Kevin Bisset
Salvenach,Fribourg
Summary
As a dynamic finance leader with a proven track record in operational finance, I have successfully overseen financial operations for European Automotive and Industrial Business Units. Managing a substantial €700 million turnover across 11 sites, my achievements include providing strategic financial support for Five-Year Plans, executing successful Corporate Simplification Projects, and optimizing organizational structures. Proficient in ERP systems, reporting tools, and fluent in English, I bring a results-driven approach to financial management.
Moreover, my coaching and leadership skills have been instrumental in building high-performing teams, fostering positive working relationships, and mentoring department managers in budget forecasting and cost-reduction measures. My commitment to improvement extends to generating operational savings and driving continuous improvements across processes. This holistic approach has consistently allowed me to make significant contributions to organizational success.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
European Finance Director Operations
Johnson Electric International AG
Morat, Fribourg
08.2011 - 09.2023
- Led finance and accounting for Johnson Electric's European Operations, overseeing Automotive and Industrial Business Units with a €700 million turnover for 11 sites across several countries.
- Handled all aspects of finance, including operational, budgeting, forecasting, statutory, and fiscal obligations.
- Collaborated with Operational and Business Unit VP’s on profitability analysis and improvement strategies. Provided strategic financial support for Sales-driven Five-Year Plan.
- Ensured statutory and legal compliance, supporting PBS Structure and Transfer Pricing on a European and Global scale.
- Managed European Budgeting and Forecasting processes for all Functions and Business Units. Initiated, trained, and managed FP&A function in Hungary.
- Standardized and streamlined reporting for enhanced relevance and transparency.
- Conducted investment appraisals for new products and contracts.
- Provided financial support for commercial and warranty issues.
- Successfully executed a Corporate Simplification Project, closing redundant legal structures.
UK Financial Controller
Francotyp-Postalia Ltd
Dartford, Kent
06.2010 - 07.2011
- Oversaw Finance & Accounting for the Francotyp Postalia UK subsidiary, managing a €12 million turnover and 90 staff.
- Reported to the Managing Director and Group Controller at the European HQ in Berlin. Held responsibilities for UK Statutory Accounting and IFRS Group Reporting, as well as Budgeting and Forecasting.
- Managed a finance team of 8, covering diverse functions such as Accounting, Purchasing, Invoicing, Payroll, Inventory, Sales, and Teleset.
- Additionally, handled cash management and forecasting, conducted analysis of results, risks, and opportunities for new product launches and promotions.
- Implemented controls and processes to enhance reporting efficiency and utilized IT systems for improved inventory control, reducing obsolescence.
Finance & IT Director – Hodonin & Lozorno
International Automotive Components Group
Lozorno / Hodonin, Bratislava / South Moravia
04.2005 - 12.2009
- Led Finance & Accounting for IAC's Czech & Slovak automotive manufacturing facilities, managing a €150 million turnover and 1,000 staff.
- Handled consolidation to US GAAP/IFRS, along with Budgeting and Forecasting.
- Managed a finance team of 20, covering Accounting, Purchasing, Invoicing, Payroll, Inventory, Sales, and Cost Accounting.
- Oversaw SOX Compliance, cash management, and external/internal financial reporting. Conducted analysis of results, risks, and opportunities, implementing controls and processes for more efficient reporting.
- Analyzed Product Line Profitability and collaborated with Sales Support for Commercial Support & Action.
- Actively engaged in Six Sigma & Lean Manufacturing initiatives, consistently seeking new opportunities for facility improvement.
- Fostered collaboration with all departments to proactively resolve issues.
Controller / Consolidation Manager
Magna Automotive Interiors
München, Bavaria
06.2002 - 03.2005
- Overseeing reporting for Marketing, Business & Program Development, and BMW Projects.
- Controlled and consolidated corporate costs, managed the corporate budget with a focus on strategic projects and programs, and provided support for European budgeting.
- Developed and implemented a product costing system for both new and existing facilities. Appraised investments for Interior Projects, including the BMW Mini, and actively engaged in Project Controlling.
- Created and developed Executive Information Systems (EIS) for senior management, served as the Project Accountant for the New DC Door Panel Program, and handled ad hoc projects and financial modeling as required.
Senior Financial Analyst
Magna Automotive Interiors
Maidstone, Kent
05.1999 - 06.2002
Worldwide Reporting Manager
Daimler Chrysler Rail Systems
Charlottenburg, Berlin
01.1998 - 05.1999
Management Accountant
Daimler Chrysler Rail Systems
Ashford, Kent
02.1997 - 01.1998
Cost & Management Accountant
Diamant Boart UK Ltd
Staplehurst, Kent
06.1995 - 01.1997
Assistant Accountant
FEB Ltd (Sandoz)
Swinton, Salford
03.1994 - 06.1995
Cost Accountant
Swan Mill Paper Co Ltd
Dartford, Kent
05.1991 - 02.1994
Trainee Accountant
Berry & Co
Maidstone, Kent
12.1989 - 05.1991
Education
FCCA -
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
London, United KingdomACCA -
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
London, United KingdomA-Levels -
Maidstone Grammar School for Boys
Maidstone, United Kingdom 09.1982 - 08.1988
Skills
- Business and Strategic Planning: Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing business strategies, aligning financial goals with overall organizational objectives
- Financial Modelling: Proficient in creating and utilizing financial models for forecasting, budgeting, and strategic decision-making
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: Extensive experience with ERP systems, including Oracle, Movex, Sage, AS400, and BPCS
- Financial Management Reporting: Proven track record in generating and interpreting financial reports to support effective decision-making at both operational and strategic levels
- Capital Investment: Adept at evaluating and managing capital investments, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and financial objectives
- Financial Accounting and Control Systems: Strong background in establishing and maintaining robust financial accounting and control systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance
- Cashflow Forecasting: Proficient in cash flow forecasting, enabling effective financial planning and resource allocation
- Reporting and Documentation: Skillful in producing clear and comprehensive reports and documentation to communicate financial information effectively
- Inspiring Team Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire finance teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment
- KPI Management: Proven experience in defining, tracking, and managing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure and drive financial performance
Languages
English
Native
German
Elementary
Timeline
European Finance Director Operations
Johnson Electric International AG
08.2011 - 09.2023
UK Financial Controller
Francotyp-Postalia Ltd
06.2010 - 07.2011
Finance & IT Director – Hodonin & Lozorno
International Automotive Components Group
04.2005 - 12.2009
Controller / Consolidation Manager
Magna Automotive Interiors
06.2002 - 03.2005
Senior Financial Analyst
Magna Automotive Interiors
05.1999 - 06.2002
Worldwide Reporting Manager
Daimler Chrysler Rail Systems
01.1998 - 05.1999
Management Accountant
Daimler Chrysler Rail Systems
02.1997 - 01.1998
Cost & Management Accountant
Diamant Boart UK Ltd
06.1995 - 01.1997
Assistant Accountant
FEB Ltd (Sandoz)
03.1994 - 06.1995
Cost Accountant
Swan Mill Paper Co Ltd
05.1991 - 02.1994
Trainee Accountant
Berry & Co
12.1989 - 05.1991
A-Levels -
Maidstone Grammar School for Boys
09.1982 - 08.1988
FCCA -
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
ACCA -
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
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