Knut Thalmann, Cpa, Cgma, Fmva® Email & Phone Number

Berwyn, Pa, Us

Business Unit Controller for AMETEK's Instrumentation, Controls and Vision Systems (ICVS) BU. Leading a team in Germany, Mexico and the US acting as the strategic business partner for the BU's Sales, Operations and Business leadership team. Areas of responsibility include financial and managerial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis. Owner of the BU's P&L and balance sheet together with DVP/BU Manager.

Addison, Il, Us

Member of the regional (US/Canada) senior management team leading the financial management, FP&A, performance management, financial reporting, accounting (IFRS, US GAAP) and tax functions.Selected Achievements:Consolidated and improved Finance and Accounting function and shortened month end close and forecast process via ERP system and process improvements.Supported revenue and profit growth initiatives by providing financial insights through business case modeling, customer pricing and contribution margin analysis, product line analysis and vendor selection.Improved inventory and fixed asset (CapEx) forecast and reporting resulting in a reduction of inventory levels and CapEx spend.Reduced G&A spend in several areas such as tax and audit fees, bank fees, insurance cost, utility cost, IT maintenance & consulting cost while still ensuring proper service and support levels.

Frankfurt Am Main, De

Drove company P&L by ensuring timely and comprehensive management reporting, financial analysis, forecasting and budgeting and adequate risk management. Additional responsibilities included month end close support, customer billing, OPEX/CAPEX purchase approvals, financial modeling and pricing for new and existing customer deals, preparation of business review and management board presentations, technical accounting support and special projects as assigned by CFO/CEO.Selected Accomplishments:Developed financial pricing models supporting Sales in deal wins with up to $30m in value.Financially managed and led cost savings initiatives delivering over $10m p.a. in savings.Provided financial leadership within several business transformation programs and ensured subsequent alignment of finance organization, systems, processes and KPI.Transformed and improved finance processes and tools: i.e. implemented SAP BPC based forecast process, deployed SAP BW and later BI reporting solutions. Further improved month end close process via cost charging automation, close process standardization, tool improvements, accounting and finance staff training & simplification.Maintained CPA license via CPE and continued to advise in technical accounting issues. Implemented new revenue (ASC 606, IFRS 15) and lease standards (ASC 842, IFRS 16).Promoted more than 10 team members into new positions within company / group. Highest team satisfaction ratings for 8 years out of 10. Successfully near-shored parts of Finance staff to Mexico saving 2/3 of local labor cost.

Frankfurt Am Main, De

Managed functional areas of Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Fixed Assets, Payroll, T&E and Financial Reporting based on IFRS and US GAAP. Managed and was point of contact for external and internal audits and ensured performance and documentation of SOX controls. Worked with internal and external tax accountants to ensure appropriate tax reporting, sales and use tax, property tax and federal and state taxes.Selected Accomplishments:Implemented Fast Close procedures and tools accelerating month close to 1st from 4th day.Provided accounting and tax compliance guidance for outsourcing deals ($1m to $60m).Restructured and substantially improved tax function ensuring compliance & in time filings.Successfully resolved and mitigated legacy tax issues mitigating $8m in audit risks.Improved documentation of SOX and internal controls and mitigated existing control issues.Implemented monthly reporting and forecast process for cash management as well as foreign currency hedging.

Cologne, , De

Managed all financial, human resources and legal affairs of the company. As a member of the senior management team provided leadership with regard to the day to day operations as well as strategic management of the company with full P&L and balance sheet accountability. Performed Secretary duties for the Board of Directors and handled all corporate governance issues. Selected Accomplishments:Established entire finance and accounting infrastructure (SAP) and implemented all key management information and reporting systems.Developed and implemented policies, processes, and tools for the Sales and Project Delivery functions increasing Sales and Project Delivery efficiencies.Successful managed acquisition and integration of Californian consulting practice adding $4m in annual revenues. Launched company’s Mexican operations ensuring legal and tax compliance. Spearheaded Mexican Sales initiatives achieving Sales of US$1.8m in first year of operations.Successfully performed commercial management tasks to close consulting deals with a contract value of up to $3m. Go to person for financial modeling, contract drafting, negotiation and deal closing support.Implemented employee policies and procedures, recruiting process, career development and retention approach as well as performance review process.

Cologne, , De

My team handled all aspects of the group reporting, forecasting & budgeting process (group comprised of 17 international subsidiaries). Team prepared, analysed and presented to senior management monthly financial reports, quarterly forecasts, annual and three year financial plans and forecasts. Participated in international acquisition and divestiture activities (focus on due diligence reviews and company valuations) and was involved in special projects. Selected Accomplishments:Developed and implemented international, multi-currency group reporting system (Comshare FDC, later SAP) shortening reporting time by 10 work days to first work day of following month. Led integration of accounting and reporting systems (SAP) within a post-merger integration successfully migrating system in a 3 months period.Successfully helped group entities (e.g. in Russia, Switzerland, U.S.A.) w/r to the implementation or improvement of the local accounting, reporting and performance management systems.

Reviewed and analyzed operating results and metrics of the affiliated companies (portfolio of more than 20 entities) and reported recommendations for areas of improvement and accompanying measures to company senior management. Also prepared company valuations and participated in due diligence reviews within the company’s acquisition and divestiture activities ($6m to $45m deal volume).Selected Accomplishments:Developed / further improved methods, procedures, reports, and databases (MS Access) to track and maintain data for analytics. Implemented benchmarking approach allowing benchmarking not only within affiliated companies portfolio but also against external industry benchmarks increasing transparency and allowing more effective performance measurement approach.Developed and implemented financial models for company valuations (DCF method, multiples) and due diligence checklists & methodologies increasing effectiveness and efficiency within M&A projects.

Gb

Audited various mid-size companies in the utility, transportation and manufacturing industry. Supported due diligence reviews for M&A advisory clients. Participated in internal audits for utility and transportation industry clients.