Judith Geiß - Owner

Recommended expert

Viernheim, Germany

Experience

Jul 2022 - Jun 2023

1 year

Establishing processes and structures in the accounting department

Review of existing processes and structures in accounting
Developing recommendations for the future departmental structure
Implementing the new processes and structures, especially introducing a fast close
Closing the annual financial audit including the audit certificate by the end of May 2023 for two companies and conducting a first-time audit for one company

Jul 2022 - Nov 2022

5 months

Support in post-merger integration

Review of existing processes and structures in accounting
Developing recommendations for the future structure in the new parent company
Implementing the new structures including fast-close implementation to enable a month-end close by the 5th of the following month.

Apr 2022 - May 2022

2 months

Interim cover in finance/accounting

Ensuring month-end closing and reporting
Documenting processes
Preparing company documentation

Nov 2021 - Mar 2022

5 months

BU Controller/Finance Director

Post-merger integration following a US acquisition
Merger of two companies and audit of all companies by the end of February 2022
Spinning off a company
Coordinating the finance organization
Supporting the CEO and CFO internationally
Stabilizing the team structure
Know-how transfer

Feb 2021 - Oct 2021

9 months

Accounting & Process Manager international

Consulting and project coordination during the service provider change for the subsidiary
Preparing project plans
Review with the departments
Coordinating service providers and departments
Process optimization and staff training
Advising on IT processes in accounting for departments and subsidiaries
Process optimization in accounting

Jun 2020 - Dec 2020

7 months

Above Country Accountant/ Regional Accounting Leader EMEA

Post-merger integration for the EMEA region (global business volume: 7.6 billion EUR)
Interface between Corporate Accounting & Reporting and the EMEA subsidiaries
Development of new policies as well as accounting and closing processes (Fast-Close) and their implementation in the EMEA subsidiaries
Supporting subsidiaries with the implementation of internal controls for financial reporting (SOX)
Advising subsidiaries on control design and execution
Coordinating the month-end close for 16 entities in EMEA according to schedule

Feb 2020 - Jun 2020

5 months

Various projects in business coaching and finance

Feb 2020 - Jun 2020

5 months

Author of the book “The Acquisition Formula - A Practical Guide: Post-Merger Integration after a U.S. Acquisition,”

Springer Gabler

May 2019 - Feb 2020

10 months

Carve-out of 3 Business Units

Sub-project lead for General Ledger
Coordinating integration tests
Coordinating cookbooks for carve-out
Supporting the Head of Finance Services Germany

Aug 2018 - Sep 2019

1 year 2 months

Integration into the American parent company

Project lead for SOX implementation
Point of contact for all SOX-related questions
Ensuring accounting after change of the Head of Finance
Preparing inventory instructions and carrying out the annual inventory
Setting up account reconciliations for the company
Simplifying the related process.

May 2018 - Oct 2018

6 months

Optimization of Month-End Close / Fast Close

Assessment of the existing month-end close / Fast Close
Development of solution proposals
Implementation and review of the proposals in daily operations
Creation of a custom training concept for the on-site team

Nov 2017 - Apr 2018

6 months

Project Support for Integration into the British Parent Company

Support in implementing global policies
Support for the Navision implementation
Data validation
Support in setting up reporting
Process optimization

Apr 2017 - Nov 2017

8 months

Project Management within IFRS Conversion & Transfer Pricing

Project and consulting services within IFRS conversion & transfer pricing
Troubleshooting for all project matters
Development of the training concept within IFRS conversion & transfer pricing
Creation of training documentation
Consulting and support during the project

Oct 2015 - Jun 2018

2 years 9 months

Project Leadership and Support in General Ledger, Project BASE

Consulting and support for reorganizations, carve-outs/mergers, migrations, and release changes
Development of the training concept for the shared service center and local services
Creation of process diagrams and training documentation
Management of company documentation
Direct support to the Head of General Ledger during the project
Troubleshooting for all project matters

