Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Residency
Personal Information
Interests
Timeline
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Anna Okurowska

Anna Okurowska

Project Manager Office (PMO) Lead
Johannesburg

Summary

Hard working and passionate candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

Very committed and dedicated - 16 years with Trafigura Group, based in various locations: The Netherlands (Amsterdam), Switzerland (Lucerne & Geneva), South Africa (Johannesburg), Senegal (Dakar).

Trafigura is one of the world's largest suppliers of commodities (Oil and Petroleum, Metals and Minerals, Renewable energy) with more than 12,000 people across more than 50 locations worldwide with the last FY revenue of $244.3bn.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages

Work History

Project Management Office Lead (Regional)

Puma Energy Services (Pty) Ltd
10.2021 - 06.2024
  • Established clear project objectives and deliverables, leading to increased success rates.
  • Collaborated with executive stakeholders to define organizational goals, aligning projects with strategic objectives effectively.
  • Managed budgets for various projects, maintaining financial accountability throughout each phase.
  • Enhanced project delivery by implementing efficient PMO processes and best practices.
  • Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
  • Ensured accurate tracking of project performance metrics, enabling data-driven decision-making throughout the organization.
  • Standardized reporting templates across all projects for consistent performance measurement and evaluation.
  • Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
  • Analyzed project performance data to identify areas of improvement.
  • Reported regularly to managers on project budget, progress, and technical problems.
  • Conducted post-project evaluations to identify lessons learned and inform future projects'' best practices.
  • Provided personalized end-user training, offering education via in-person and online courses.
  • Researched and acquired new hardware to maximize system functionality and meet required performance metrics.
  • Managed cross-functional teams in the planning, execution, and closure of high-profile projects.
  • Developed comprehensive project documentation, ensuring smooth handoffs and transitions between phases.
  • Streamlined communication between project teams for improved collaboration and decision making.
  • Facilitated stakeholder engagement by conducting regular progress meetings and providing detailed updates on project status.
  • Served as a liaison between functional departments, promoting collaboration while addressing interdependencies.

Strategy Lead (Regional)

Puma Energy Services (Pty) Ltd
8 2020 - 9 2021
  • Fostered collaborative working relationships with key stakeholders to ensure alignment on strategic goals and priorities across functional areas.
  • Developed and executed strategic initiatives by collaborating with cross-functional teams, leading to increased market share and profitability.
  • Evaluated potential investment opportunities using detailed financial models to determine viability in alignment with overall corporate strategy.
  • Championed change management initiatives throughout the organization to facilitate smooth transitions during periods of transformation or restructuring activities.
  • Managed large-scale projects from conception to completion, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints while exceeding quality expectations.
  • Negotiated high-value contracts with clients and vendors to secure favorable terms that positively impacted bottom line results.
  • Led the development of innovative products and services by fostering a culture of creativity, risk-taking, and experimentation.
  • Established effective communication channels within the organization for transparent information sharing about progress towards objectives and critical business updates.
  • Drove cost optimization efforts through process improvements, vendor negotiations, and operational efficiencies without compromising product/service quality or customer satisfaction.
  • Produced detailed and relevant reports for use in making business decisions.
  • Evaluated current processes to develop improvement plans.
  • Evaluated diverse organizational systems to identify workflow, communication, and resource utilization issues.

Strategy Support Manager (Regional)

Puma Energy Services (Pty) Ltd
08.2019 - 07.2020
  • Improved organizational agility by implementing change management practices throughout the company.
  • Identified potential risks and developed mitigation plans, minimizing negative impacts on project timelines or budgets while maximizing overall success rates of initiatives undertaken.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews to evaluate progress toward goals, making necessary adjustments as needed.
  • Presented regular progress updates to senior leadership, facilitating informed decision-making regarding resource allocation and strategic direction setting.
  • Developed comprehensive financial models to support executive decision-making and drive revenue growth.

Finance Manager (Regional)

Puma Energy Services (Pty) Ltd
08.2017 - 07.2019
  • Streamlined month-end close process, reducing time spent on manual tasks and improving data accuracy.
  • Managed regular finance tracking for numerous branch offices and headquarters expenses.
  • Monitored budget and revenue trends, compiling reports for company leadership to inform decision-making.
  • Developed comprehensive financial reports for executive decision-making support.
  • Supported operations management, sales, and marketing efforts to increase revenue and overall financial health.
  • Improved financial forecasting accuracy, utilizing advanced analytical models.
  • Increased financial efficiency by streamlining and automating financial reporting processes.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams for strategic business planning and growth initiatives.
  • Forecasted trends and recommended improvements based on financial risk analyses.
  • Championed best practices in financial management through ongoing training programs for staff members.
  • Analyzed business processes to identify cost savings and operational efficiencies.
  • Mentored junior finance staff, fostering professional development and strong team dynamics.
  • Created organizational structures to improve accounting and finance functions.

