Ilva Gacaj
Haarlem,NL
Summary
Experienced finance leader specializing in optimizing financial processes, driving strategic results, and fostering innovation. Achievements include implementing cost-saving measures, optimizing cash flow, driving profitability through financial planning, and improving risk management and financial processes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Finance Excellence
Marel
Amsterdam
11.2022 - Current
- In 2023, I led a project to improve Marel's working capital, achieving remarkable results. This included a 15% reduction in inventory levels and a 6-day acceleration in receivables collection. We also enhanced the accounts payable process for increased efficiency. These improvements were driven by strategic measures such as optimizing inventory management and relationship with suppliers. Leveraging technology, we improved communication between finance and sales teams. As a result, the cash flow to EBIT ratio soared from 59% to an impressive 148%
- Led the successful deployment of SAP4Hana across four key locations, including the European distribution center, facilitating integration with regional entities and significantly enhancing financial processes
- Oversaw a project aimed at increasing visibility into the profitability of each division by implementing a robust profitability reporting system
- This initiative delivered comprehensive insights into divisional profitability, empowering data-driven decision-making and optimizing resource allocation strategies.
Chief Accounting Officer
Marel
Amsterdam, NL
04.2022 - 11.2022
- Oversaw the financial reporting and investor relation process
- Strengthened financial controls and optimized the closing process by managing a team of 12 accounting professionals
- Provided strategic guidance on long-term business and financial planning
- Successfully integrated a newly acquired entity with €300M in revenues.
Director of Internal Audit
Marel
Amsterdam
07.2019 - 04.2022
- Led the global audit department, reporting to the CFO and Audit Committee
- Conducted data-driven audits, uncovering various cost-saving opportunities, such as identifying €23M in potential profit recovery due to price overrides
- Developed and implemented the company's first risk framework
- Drafted and launched the Internal Control Framework
- Established a multi-location internal audit department according to international standards.
Sr. manager Internal Audit
Align Technology
Amsterdam
07.2017 - 06.2019
- Developed and executed comprehensive internal audit plans for the EMEA region, overseeing both the planning and implementation stages
- Managed complex audits, identifying, and mitigating instances of fraud within the organization
- Implemented auditing strategies to enhance financial processes.
Manager Internal Audit
Sonepar
Paris
01.2014 - 01.2017
Internal auditor
Nissan Motor Corporation
Paris
01.2013 - 01.2014
Supervising Senior Auditor
KPMG
Bologna
01.2008 - 01.2012
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Università degli Studi di Bologna
Bachelor’s degree in business management - undefined
Università degli Studi di Bologna
Skills
- Financial Strategy & Planning
- Financial Analysis & Reporting
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Cost Control & Profitability Enhancement
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Process Improvement & Optimization
- Regulatory Compliance
- Team Leadership & Mentoring
- Stakeholder Management
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Certification
- Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) – The Institute of Internal Auditors (2020)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) – ISACA (2019)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) – Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) (2018)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) – The Institute of Internal Auditors (2015)
Languages
Italian
Fluent
English
Fluent
Albanian
Native
French
Advanced
Dutch
Elementary
Timeline
Director of Finance Excellence
Marel
11.2022 - Current
Chief Accounting Officer
Marel
04.2022 - 11.2022
Director of Internal Audit
Marel
07.2019 - 04.2022
Sr. manager Internal Audit
Align Technology
07.2017 - 06.2019
Manager Internal Audit
Sonepar
01.2014 - 01.2017
Internal auditor
Nissan Motor Corporation
01.2013 - 01.2014
Supervising Senior Auditor
KPMG
01.2008 - 01.2012
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Università degli Studi di Bologna
Bachelor’s degree in business management - undefined
Università degli Studi di Bologna
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