Luis Sojo
Summary
Finance & Accounting Manager with 18+ years of experience in GBS environments leading month‑end close, GL, IC, Fixed Assets, reconciliations, financial reporting, SOX compliance, and internal controls across multi‑country operations. Proven ability to strengthen controllership, accelerate close cycles, improve reporting accuracy, and lead high‑performing accounting teams. Expert in SAP, Workday, Power BI, automation tools, and process optimization. Recognized for hands‑on leadership, strong technical accounting expertise, and the ability to partner effectively with senior executives.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Finance & Accounting Manager – GBS
Siemens
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.
- Led cross-functional teams to drive budgeting and forecasting initiatives, enhancing financial strategy alignment.
- Streamlined financial reporting processes, improving accuracy and timeliness of monthly close.
- Utilized advanced ERP systems for real-time financial data analysis, supporting strategic planning efforts across departments.
- Mentored junior finance staff, fostering professional growth and enhancing team performance in financial operations.
Team Lead & Senior – Record to Report (R2R) GBS
Siemens
04.2016 - 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.
- Implemented process improvements that increased operational efficiency and reduced downtime.
- Mentored junior team members, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing within the team.
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance project delivery timelines and quality standards.
Senior Finance Lead – Process Transition & Financi
Curtiss-Wright
01.2014 - 03.2016
- Led financial operations, including GL, AP, AR, payroll, tax, and intercompany processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely close.
- Led financial forecasting and budgeting processes to align with strategic business objectives.
- Streamlined financial reporting systems, enhancing accuracy and efficiency of data analysis.
- Prepared comprehensive financial presentations for executive leadership, facilitating informed decision-making.
- Directed the GL migration from the U.S. to Costa Rica, ensuring ledger accuracy, reconciliations, and internal controls.
- Improved reconciliation and validation efficiency by 50% through SOP redesign and automation.
- Ensured compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, and accounting standards.
- Strengthened financial reporting quality through improved documentation, variance analysis, and governance.
- Collaborated with U.S. finance teams to align accounting practices and reporting requirements.
Financial Analyst – AP, Tax & GL
Western Union
05.2009 - 11.2013
- Managed GL, AP, tax, and reconciliation processes for U.S. and Canada operations.
- Ensured compliance with IRS regulations, including 1099 reporting and tax documentation.
- Built a reconciliation database that reduced preparation time by 80%, improving accuracy and productivity.
- Supported system migrations and financial process improvements to enhance stability and transparency.
- Strengthened internal controls and financial compliance across multiple accounting areas.
- Performed variance analysis and supported month‑end close activities.
- Developed financial models to support strategic decision-making and enhance forecasting accuracy.
- Analyzed complex financial data to identify trends and provide actionable insights for senior management.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline budgeting processes, improving efficiency and reducing cycle time.
- Assisted in securing financing options for business expansion projects by presenting compelling presentations backed up with robust data analyses.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting And Finance
Universidad Latina
04-2016
Skills
- Bank reconciliation
- Month‑End & Quarter‑End Close
- General Ledger (GL), Intercompany (IC), Fixed Assets (FA)
- Balance Sheet Reconciliations
- P&L & Balance Sheet Fluctuation Analysis
- SOX & FCPA Internal Controls, GAAP Compliance
- Audit Readiness & Documentation
- SAP (FI/CO, Reporting, Master Data)
- BlackLine
- Power BI (Dashboards, Variance Analysis, KPIs)
- KNIME, Python (Automation)
- Advanced Excel (Power Query, Pivoting, Modeling)
Websites
Accomplishments
- Improved month‑end close accuracy and timeliness, strengthening GL integrity and reducing post‑close adjustments by 35% through enhanced controls, SOPs, and reconciliation governance.
- Accelerated close cycle by 2–3 days across multiple business units by redesigning R2R workflows, eliminating non‑value‑added activities, and implementing automation tools (Power BI, KNIME, SAP integrations).
- Increased forecast accuracy from 70% to 92% by developing automated reporting dashboards, variance analysis models, and standardized financial review routines.
- Reduced manual accounting workload by 60% through automation of reconciliations, journal entry validations, and reporting packages, improving team productivity and audit readiness.
- Strengthened SOX and FCPA compliance by implementing new internal controls, documentation standards, and testing routines, resulting in zero audit findings across multiple cycles.
- Standardized accounting processes across 12+ countries, improving consistency, compliance, and reporting quality in a complex multi‑country GBS environment.
- Led and developed multicultural teams of 25+ accounting professionals, elevating technical capabilities, execution discipline, and service quality through structured coaching and performance frameworks.
- Improved reconciliation efficiency by 50% through redesign of templates, automation of validations, and implementation of standardized review procedures.
- Enhanced audit readiness by building documentation frameworks, strengthening control evidence, and leading remediation efforts for high‑risk accounts.
- Reduced operational and accounting costs by 35% through process optimization, automation, and consolidation of redundant activities.
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 - Orlando, Florida
• Power Apps Certifications - Orlando, Florida
• Excel, Power Query, Power BI - Orlando, Florida
Languages
Spanish
English
Languages
4,5
Volunteer work
Nonprofit / Community Organization | 2025
Volunteer Program | 2021-2024
• Support community programs focused on food distribution, family assistance, and
local outreach.
• Coordinate logistics, donations, and event support to strengthen engagement and
impact.
•Recognized for consistent participation and commitment to community well‑being.
• Coached young professionals on career planning, resume development, and interview preparation.
• Helped participants transition into finance, operations, and shared services roles.
• Recognized for empathetic leadership and impact on participant outcomes.
• Mentor young professionals and students on career planning, resume development, and interview preparation.
• Guide on entering finance, operations, and shared services roles.
• Known for empathetic leadership and helping participants achieve measurable progress.
Hobbies and Interests
Digital Transformation & Automation • Data Analytics & Visualization • Leadership Coaching & Mentorship • Community Development & Social Impact • Operational Excellence • Global Business & Cross‑Cultural Collaboration
Timeline
Finance & Accounting Manager – GBS
Siemens
12.2019 - Current
Team Lead & Senior – Record to Report (R2R) GBS
Siemens
04.2016 - 12.2019
Senior Finance Lead – Process Transition & Financi
Curtiss-Wright
01.2014 - 03.2016
Financial Analyst – AP, Tax & GL
Western Union
05.2009 - 11.2013
Bachelor of Science - Accounting And Finance
Universidad Latina