Lead Internal Auditor (Global)

Puma Energy International BV
07.2015 - 07.2017
  • Planned annual audits, evaluating controls across national and international offices.
  • Performed internal audits of financial and departmental operations, developing risk assessments and conducting process walkthroughs for compliance with documented processes.
  • Produced audit reports.
  • Reported audit findings, covering compliance issues related to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and corporate regulations.
  • Documented auditing information utilizing corporate system.
  • Participated in special projects as requested by senior leadership, providing subject matter expertise on internal controls and risk management practices.
  • Documented recommendations to improve internal controls.
  • Identified and reported audit issues.
  • Investigated discrepancies discovered during auditing process.
  • Provided valuable insights to management by presenting clear and concise audit findings, contributing to informed decision-making processes.
  • Supported management in developing action plans to address identified issues, promoting timely resolution of audit findings.
  • Assisted in the preparation of audit reports that clearly communicated findings and recommendations to key stakeholders.
  • Evaluated compliance with regulatory requirements, mitigating potential risks and protecting organizational reputation.
  • Guided departments in developing remediation plans based on audit findings and recommendations.
  • Assisted in the development of company policies and procedures, promoting a strong internal control environment.

Financial Controller (Global)

Puma Energy International BV
08.2014 - 06.2015
  • Implemented Capex approval and management/tracking system.
  • Improved financial reporting accuracy by streamlining processes and implementing efficient financial controls.
  • Oversaw all aspects of the month-end close process, ensuring timely completion of accurate financial statements for executive review.
  • Planned budgets, authorized expenditures, monitored accounting processes, established service rates and coordinated financial reporting to oversee all fiscal procedures.
  • Conducted regular variance analyses between actual results and budget projections to identify trends or issues requiring further investigation or action by management staff.
  • Reduced operating costs through meticulous budget management and cost analysis.
  • Collaborated with executive team in preparation of annual capital and operating budgets, forecasts and all financial reporting and analysis.
  • Served as a key liaison between finance departments during mergers or acquisitions, ensuring seamless integration of financial systems and data reconciliation efforts.
  • Reviewed balance sheets, cash flow reports and income statements.
  • Reviewed processes and procedures to guide program implementation and optimize auditing.
  • Supported program managers in providing procedural training on finance and accounting.

Financial Controller (Global)

Trafigura Beheer BV
01.2012 - 07.2014
  • Oversaw all aspects of the month-end close process, ensuring timely completion of accurate financial statements for executive review.
  • Prepared balance sheets, cash flow reports and income statements.
  • Managed budgets, assets, portfolios, accounts payable, and receivable and general financial reporting procedures.
  • Completed year-end close processes through effective supervision financial functions and regular treasury transactions.
  • Supervised accurate, efficient, and compliant completion of monthly financial reporting packages.
  • Accurately completed financial statement audits and thoroughly reviewed results.

Senior Cost Management (Global)

Trafigura Beheer BV
03.2008 - 01.2012
  • Reduced overhead costs with thorough analysis of expense reports and identification of discrepancies.
  • Enhanced financial accuracy by implementing effective cost accounting systems and procedures.
  • Streamlined budgeting processes for more accurate forecasting and allocation of resources.
  • Gathered, analyzed and reported financial information.
  • Monitored fixed asset records, maintaining accurate depreciation schedules for tax compliance purposes.
  • Conducted variance analyses to identify areas of improvement in production efficiency and recommend corrective actions.
  • Developed standard costing models to accurately capture product costs and support informed decision-making processes.
  • Contributed to the successful implementation of new ERP system, leading to increased productivity and improved reporting capabilities.
  • Monitored cost standard performance to confirm that costs met budget cost parameters.
  • Completed daily cash functions like account tracking, payroll and wage allocations, budgeting, donating, and cash, and banking reconciliations.
  • Reconciled accounts and reviewed expense data, net worth, and assets.
  • Documented cash, credit, fixed assets, accrued expenses, and line of credit transactions.
  • Reduced expenses by negotiating with vendors for better pricing and terms on services and supplies.

