Sebastian S.

Experience

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  Vlaggen Industrie Groningen BV

  Feb 1996 - Jul 1996

  Jnr. Total Quality Manager

  ▪ Project Management: Wrote procedures for the quality handbooks and Health & Environmental manuals;▪ Assisted the company with the implementation of an ISO-9002 (quality) certification;▪ Restructured the waste assimilation;▪ Developed and introduced a new database system for collation of client information.

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  BDS Consultants vof

  Sept 1996 - Feb 1998

  General Manager / Business Consultant (CEO and Co-founder)

  ▪ Set up and directed a successful consultancy business providing expertise on marketing, quality management and employment policies;▪ Created marketing campaigns for both BDS and corporate clients;▪ Delivered engaging presentations to senior executives and C-suite clients.

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  Van Der Valk Hotel Assen, Netherlands

  Dec 1997 - Aug 1999

  Hotel Duty Manager

  ▪ Responsible for general hotel operations; General accounting work; ▪ Preparation of work schedules.

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  EXPO 2000 - Dutch Pavillion

  May 2000 - Nov 2000

  Guest Relations VIP Host

  ▪ Planned daily programs for VIP groups who I then acted as a guide for;▪ Front Office VIP duty; Administrative work and scheduling.

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  Hamilton Bright BV

  Jul 2001 - Jun 2002

  Freelance Auditor

  ▪ Instructed and supported Retail Managers on marketing and promotional activities; Audit and report on Retail Marketing for Hewlett Packard and Sony Telecom.

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  Royal Caribbean International

  Jun 2002 - May 2006

  Financial Controller (Onboard)

  ▪ Restructured the financial department to align with company strategy and headed the successful implementation of an innovative payments and gratuity structure;▪ Implemented a new POS program and trained personnel;▪ Developed and maintained a new departure process to increase efficiency of partnership with International Customs and Immigration departments;▪ Managed a team of twelve employees;▪ Overarching responsibility for Financial Controlling.

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  C&A Service Solutions

  Jun 2006 - Jul 2006

  Management Accountant

  ▪ All aspects of Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, including monthly reconciliations.

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  BancTec

  Jul 2006 - Jan 2007

  Financial Accountant

  ▪ Responsible for all aspects of monthly financial controlling for Balance Sheet and P&L, including Variance analysis; ▪ Managed accounts receivable team.

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  ATP Oil & Gas Corporation

  Jan 2007 - Feb 2007

  Management Accountant

  ▪ All aspects of monthly financial controlling for Balance Sheet and P&L, including Variance analysis.

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  Aspect Software

  Feb 2007 - Nov 2008

  Senior Financial Analyst, International (EMEA & APAC)

  Hired to provide support to the FP&A Manager with financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting and modelling and to assist in producing the P&L and management accounts• Reduced costs by £1m by restructuring the car allowance strategy, reviewing the existing policy, calculating the new budget, and staggering savings over 5 years

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  Electronic Arts (EA)