Jul 2015 - Sep 2015

3 months

Berlin, Germany

Accounting Cleanup and Optimization, Process Improvements in SAP

Cleaning up accounting at the Heidelberg site
Handling special topics (balance carryforwards, fixed asset reconciliations, etc.)
Reviewing accounts receivable/payable processes (invoice workflow)
Optimizing SAP usage at the Heidelberg/Berlin sites
Training employees including creating manuals (SAP)
Support in daily operations

May 2015 - Mar 2017

1 year 11 months

Project management in the finance department

Transfer pricing documentation for the group
Recording the current situation and deriving recommendations for action
Collecting data for the creation of Master and Local File templates
Organizing and communicating within the transfer pricing process
Adapting financial manuals/policies related to fixed assets, inventory, and accruals
Supporting the Head of Finance Services Germany

Jan 2015 - Apr 2015

4 months

Project and consulting services in travel expense accounting and optimization

Consulting tasks to optimize accounting efficiency
Checking the plausibility of travel expenses
Reconciling the internal travel expense policies

Oct 2014 - Dec 2014

3 months

Sub-project lead for transition accounting

Process analysis, documentation, and implementation according to the parent company's guidelines
Training and coaching of employees
Supporting the transfer of accounts payable accounting to the shared service center
Assisting the transfer of general ledger accounting/reporting to the current company

Aug 2014 - Oct 2014

3 months

Various projects in business coaching and in cleaning up/optimizing accounting

Jan 2014 - Jul 2014

7 months

Preparation of the 2013 annual financial statements and support for the auditor's review of the closing statements, process

Preparation of the 2013 annual financial statements
Preparation and support of the audit of closing statements for the sold corporate entities
Preparation of the audit for the remaining entities
Restructuring the team and daily operations
Implementing Fast Close

Sep 2013 - Jan 2014

5 months

Preparation for sale of business units and accounting reporting / preparation of closing financial statements

Led a team of up to 6 full-time employees and a team of up to 4 interim managers
Prepared monthly financial statements under HGB & US GAAP for 7 companies
Prepared the closing financial statements for 2 companies due to the sale of business units
Performed reconciliation / plausibility checks related to the closing

Sep 2012 - Sep 2013

1 year 1 month

Support for integration with new ownership structure, new ERP system and SOX introduction

Created an inventory manual for the German companies. Cross-departmental project / implemented the parent company's requirements and oversaw the inventory in December 2012
Prepared documentation in cooperation with all corporate departments related to the SOX requirements of the parent company
Performed troubleshooting due to the ERP implementation and related finance issues

Jun 2012 - Sep 2012

4 months

Conversion of US GAAP statements to HGB for 4 companies

Prepared annual financial statements under HGB including notes and management report
Converted US GAAP statements to HGB
Managed the audit process and acted as contact for auditors
Assisted with mapping due to an ERP system change

Feb 2012 - May 2012

4 months

Support for Team Leader General Ledger & Consolidation

Filled in for the team leader during her sick leave
Prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements under US GAAP
Assisted with the integration process into the new ownership structure / SOX inventory assessment

Aug 2011 - Jan 2012

6 months

Process optimization for Accounts Payable as Team Leader

Approved invoices for each company in the Prang and PeopleSoft systems
Documented processes and workflows, especially in PeopleSoft
Implemented process improvements
Communicated with the IT department on PeopleSoft issues
Led the Accounts Payable team of up to 6 staff
Provided operational support during staff absences (due to illness/vacation)
Communicated with Deutsche Bank regarding new bank accounts and requirements for PeopleSoft
Revised job descriptions and work guidelines
Managed the Accounts Payable team's intranet page

Jan 2011 - Feb 2011

2 months

Outsourcing of Accounting

Managing the outsourcing of accounting to an external service provider
Process improvements and implementation
Preparing the 2010 annual financial statements

Sep 2010 - Dec 2010

4 months

Interim Head of Accounting & Purchasing

Responsible for financial accounting and purchasing for two companies
Led a team of up to 6 employees
Prepared monthly financial statements under HGB and the annual financial statements (including provision schedules and bank reconciliations)
Managed fixed assets and carried out plausibility checks with an external SAP consultant (incorrect fixed asset presentation from prior years and its impact on the current year)
Ad-hoc analyses for management
Developed process improvements and implemented them
Documented workflows in accounting and in SAP
Developed a reporting tool in MS Excel
Point of contact for tax and financial auditors

