
Joanna Towers
Location
Bern
Field of Study
Economics & Marketing
Expertise
Corporate Controlling / Fianance
About
Experienced Group/Corporate Controller
Experienced Group Controller with a degree in Finance and Marketing • Extensive know-how in KPIs, Cost Accounting, marketing controlling, budgeting/forecasting, customer service and cost center reporting • Wide competence in incentive and sales reduction reporting, schemes and harmonization across divisions • Experience in startup and closure of subsidiaries abroad • Comprehensive knowledge in price control tools and procedures, service center cost and compliance reviews, stock management and liquidation processes • Ability to provide high quality of work with a structured approach and respected deadlines • A detailed, hands-on approach and an ability to multitask under demanding circumstances • Excellent communication skills with both internal and external business partners and ability to work in a team environment and across different functions as well as independently
Social Media:
Skills
Analysis Reports
Annual Budgets
Annual Reviews
Balance Sheet Review
Budget Analysis
Budget Control
Cost Reporting
Financial Statement Analysis
General Reporting
Group Financial Reporting
Headcount Reporting
Internal Control Implementation
Internal Controls
KPI
KPI Reports
Marketing Reporting
P&L review
Reporting & Analysis
SAP
Site Closure
Open for
fulltime
parttime
Work Experience
Swatch Group LTD
2013-04 - 2019-08
Group Controller
Bern
fulltime
Monitoring, analysis, review and challenging of monthly financial and operational reports of the Group companies and its business units - Comparison of actual results with set targets, analysis of discrepancies and initial review of correct reporting according to set accounting standards (Swiss GAAP) - Review of operational processes, systems and structures of Group Companies - Performance of Operational and Cost reviews - Management of a portfolio of countries and brands followed by regular performance of onsite compliance and reporting reviews - Control of corporate compliance of internal regulations and Local Governance regulations including review with local auditors - Supervision and coordination of the budgeting process - Strategic projects such as due diligence, restructuring, build-up of new activities and closure of Group subsidiaries - Support of Internal Control support (ICS) - Process implementation and evaluation - Review and update of internal guidelines - Establishment and implementation of best practices and new tools in addition to execution of Group policies and procedures in the subsidiaries - Review of retail activities including performance and profit analysis - Organization, planning and leading global CFO conferences During the 6 years at Swatch Group, responsible Group Controller, for Group Subsidiaries in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Russia, Poland, Greece, Turkey, UK and South Africa as well as for the Brand companies Hamilton and Calvin Klein. Left the position upon my own request due to 2-year long spouse relocation to USA during 2020-202
Swatch Group Nordic
2010-05 - 2013-03
Business Controller
Stockholm, Sweden
fulltime
Financial reporting and analysis, month- and year end closing - Preparation of financial statements, consolidation of outcomes - Controlling and monitoring cost and revenues including analyzing the operating results against budget and PY - Budget and forecasting - Cash Forecasting - Review of the financial figures with Brand Managers and the Swiss Headquarter - Participation in the year- end audits, compliance and internal yearly reviews - SAP/ER Interface enhancement implementations - Internal Control Assessment - CS Profitability calculation. Inventory control Participated and lead various internal projects in order to improve the financial performance such as review and implementation of Sales reduction schemes, stock management, liquidation and KPI evaluation. Lead regular meetings with the local brand divisions in order increase the P&L bottom line.
SEB
2010-01 - 2010-04
Project Controller (project based assignment)
Stockholm, Sweden
fulltime
Manage the target setting and financial reporting - Implementation of a new financial database - Support stakeholders in the financial and performance reporting - Support project managers and program area managers to interpret and analyze the financial results
Accenturev
2008-11 - 2009-11
Accountant
Prague, Czech Republic
fulltime
Accounts Payable / Accounts Receivable responsible for the outsourced division - Intercompany charges - Account reconciliations - Month-end closing and reporting - Expense report reviews, vendor queries - Reporting Responsible for the knowledge transfer and BPO of a clients’ financial processes and a physical transfer of a Shared Service Centre from the clients’ head office in Copenhagen, Denmark to a BPO company in Prague, Czech Republic. This included process documentation and implementation of financial processes at the new location with a new team. Stabilized the processes after only a few months and was constantly working with trackers, business objectives, process optimization and SLA’s (Service Level Agreement).
Academic Experience
IHM Business School -
2006.07 - 2008.07
Bachelor of Science, BSc in Economics & Marketing (bachelor in finance)
Gavle University -
2010.12 - 2011.11
Bachelor of Science, BSc in Leadership (individual course)
Umea University -
2008.12 - 2009.11
Bachelor of Science, BSc in Project Management (individual course)