the takeover of $16.6 of bank debt. As Divisional CFO, supported the buyout of former minority partners and assumed responsibility for gaining control of acquired businesses and all post-merger integration activities. Monitored and improved group level financial control systems, prepared consolidated financial budgets for over 100 legal entities and conducted budget reviews with regional management. Ensured financial transparency through ad hoc analysis, benchmarking and business valuations.

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  Helbling Business Advisors

  • Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

  • Manager, Corporate Restructuring and Turnaround Management

    • Jun 2012 - Oct 2014
    • Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

    Designed and implemented cash, performance and forecasting control systems for a tool manufacturing group. Prepared and delivered management reports to shareholders and senior management, providing clarity and insight for decision making. Prepared mid-term budgets for 30+ group companies with a performance improvement list to help the group improve its financial and operational results. Closely tracked progress and completion of improvement actions. Worked on a restructuring report for an international engineering company, providing insights and recommendations for their turnaround strategy. Validated business plans and prepared quarterly reports for a credit-financed automotive supplier, contributing to its sustainable financial health and compliance.

• 

  Polo Expressversand GmbH

  • Jüchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

  • Head of Finance and Controlling

    • 2009 - 2012
    • Jüchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

    Led a 15-person team in the finance, accounting, controlling, human resources, and legal departments and oversaw all financial activities, including costing, accounting, budgeting, and cash management, to ensure the company's financial health and performance. Proactively managed cash flow, improved net working capital and refined inventory planning for more than 10,000 SKUs. Worked with auditors, banks, and consultants, and led various improvement projects throughout the company.

• 

  Credit Suisse

  • Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany

  • Mergers & Acquisitions

    • 2009 - 2009
    • Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany

    Assisted in the drafting of pitch books and marketing materials, perform market assessments, valuations, and perform due diligence work.

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  UBS

  • Bad Homburg, Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany

  • Private Wealth Management, Family Office

    • 2007 - 2007
    • Bad Homburg, Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany

    Supported the benchmarking and drafting of a concept for a beauty contest in asset management, stress testing of customer portfolios, drafting of marketing materials and investment guidelines, preparation of proposals for asset re-allocations.

• 

  Sal. Oppenheim

  • Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany

  • Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Institutions

    • 2007 - 2007
    • Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany

    Drafting of company profiles, market and competitor analyses, and research about valuations from banks and insurance companies.

• 

  Arthur D. Little

  • Munich, Bavaria, Germany

  • Management Consulting, Financial Services Group

    • 2006 - 2006
    • Munich, Bavaria, Germany

    Help with planning client workshops, evaluation of a mid-sized insurance company regarding possible improvement areas, creation of a tool to manage key accounts in the insurance sector.

• 

  Sparkasse Krefeld

  • Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

  • Banker

    • Aug 2002 - Jan 2005
    • Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

    Client advisory in various branches, financial planning, securities trading.