Zsombor Zelei
Summary
Results-driven finance professional with over a decade of expertise in financial strategy, analysis, and leadership. Proven track record of optimizing business performance through effective budgeting, forecasting, and cross-functional collaboration. Adept at fostering high-performing teams and cultivating strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Commercial Finance Lead
Syngenta Group
06.2022 - Current
- Lead the development and execution of commercial budgeting and forecasting for EAME, ensuring alignment with corporate targets
- Work in partnership with Africa Middle East leadership team to improve performance, deliver targets, define strategic direction and operating plans, represent finance function on monthly business reviews
- Support the P&L carve out of multiple subsidiaries from EAME region and the creation of two new regions
- Provide financial insights to Cereals business strategies to optimize value creation (pricing, promotions, product initiatives)
- Co-lead and manage EAME commercial finance team, support in objective settings, development, performance reviews and regular feedbacks.
Finance Manager
Syngenta Group
05.2020 - 06.2022
- Held dual role: Provided full financial oversight and took reporting responsibility for 13 subsidiaries with 13 direct reports
- Led implementation of SAP S/4 for EAME region, including new governance for finance processes
- Spearheaded adoption of new SAP Analytics Cloud tool
- Prepared and presented business case for SAP implementation to the regional board and overseeing initial project phase for first wave.
Country Finance Head
Syngenta Group
11.2019 - 04.2020
- Led the Moroccan finance function, accountable for overall FP&A, financial reporting, compliance, risk management, cash flow management, resource allocation, and priority alignment with a team of 4
- Led the completion of IFRS and Statutory closing for Fiscal Year 19 collaborating with local finance, finance operations and KPMG
- Directed year-end commercial processes on finance side, working closely with relevant departments – including stock counts, year-end rebates, statement preparation, and employee performance reviews.
Senior Accountant
Syngenta Group
01.2018 - 10.2019
- Development of new P&L controlling process for 13 subsidiaries, enhancing financial visibility and control
- Co-led internal and external audits, including implementation of remediation plans
- Delivered dual ledger implementation and chart of account standardization project for 13 subsidiaries
- Lead the creation of Legal Entity in Iran
- Managed GL accounting and reporting activities: Coordination of Month-end close, Reporting for consolidation, Balance sheet reviews, Tax calculations, Sales adjustments, Accruals, P&L controlling.
Accountant
GE Oil & Gas
03.2016 - 12.2017
- Supported system implementation – Consolidation and Account reconciliation tool
- Reconciliation reporting lead for EAME
- Managed core accounting and reporting activities: Corporate Income Tax calculation, Bad Debt calculation, Intercompany reporting, Factoring, Rebate, Warranty reserve, Bank guarantee, Balance Sheet review, Sales adjustments.
Corporate Account Manager
MKB Bank Zrt.- branch of Deutche Bank
03.2013 - 12.2015
- Client relationship management, including acquiring new customers and retaining existing ones
- Performed credit analysis for potential customers, assessing their financial stability and risk rating
- Contract negotiation on site and pricing strategy, loan structuring.
Education
Diploma - IFRS
ACCA - Budapest
Bachelor of Science - Economics
University of Szeged - Szeged
Accomplishments
- Streamlined operations and delivered a significant cost savings of ~$0.6 million by implementing strategic cost optimization initiatives.
- Empowered decision-making with actionable insights and earned recognition for "insight generation" by highlighting key strengths and compliance weaknesses in the Middle East region to the AME board.
- Drove simplification projects with a team of 5 colleagues, resulting in a 0.5 FTE efficiency gain.
Timeline
Commercial Finance Lead
Syngenta Group
06.2022 - Current
Finance Manager
Syngenta Group
05.2020 - 06.2022
Country Finance Head
Syngenta Group
11.2019 - 04.2020
Senior Accountant
Syngenta Group
01.2018 - 10.2019
Accountant
GE Oil & Gas
03.2016 - 12.2017
Corporate Account Manager
MKB Bank Zrt.- branch of Deutche Bank
03.2013 - 12.2015
Diploma - IFRS
ACCA - Budapest
Bachelor of Science - Economics
University of Szeged - Szeged
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