I have been working intensively in internationally spread (manufacturing) organizations with strong local management. Seven years of it in a private equity backed group. During this period I was exposed to different cultures and styles (overall I spend about 50% of my time working with foreign teams, including longer project related stays in specific countries) and I gained extensive working knowledge of controlling, analysis, performance management and business support. In my roles as European Controller initially and later as Group Finance Director I have been successful in finding the right balance between central financial control and efficiency on one side and local autonomy on the other side. The main objective being to keep a strict accountability while still actively supporting local entrepreneurial and commercial actions. To achieve this, my interpersonal and communication skills as well as my leadership style were essential.Main achievements and personal capabilities:• Team player able to support managers across a multinational organization of SMEs in order to improve performance by demonstrating high-level analytical skills, thoroughly understanding of the business and clear and open communication of financial knowledge;• Ability to lead and guide geographically dispersed financial teams to support achievement of overall corporate goals and objectives;• Leading the preparation of financial reports to analyze and forecast the strategic position of the group and its local entities. Proven expertise in driving efficiency through evaluation of performance monitoring systems and implementation of process improvements; • Introduction of the concept of “risk conscience” management by identifying and neutralizing pressure points that encourage excessive risk taking;• Introduction of ERP systems (Navision, Baan and SAP) and management reporting systems (Frango and Hyperion);• Optimisation of financial and administrative processes.Specialties: Balancing the need for group control with the dynamics of local entrepreneurship• People management and motivation• Financial reporting under IFRS and Belgian GAAP (including management and legal consolidation)• Performance Management (linking strategic objectives to day to day work)• Cash Reporting, Cash flow and working capital management• Merger & Acquistion, due diligences and post acquisition integration• Restructuring and change management