  Dec 2008 - May 2023

  Promoted to control the $250+m media budget, overseeing financial planning and analysis for the global media department and reporting on financial performance and key metrics• Supervised “Project Impact” achieving a 7-day time and subsequent cost saving, improving forecast accuracy by 20%, appointing a subject-matter expert team, and leading the detailed project plan• Decreased the media spend budget by 20% by conducting historical trend analysis, performing market research, and evaluating media and marketing suppliers and their costings• Improved forecast accuracy from +/-25% to +/-2% on the $300m Opex budget through effective business partnering with 30 media staff and utilising tools such as Excel, Power BI, Anaplan, and Oracle• Reduced salary costs by 15% by decreasing headcount through a formal consultation process and recommending working efficiencies • Reduced the media agency budget with 20% by inviting 5 companies to tender, evaluating and scoring their presentations and negotiating a new 3-year contract with the successful party• Member of the Global Green Team and several DEI Teams contributing to various ESG initiatives and promoting environmental sustainability and DEI Show less Promoted to lead the international financial planning and analysis, including budgeting, forecasting and modelling, as well as overseeing monthly financial reporting and accounting• Led “Project Beacon” to initiate and implement a new automated Opex upload system in Hyperion, enhancing forecasting accuracy and efficiency to +/- 2.5%, while leading the stakeholder team • Increased turnover from $3.5bn to $7.5bn by providing stakeholders with financial reporting and competitor analysis to assist in decision-making while also challenging the decision-making process • Improved forecasting accuracy by 15% and reduced forecasting time from 14 to 12 days by implementing Hyperion, automating data uploads, and designing standardised documentation and training • Managed a project to enhance cashflow forecasting across multiple currencies by creating an Excel model that recalculates FX rates and incorporates supplier payment terms Show less Promoted to oversee short- and long-term financial planning, budgeting, reporting, forecasting and variance analysis for the full Publishing P&L, while supporting the Sales and Marketing Directors• Increased average ROI on strategic initiatives from 18% to 30% by analysing new and existing projects, conducting margin and cost analysis, performing internal benchmarking and best practice reviews • Spearheaded the development and implementation of an automated Opex forecasting project, saving 3 days on timing, by creating the business plan, securing executive approval, leading all UAT testing • Boosted the Stakeholder Satisfaction Score from 6.5 to 8 in the annual survey by delivering exceptional support to leadership earning the annual “Be Accountable” Award in 2016 Show less

  • Global Media FP&A Manager

    Sept 2021 - May 2023

  • International Media FP&A Manager

    Apr 2018 - Sept 2021

  • Commercial FP&A Manager Marketing & Publishing

    Aug 2009 - Apr 2018

  • FP&A Manager Bright Light Development Studio

    Dec 2008 - Jul 2009
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  Carnival UK (P&O Cruises & Cunard)

  Oct 2023 - Mar 2024

  FP&A Manager - Capital Planning

  Recruited on an interim contract and reporting into the VP of Controlling to optimise capital planning processes and reporting, to create and implement a new forecasting tool and provide strategic support to the Board• Achieved a $550m turnover in the UK and contributed to turning the business from a loss into a profit by building strong working relationships with P&O and Cunard and providing better quality reports• Reduced the budget sign-off process from 12 to 4 hours by streamlining the number of items from 400 to 200, improving forecasting accuracy with better quality reports and utilising trend analysis• Reduced report delivery time from 14 to 8 days, incorporating capital budgeting and forecasting reports by utilising Excel, PBI and SmartView, streamlining data manipulation, and eliminating unnecessary processes• Coached and mentored a small capital accounting team, providing training and support, monitoring progress through regular check-in sessions, and implementing staff recommendations Show less

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  Home

  Apr 2024 - Dec 2024

  Career Break – Caregiving and Personal Development

  Took a career break to support my mother through a critical time, developing resilience, time management, and compassionate problem-solving. During this period, I coordinated care schedules, managed budgets, adapted to unexpected challenges, and acted as the main contact for healthcare professionals and family, strengthening my skills in planning, communication, and adaptability, qualities that are invaluable in dynamic professional environments. She passed away at the end of 2024.• Successfully managed and organised care through challenging situations, building resilience and strengthening my understanding of patience and adaptability. • Balanced caregiving responsibilities with ongoing professional development through reading and online courses. • Gained new skills in empathy, communication, and time management, giving me fresh energy and focus as I return to the workplace. Show less

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  Available per 19th May 2025

  Jan 2025 - now

  FP&A Manager (Hybrid/Remote near Hook, Hampshire, UK)

  As an FP&A Manager, I spearheaded initiatives such as streamlining financial processes and significantly improving forecasting accuracy and profitability using tools like Excel, Power BI, Anaplan, and Oracle. My efforts to enhance decision-making for stakeholders led to a substantial increase in turnover and a decrease in costs, showcasing my capacity for impactful financial leadership and driving financial performance.Recently, I solidified my expertise in strategic financial management, contributing to a significant turnaround in profitability. With a strong grasp of ESG principles and a commitment to accountability and sustainability, my goal is to provide financial solutions that are efficient and responsible, aligning with today's ethical business standards and practices. Show less

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  University of Surrey

  Feb 2025 - now

  Project Analyst Research Park

  tba as presently confidential