Open To Work
Hi, I’m
CRISTINA ROTARU
Affoltern am Albis
Summary
Finance executive with 13+ years of experience in finance transformation, scaling operations, and strategic business partnering within international trading environments. Track record of building finance functions from the ground up, strengthening governance, and supporting C-level decision-making in businesses generating €50–90m PAT. Strong expertise in financial performance management, multi-GAAP reporting (IFRS, Swiss GAAP), and finance digitalization. ACCA finalist.
Overview
14
years of professional experience
Work History
EzpadaPrague | Zug
HEAD OF GROUP FINANCE OPERATIONS
01.2019 - 09.2025
Job overview
- Led the build and transformation of the Group Finance function for a fast-growing energy trading company, supporting expansion across Europe and the UK. Reported directly to CFO and shareholders.
- Partnered with CFO and shareholders to define and execute financial strategy, supporting expansion into new trading products (VCCs, Guarantees of Origin)
- Held full budget P&L ownership for a €50–90m PAT business, driving cost optimization
- Delivered financial insights, modeling, and scenario analysis that informed strategic decision-making.
- Reduced operational and audit-related costs by optimizing processes and renegotiating external services contracts.
- Built the finance function from scratch, transitioning from outsourced model to fully in-house structure
- Reduced financial close cycle from 6+ months to monthly reporting, improving visibility and agility
- Implemented zero-based budgeting and KPI-driven performance management framework
- Acted as a key interface with auditors, and external financial stakeholders, supporting financing and operational processes
- Monitored financial performance indicators including liquidity, solvency, and profitability metrics to support decision-making
- Led implementation of Microsoft Dynamics (Navision) and migration to cloud-based finance systems
- Designed approval frameworks for payments, budgeting, and financial controls
- Established robust Internal Control System (ICS) and multi-GAAP reporting (IFRS, Swiss GAAP, Czech GAAP)
- Led group audits with Deloitte, reducing audit timeline by over 1 month
- Built and led a team of 14 finance professionals across reporting, controlling, accounting and process improvement teams, developing strong technical and leadership capabilities
- Fostered a high-performance, accountability-driven culture
KMG Rompetrol SRLBucharest
PLANNING PERFORMANCE MANAGER
11.2017 - 12.2018
Job overview
- Managed group-level budget consolidation and presented insights to top management
- Supported business in achieving €130m PAT through strategic financial planning
- Led group budgeting and re-forecasting processes, optimizing cost structures and validating assumptions
- Reduced group overhead costs by over 30% through cost optimization initiatives
- Supported implementation of SAP BPC for performance management and planning
Allianz TradeBucharest
TRANSITION LEAD SPECIALIST
02.2017 - 11.2017
Job overview
- Led a critical finance transformation project, transitioning accounting, controlling, and reporting activities for Nordic entities to a newly established Shared Service Center. Standardized and automated end-to-end processes, delivering a successful pilot that directly enabled the company’s decision to scale and expand the SSC in Bucharest.
- Orchestrated cross-border collaboration, aligning stakeholders across multiple countries to ensure operational continuity during the transition.
- Established robust control frameworks that enhanced governance and financial oversight, supporting the creation of a scalable finance operating model.
- Identified control gaps and designed a SOX control system adopted at the group level, strengthening the internal control environment.
Kellogg CompanyBucharest
REPORTING AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT
06.2015 - 02.2017
Job overview
- Managed the preparation and submission of accurate financial close reports to senior management, enhancing the overall efficiency of financial processes.
- Ensured compliance with Kellogg's Order to Cash policies, GAAP, and audit requirements, contributing to the integrity of financial reporting and operational transparency.
- Coordinated with EU business to deliver comprehensive ART, tax packages, and government reporting, ensuring adherence to regional regulations.
- Led cross-border and culturally diverse teams in India, facilitating collaboration and ensuring alignment with financial reporting standards.
- Resolved Mark Up imbalances in EPC markets, collaborating with market accountants to ensure accurate financial reporting and alignment with corporate policies.
- Performed internal audit by applying SOX controls to entities in Milan and Manchester, assessing production controls and payroll processes for compliance.
KMG Rompetrol SRLBucharest
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT
09.2013 - 05.2015
Job overview
- Ensured the absolute integrity and accuracy of financial data, reconciliations, and reporting, which was critical for risk transparency and high-stakes decision-making.
- Oversaw banking operations, IFRS compliance, and end-to-end bookings for trading entity Vector Energy, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
- Collaborated with Risk department in trading environment, enhancing financial framework by implementing reconciliations between SAP and trading ERP.
- Safeguarded data consistency and maintained operational stability during the system transition by meticulously aligning trading positions with accounting records and proactively resolving inconsistencies.
- Facilitated migration from Bulldog CTRM to Aspect CTRM system, ensuring seamless transition of trading operations.
ACL INTERNATIONALBucharest
Junior Auditor
12.2011 - 05.2012
Education
Academy of Economic StudiesBucharest
Master in Accounting, Control and Expertise
01-2014
Titu Maiorescu UniversityBucharest
Master in Taxation and Financial Policies
01-2013
Placementmaker LtdNottingham, UK
Erasmus scholarship in Project Management
01-2012
Academy of Economic StudiesBucharest
Bachelor in Accounting and Management of Informatics Systems
01-2011
Skills
- Financial Management
- Financial Performance Management
- Financial Oversight
- Banking Reporting
- Covenant Compliance
- IFRS
- Swiss GAAP
- Group Consolidation
- Financial performance
- Finance Transformation
- Process Optimization
- Automation
- ERP Implementation
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Shared Services
- Executive Leadership
- Change Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Internal controls
- Mentoring
Languages
- English, Advanced, C2
- French, Basic, A2
- German, Basic, A2 (in progress)
- Romanian, Mother tongue
Private Engagement And Volunteering
- MENTOR, WOMEN'S FINDEPENDANCE DAY, Business & Professional Women, Prague, Czech Republic, 08/2022, 12/2023
- LEADERSHIP MENTOR, Femme Palette, Prague, Czech Republic, 02/2022, Present
Core Competencies
Executive Leadership, High-Performing Teams & People Development, Governance & Financial Oversight, Change Management, Stakeholder Management, Mentoring, Financial Performance Management, Banking Relationships, Covenant Compliance, Finance Transformation, Process Optimization, Automation, ERP Implementation (Microsoft Dynamics, SAP BPC), Shared Services, IFRS, Swiss GAAP, Czech GAAP, Group Consolidation, Internal Controls (ICS, SOX), Audit Management
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimePart TimeGig WorkLocation Preference
HybridRemoteOn-SiteSalary Range
Fr160000/yr - Fr200000/yrTimeline
HEAD OF GROUP FINANCE OPERATIONS
Ezpada
01.2019 - 09.2025
PLANNING PERFORMANCE MANAGER
KMG Rompetrol SRL
11.2017 - 12.2018
TRANSITION LEAD SPECIALIST
Allianz Trade
02.2017 - 11.2017
REPORTING AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT
Kellogg Company
06.2015 - 02.2017
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT
KMG Rompetrol SRL
09.2013 - 05.2015
Junior Auditor
ACL INTERNATIONAL
12.2011 - 05.2012
Academy of Economic Studies
Master in Accounting, Control and Expertise
Titu Maiorescu University
Master in Taxation and Financial Policies
Placementmaker Ltd
Erasmus scholarship in Project Management
Academy of Economic Studies
Bachelor in Accounting and Management of Informatics Systems