Mercedes Lacuesta
Montevideo
Summary
- Accomplished finance and administration leader with a proven track record at CHR Group, enhancing operational efficiencies and spearheading financial management across 30 companies. Demonstrated expertise in financial planning and staff training.
- Proficient in negotiation and technology integration, driving business strategies to optimize performance and support organizational growth.
- Efficient Manager of Administration known for high productivity and ability to complete tasks swiftly and effectively. Specialize in strategic planning, workflow optimization, and staff management.
- Excellent communication skills, leadership, and problem-solving, ensuring seamless operations across all administrative functions.
- Multi-talented and collaborative administrative manager focused on business efficiency and operational improvements. Dedicated and decisive leader with strategic and forward-thinking mindset offering several years of experience.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager of Administration and Finance
CHR Group
Montevideo
12.2015 - Current
- Responsible for the accounting of the group companies in Uruguay, group consolidation, and financial management of the companies under supervision
- The group consists of approximately 30 companies, with monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting to foreign stakeholders
- Supervision of a 15-member accounting team for companies under direct responsibility, and acting as Controller for other companies, serving as the liaison with external auditors and shareholders
- Management of bank accounts, cash flows, and both individual and corporate budgets
- Preparation of Budgets, Cash Flow, and Forecasts
- Preparation of financial statements, notes (in Spanish and English), and corporate management reports
- Key Achievements:
- Successful completion of monthly closing tasks in line with pre-established planning
- Group audit report without observations or adjustments, meeting all deadlines
- Digitization of billing and receipt processes
- Successful implementation of electronic invoicing
- Standardization of reporting formats and account reconciliations for monthly reports to headquarters
- Directed daily operations of the administrative department, including staff supervision and development.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures to improve operational efficiencies within the administrative team.
- Coordinated with internal departments to ensure smooth functioning of administration activities.
Accountant – Head of Accounting and Administration
Software and Hardware Company
05.2013 - 12.2015
- Responsible for the accounting of the group companies in Uruguay and group consolidation
- Supervision of invoicing, receipt of documents, compliance analysis, preparation of quarterly reports for the group, and monthly reports for the Uruguayan companies
- Preparation of financial statements (in Spanish and English), audit reports, and tax filings
- Developed and implemented various procedures and processes to improve communication and efficiency, which had not previously been established
- Key Achievements:
- Completion of monthly closing tasks in line with pre-established planning
- Group audit report without observations or adjustments, meeting all deadlines
- Improvements in invoicing processes and document registration
- Standardization of reporting formats and account reconciliations for monthly reports to headquarters
Cost and Reporting Analyst
Sherwin Williams Uruguay
08.2011 - 05.2013
- Valuation and analysis of stock obsolescence, rotation, imports, and inventory; tax benefits from production and exports
- Preparation of monthly reports on accounts, provisions for bad debts, fixed assets, etc
- Preparation of asset management reports in compliance with accounting and tax standards, monthly tax filings, audit reports, and financial statement notes
- Participated in the development of the annual budget and analysis of variances
- Oversaw approved investment projects and actions related to obsolete materials
Accounting and Administration Professor
Secondary Education Institute
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Taught accounting and administration to a technology-focused high school group at I.A.V.A
- This experience allowed me to pass on my knowledge gained from Grant Thornton, where I coached new generations of junior students on accounting and auditing concepts
Audit Manager
Grant Thornton
05.2005 - 08.2011
- Acquired extensive experience in accounting, US GAAP, and other standards, managing teams and supervising tasks
- Led the preparation of adjustments, discussed them with clients, and prepared financial statements (in Spanish and English), including consolidation for economic groups
- Gained experience in various industries, including forestry, agriculture, wind energy, manufacturing, financial services, and investment funds
- Specialized in BCU regulations, compliance for investment funds in free zones, and anti-money laundering procedures
- Provided coaching and evaluation for junior students, and taught courses on accounting and auditing concepts
Education
Postgraduate - Cost and Business Management Specialization
UDELAR
01.2020
Certified Public Accountant -
UDELAR
01.2012
High School Diploma - Engineering
Escuela y Liceo Elbio Fernandez
01.2002
Skills
- Business strategies
- Scheduling and calendar management
- Financial Planning
- Negotiation
- Technology Integration
- Budget Management
- Staff Training
- Professionalism
References
- Wlady Helou, Finance and Administration Manager, Sherwin Williams Uruguay, 095 096 633
- Juan Pablo Fernandez, Audit Manager, Grant Thornton, 099676722
- Andrea Curbelo, Accountant, 098762129
Languages
English, Advanced (Written and Oral)
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 09/19/84
- Marital Status: Married
Languages
Spanish
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Timeline
Manager of Administration and Finance
CHR Group
12.2015 - Current
Accountant – Head of Accounting and Administration
Software and Hardware Company
05.2013 - 12.2015
Cost and Reporting Analyst
Sherwin Williams Uruguay
08.2011 - 05.2013
Accounting and Administration Professor
Secondary Education Institute
01.2011 - 01.2012
Audit Manager
Grant Thornton
05.2005 - 08.2011
Postgraduate - Cost and Business Management Specialization
UDELAR
Certified Public Accountant -
UDELAR
High School Diploma - Engineering
Escuela y Liceo Elbio Fernandez
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