Financial Analyst (Local, Country Level)

Marvipol SA
01.2007 - 03.2008
  • Streamlined financial reporting for better decision-making with clear, concise analysis and presentation.
  • Conducted detailed financial analysis to identify and evaluate changes in operations, trends and potential areas of improvement.
  • Facilitated smooth month-end close processes by efficiently reconciling accounts and addressing discrepancies promptly.
  • Performed complex financial and budget analyses to determine requirements and justify requested funding.
  • Analyzed and processed project specifics before capital deployments.
  • Provided strategic planning advice and financial oversight for corporate stakeholders.
  • Reviewed and analyzed project spending throughout project life cycle.
  • Tracked prices, yields and other trends to correctly interpret impacts on investment programs.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize budgets, resulting in improved resource allocation.

Financial Controller (Local, Country Level)

IVECO POLAND (Fiat Group)
01.2005 - 01.2007
  • Oversaw all aspects of the month-end close process, ensuring timely completion of accurate financial statements for executive review.
  • Planned budgets, authorized expenditures, monitored accounting processes, established service rates and coordinated financial reporting to oversee all fiscal procedures.
  • Prepared accurate financial reports and monthly statements for accounts receivable.
  • Spearheaded the implementation of new accounting software, resulting in increased efficiency and improved financial tracking capabilities.
  • Developed comprehensive financial models for strategic planning and decision-making purposes.
  • Reduced operating costs through meticulous budget management and cost analysis.
  • Managed daily financial functions in collaboration with accounting and payroll personnel.
  • Managed budgets, assets, portfolios, accounts payable, and receivable and general financial reporting procedures.
  • Completed year-end close processes through effective supervision financial functions and regular treasury transactions.

Banking Trainee

Various banks: DZ bank, Rabobank, HSBC, ABM AMRO
1 2003 - 1 2005
  • Assisted branch managers with maintaining accurate financial records and ensured compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Supported the implementation of new banking systems, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and reduced errors.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently addressing and resolving banking inquiries.
  • Contributed towards successful marketing campaigns by offering insightful feedback from a front-line perspective.
  • Participated in cross-functional projects aimed at streamlining internal processes for improved customer experiences.

Education

MBA - Management And International Finance

Warsaw School of Commerce And Finance
Warsaw, Poland
04.2001 -

Master of Arts - Accounting And Finance

Higher School of Finance And Management
Bialystok, Poland
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Arts - Finance And Banking

Higher School of Finance And Management
Bialystok, Poland
04.2001 -

Skills

- Business-oriented

- Strong problem-solving skills

- Very strong Interpersonal skills

- Organizational and multi-tasking skills

- Strong communication skills across international borders

- Ability to work under pressure

- Good time management to deal with different priorities

- Analytical and creative mind

- Strong process skills to manage and improve complex processes

- Very well-developed commercial felling and reporting skills

- Able to work independently with a 'can do' mentality

- Enthusiastic and committed

- Knowledge of current financial packages: SAP, Navision,

Hyperion, HFM, Pluto, Mercury, Trinity, Business Objects, SQL, Mondaycom, Advanced excel, Sales Force, Microsoft Office

Residency

Permanent in South Africa and Poland

Personal Information

  • Date of Birth: 06/19/78
  • Nationality: Polish

Interests

Hiking, skiing, golf, reading

Timeline

Project Management Office Lead (Regional)

Puma Energy Services (Pty) Ltd
10.2021 - 06.2024

Strategy Support Manager (Regional)

Puma Energy Services (Pty) Ltd
08.2019 - 07.2020

Finance Manager (Regional)

Puma Energy Services (Pty) Ltd
08.2017 - 07.2019

Lead Internal Auditor (Global)

Puma Energy International BV
07.2015 - 07.2017

Financial Controller (Global)

Puma Energy International BV
08.2014 - 06.2015

Financial Controller (Global)

Trafigura Beheer BV
01.2012 - 07.2014

Senior Cost Management (Global)

Trafigura Beheer BV
03.2008 - 01.2012

Financial Analyst (Local, Country Level)

Marvipol SA
01.2007 - 03.2008

Financial Controller (Local, Country Level)

IVECO POLAND (Fiat Group)
01.2005 - 01.2007

MBA - Management And International Finance

Warsaw School of Commerce And Finance
04.2001 -

Master of Arts - Accounting And Finance

Higher School of Finance And Management
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Arts - Finance And Banking

Higher School of Finance And Management
04.2001 -

Strategy Lead (Regional)

Puma Energy Services (Pty) Ltd
8 2020 - 9 2021

Banking Trainee

Various banks: DZ bank, Rabobank, HSBC, ABM AMRO
1 2003 - 1 2005
Anna OkurowskaProject Manager Office (PMO) Lead