Karen Franco

• Responsible for ensuring integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of group & management information and statutory & tax accounts.
• Responsible for achieving the Finance and Controlling objectives of the management according to the agreed goals and approved budgets in line with the company’s financial and overall strategies.
• Assisted in developing budgets within Schindler based on historical performance, market trends, and strategic plans.
• Prepare accurate and meaningful monthly management reports including analysis of the forecast variances and budget deviations.
• Prepare monthly liquidity plan and propose required measures
• Managing the invoicing process (supplier): invoices on time and to the established quality standards ensuring that we comply with legal and consistency of data requirements.
• Ensure timely recognition, approval, and payment of all supplier and creditor invoices.
• Ensure the correctness of Vendor registration and authorize any changes.
• Maintain control over inventories.
• Keeping track of overhead costs, cost centers, and department budgets to monitor spending patterns and implement cost reduction strategies within Schindler.
• Collaborated with internal and external auditors during the annual audit process to provide necessary documentation and address any concerns or findings promptly.
• Part of the team to prepare and file various tax forms and returns, and stay current with changes in tax law and regulations (Transfer Pricing, Withholding Tax, Contract Notification).

Branch Compliance Officer (Group Code of Conduct)

04/2016 - 04/2024

• Adhered and enforce the Schindler Code of Conduct
• Identified, investigated and documented compliance violations and recommended corrective measures.
• Established a strong culture of ethics by developing appropriate policies, codes of conduct, and whistleblowing mechanisms.
• Conducted regular code reviews, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the branch.
• Enhanced understanding among employees on ethics policies via workshops that emphasized the importance of adherence to the company's code of conduct.

• Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
• Prepared monthly budget reports for management.
• Maintained fixed asset records, including additions, disposals, and depreciation.
• Managed company payroll, ensuring timely and accurate payment to all employees.
• Performed monthly account reconciliations to ensure data accuracy across multiple systems and ledgers.
• Monitored cash flow closely to ensure sufficient funds were available for daily operations and capital investments.
• Advised department managers on cost-saving opportunities by analyzing current spending patterns against historical trends.

• Prepared bank reconciliations on a monthly basis.
• Prepared journal entries and entered into the system.
• Collaborated with senior accountants to perform month-end closing procedures, ensuring timely financial reporting.
• Assisted in payroll administration by reviewing timesheets, calculating employee paychecks, and processing deductions for taxes or benefits.