Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

NIKOLAS KRASE

Financial Controller
Limassol

Summary

Dynamic and results-oriented Financial Controller with extensive experience in audit and financial services . Expertise in financial reporting, risk management, and regulatory compliance, with a proven track record of optimizing financial performance and driving business growth. Skilled in leading audits, managing teams, and providing strategic financial insights to senior leadership. Committed to delivering financial excellence and ensuring organizational success through effective financial leadership.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages

Work History

Financial Controller

IG Group
Limassol
12.2021 - Current
  • Oversee the accounting and finance function for three entities in Cyprus, Germany and Bermuda and ensuring 100% compliance with local and international financial regulations.
  • Analysis of financial data and KPI's monitoring.
  • Oversaw all aspects of the month-end close process, ensuring timely completion of accurate financial statements for executive review.
  • Treasury management: Cash flow management and optimization. Maximization of interest income through strategic liquidity management, surplus cash investment, and banking relationship leverage. Implementation of cash pooling structures, enhance yield on idle funds, and align treasury operations with broader financial strategy. Improved financial reporting by creating customized reports that provided actionable insights into cash positions, investment performance, and exposure levels.
  • Improved overall financial reporting by streamlining control processes and reporting structures.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance financial performance, business and operational processes.
  • Monitoring market trends and providing insights for investment strategies.
  • Review of financial forecasts and monthly budgets with FP&A team.
  • Review and execution of payroll.
  • Liaising with external parties/vendors: auditors, lawyers, banks, payroll and tax providers etc.

Assistant Financial Controller

IG Group
Limassol
11.2019 - 12.2021
  • Assisted in the month-end close process, ensuring accurate recording of transactions in the correct ledgers, and verifying that all entries were complete and compliant with financial standards.
  • Prepared key components of the monthly management accounts, supporting senior finance teams in analyzing financial performance and key metrics.
  • Managed the accounts payable process, including the preparation, verification, and submission of invoices, ensuring timely and accurate processing of payments.
  • Monitored and controlled departmental expenses, ensuring compliance with budget limits and verifying that all expenses were properly documented and approved.
  • Assisted in preparing and submitting VAT and tax returns, ensuring full compliance with relevant tax regulations and deadlines.
  • Coordinated with external providers for payroll, tax filings, and VAT matters, helping ensure the company met all statutory requirements.
  • Maintained financial records and supporting documentation, ensuring proper filing and easy access to historical financial data for audits and reports.
  • Supported the external audit process by preparing necessary financial documentation and liaising with auditors to facilitate timely and accurate audits.
  • Worked closely with external parties, including bankers and consultants, to ensure smooth financial operations and timely resolution of any issues.

Manager

Ernst & Young Cyprus Ltd
Limassol
09.2013 - 11.2019
  • Lead the planning and execution of audits for clients in various industries including hotel & tourism, construction and development, investment holding, retail, pharmaceutical automotive and oil and gas, ensuring compliance with relevant financial reporting frameworks (e.g., IFRS, GAAP).
  • Oversee the development of audit strategies, assess risks, and establish audit objectives to ensure thorough and effective audit processes.
  • Manage and supervise a team of auditors, providing mentorship and guidance throughout the audit cycle to ensure adherence to timelines, quality standards, and professional development.
  • Allocate resources effectively and ensure that the team follows audit methodologies and ethical standards.
  • Serve as the main point of contact for clients, maintaining strong relationships by providing insights on financial performance, risk, and operational improvements.
  • Review and ensure the accuracy and completeness of client financial statements in line with regulatory requirements and accounting standards.
  • Monitor changes in accounting regulations and implement relevant updates to maintain compliance with tax and financial reporting laws.
  • Conduct detailed reviews of audit work to ensure the highest level of quality, identifying and mitigating any potential risks throughout the audit process.
  • Ensure the audit team's compliance with EY's internal policies and global standards, maintaining ethical and professional audit practices.

Library Services Coordinator

University of Cyprus Library
Nicosia
12.2012 - 05.2013
  • Oversee the management and upkeep of library facilities, ensuring a well-organized and conducive environment for academic work.
  • Provide specialized research assistance to students and faculty, helping them access relevant resources for academic and research purposes.
  • Develop and deliver workshops or one-on-one training sessions on information literacy, helping students and faculty improve research skills and access appropriate resources.
  • Collaborate with academic departments to identify new resource needs and ensure timely acquisition of relevant books, journals, and digital content.
  • Manage the library's budget efficiently, prioritizing expenditures for essential resources and services.

Education

CySEC Advanced Certification -

CySEC
Limassol
11.2020 - 11.2020

ACCA Professional Qualification -

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Limassol
09.2013 - 12.2014

Bachelor's Degree - Accounting And Finance

University of Cyprus
Nicosia
05.2009 - 05.2013

High School Diploma -

St. Anthony High School
Limassol
05.2004 - 05.2007

Skills

Financial Leadership & Strategic Planning : Expertise in overseeing financial operations, developing long-term strategies, managing budgets, and ensuring alignment with business goals to drive profitability and growth

  • Team Management & Stakeholder Communication: Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing finance teams while effectively communicating complex financial information to senior leadership and external stakeholders

  • Risk Management & Financial Analysis: Skilled in identifying financial risks, analyzing performance data, and implementing strategies for risk mitigation and improving financial performance

  • Audit & Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of audit processes, internal controls, and financial regulations (MiFID, IFRS, GAAP), ensuring adherence to standards and mitigating risks

  • Financial Leadership & Strategic Planning: Expertise in overseeing financial operations, developing long-term strategies, managing budgets, and ensuring alignment with business goals to drive profitability and growth

Timeline

Financial Controller

IG Group
12.2021 - Current

CySEC Advanced Certification -

CySEC
11.2020 - 11.2020

Assistant Financial Controller

IG Group
11.2019 - 12.2021

ACCA Professional Qualification -

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
09.2013 - 12.2014

Manager

Ernst & Young Cyprus Ltd
09.2013 - 11.2019

Library Services Coordinator

University of Cyprus Library
12.2012 - 05.2013

Bachelor's Degree - Accounting And Finance

University of Cyprus
05.2009 - 05.2013

High School Diploma -

St. Anthony High School
05.2004 - 05.2007
NIKOLAS KRASEFinancial Controller