Luis Sojo
Orlando,FL
Summary
My professional trajectory has been defined by leading high‑complexity accounting operations, reinforcing controllership environments, and delivering precise, compliant, and timely financial reporting across multi‑country GBS organizations. I bring a disciplined, execution‑driven leadership style and a proven ability to elevate close processes, strengthen internal controls, and drive operational excellence—capabilities directly aligned with the expectations of Duracell’s GBS Accounting Manager role.
At Siemens, I oversee month‑end and quarter‑end close governance for more than twelve countries, ensuring complete and reliable financial results. I lead GL integrity, journal entry approvals, reconciliations, and fluctuation analysis while maintaining strict adherence to SOX, FCPA, and internal policy requirements. These efforts have reduced post‑close adjustments, improved audit readiness, and reinforced the overall controllership framework.
I have also delivered measurable operational improvements through automation and process optimization. By leveraging Power BI, SAP, Workday, KNIME, and Python, I reduced manual workload by 60%, accelerated close cycles, and increased forecast accuracy from 70% to 92%. These initiatives eliminated non‑value‑added activities and enhanced the quality, transparency, and consistency of financial reporting.
As a leader, I have managed and developed multicultural teams of more than 25 accounting professionals, building technical capability, execution discipline, and a culture of accountability. I operate with a hands‑on, detail‑driven approach while maintaining strong alignment with senior stakeholders and business partners.
I am prepared to bring this level of rigor, operational leadership, and controllership discipline to Duracell, contributing to a high‑performing, compliant, and continuously improving GBS Accounting organization.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
Work History
Finance & Accounting Manager – GBS
Siemens
United States
12.2019 - Current
* Directed month‑end and quarter‑end close governance across 12+ countries, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with accounting policies.
* Oversaw GL integrity, journal entry validation, account reconciliations, and fluctuation analysis for key balance sheet and P&L accounts.
* Strengthened the controllership environment by standardizing accounting SOPs, implementing internal controls, and ensuring SOX/FCPA compliance.
* Designed automated financial reporting and variance analysis dashboards using Power BI, SAP, and Workday, reducing manual workload by 60%.
* Partnered with FP&A and Controlling to improve forecast accuracy (70% → 92%), cost transparency, and financial performance tracking.
* Led multicultural teams (25+ FTEs) responsible for accounting operations, reconciliations, and reporting deliverables.
* Implemented automation initiatives using KNIME, Python, and SAP integrations to eliminate non‑value‑added activities and accelerate close cycles.
* Ensured audit readiness through documentation, testing, and remediation of internal controls.
Senior / Team Lead – R2R
Siemens
Costa Rica
12.2016 - 12.2019
- Managed end‑to‑end R2R accounting processes, including GL, IC, Fixed Assets, month‑end close, and financial reporting.
Reviewed and approved journal entries, reconciliations, and fluctuation analyses, ensuring accuracy and compliance with IFRS and internal policies.
Reduced month‑end close by 2 days through process redesign, automation, and KPI‑driven performance management.
Ensured compliance with SOX controls, internal audit requirements, and accounting standards.
Led root‑cause analysis for accounting discrepancies, improving ledger integrity and reporting quality.
Collaborated with FP&A, Tax, and Operations to align financial results, reporting expectations, and business insights.
Trained and coached accounting staff to strengthen technical accounting capabilities and execution discipline.
Senior Finance Lead – Process Transition & Financi
Curtiss Wright
12.2014 - 12.2016
- Supported USA–CR GL migration, including ledger design, reconciliations, and SAP/Oracle data structures.
- Managed high‑volume AP, AR, Payroll, Tax, and intercompany processes with strong compliance and accuracy.
- Improved review efficiency by 50% through automated tracking and standardized reporting.
- Collaborated on Fixed Assets for new site installations and policy development.
Finance AP
Western Union
San Jose, San Jose Costa Rica
12.2009 - 12.2014
- Managed AP and tax operations for USA and Canada, ensuring compliance with IRS and local regulations.
- Led month‑end closings, bank reconciliations, IRS reporting, and 1099 processing.
- Developed automated reconciliation tools that reduced preparation time by 80%.
- Supported system migrations and AP invoicing enhancements, improving transparency and operational stability.
Education
MBA - Bank And Finances
Universidad Latina
Heredia, Costa Rica04-2016
Skills
- Financial Analysis
- Budgeting
- Forecasting
- Payroll Controlling
- Accounts Reconciliation
- GL
- Payroll
- Tax
- AR
- US GAAP
- SOX Compliance
- Process Automation
- Digitalization
- AI Implementation
- Power BI
- Power Query
- Power Automate
- KNIME
- Python
- Advanced Excel
- VBA
- SAP
- Oracle
- AS400
- Blackline
- Trintech
- Adaptive
- Esprit
- Standardization
- SOP Creation
- Change Management
- Team Leadership
- Reporting
Websites
Accomplishments
SAP FI/CO • S/4HANA Finance • IBM Planning Analytics (TM1) • SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) Workday Financials • Performance Management • Forecasting Automation KPI Frameworks • Data Governance • Digital Transformation • Process Automation Power BI • Power Query • KNIME • Python • Power Automate Cross‑functional Collaboration (Finance, Commercial, Supply Chain) Global Stakeholder Management • Standardization & Controls • Process Mining
Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Methodology
- Finance Management – Western Union
- Coaching & Feedback – Western Union
- Liberty Tax Services – Charlotte, USA
- CPA Tax Course – Charlotte, USA
- Fixed Assets Management – PROCOMER
- KNIME Certifications
- Power Apps Certifications
CORE LEADERSHIP STRENGTHS
- Regional Accounting Leadership
- Shared Services & Hub Creation
- Financial Controls & Risk Management
- Month-End Close & Reconciliation Excellence
- Audit Management (Internal & External)
- Process Standardization & Governance
- Automation & Digital Transformation
- Workday Financials, SAP, Power BI, KNIME
- Multicultural Team Leadership (US, CR, MX, DE)
- Stakeholder Management (CFOs, Controllers, VPs)
Personal Information
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Finance & Accounting Manager – GBS
Siemens
12.2019 - Current
Senior / Team Lead – R2R
Siemens
12.2016 - 12.2019
Senior Finance Lead – Process Transition & Financi
Curtiss Wright
12.2014 - 12.2016
Finance AP
Western Union
12.2009 - 12.2014
MBA - Bank And Finances
Universidad Latina