May 2010 - Aug 2010

4 months

Interim Head of Accounting & Controlling

Responsible for financial accounting and controlling for two companies
Led a team of up to 4 employees
Prepared monthly financial statements under HGB
Prepared monthly reporting to the parent company
Performed ad-hoc analyses for management
Carried out preliminary year-end closing procedures for 2009
Developed and implemented process improvements
Documented workflows in accounting and in SAP and collaborated with internal SAP support teams for necessary customizations
Reviewed fixed assets since SAP implementation and automated the depreciation run
Resolved issues related to SAP implementation from the previous year
Adjusted the cost center structure due to changes in the production process
Supported HR audits and cleaned up personnel accounts
Developed a reporting tool in MS Excel
Point of contact for banks and auditors

Feb 2010 - Present

16 years

Viernheim, Germany

Owner / Accounting Consultant

the Bridge

Specialized in American acquisitions.
"Building bridges is my specialty!"
Why? Years ago, I was personally affected by an acquisition - today I use this knowledge to help others.
That's why, with nearly 20 years of experience in accounting and controlling, I provide hands-on support to companies in all accounting and controlling processes during an acquisition by an American corporation, which can often be a big challenge.
Provided accounting consulting services for various companies in industries including manufacturing, automotive, information and communications technology, entertainment, chemicals, security, pharmaceutical and biotechnology.
Coordinated and ensured timely preparation of monthly financial statements under HGB/US GAAP and annual financial statements, as well as reporting to headquarters and local management.
Advised on SOX 404 implementation.
Provided strategic support for ERP system customization.
Led the team and created a work environment that increased team productivity. "Meeting each team member where they are."
Assisted with internal audits, serving as a point of contact for external auditors.
Developed training concepts tailored to the specific needs of each company.
Implemented fast close.

Mar 2008 - Jan 2010

1 year 11 months

Viernheim, Germany

Financial Accountant

Sidel GmbH

Managed the company's accounting
Prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements under HGB and IFRS
Prepared monthly reports for the parent company
Continuously improved the reporting tool in MS Excel
Developed and implemented process improvements
Adjusted the chart of accounts and cost center structure to meet reporting requirements

Oct 2007 - Feb 2008

5 months

Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany

Head of Finance

MegaPlast GmbH & Co. KG

Preparation of monthly financial statements according to HGB, annual financial statements and reporting to the Finance Director, and point of contact for banks, auditors and tax consultants
Adjustment of the cost centre and general ledger account plan as the basis for efficient controlling
Leading a team of up to 4 employees

Feb 2007 - Jul 2007

6 months

Mannheim, Germany

Tax and Audit Assistant

hardorp, müller & partner

Auditing and preparing annual financial statements
Preparing tax returns
Business evaluations and analyses

Oct 2005 - Jan 2007

1 year 4 months

Germany

Reporting and Planning Associate

Johnson Controls Systems & Service GmbH

Sole accounting for the subsidiary Sigma-Frigo-Therm Handels-GmbH, as well as responsibility for provisions and accruals for York Germany and York Switzerland, and point of contact for internal and external auditors
Preparation of monthly and annual financial statements according to HGB and US GAAP, contributing to internal reporting/controlling, monthly reporting to the parent company, and assisting in preparing the budget for York Germany including all subsidiaries

May 2004 - Sep 2005

1 year 5 months

Heidelberg, Germany

Controlling and Cost Accounting Associate

Heidelberger Versorgungs- und Verkehrsbetriebe GmbH

Commercial point of contact for the liberalization of the energy market with a focus on implementing unbundling requirements in the existing operational cost accounting systems, e.g. adjusting cost centre and profit centre structures
Setting up and preparing cost unit calculations for usage fee calculations and contribution margin calculations for specific customers or customer groups, as well as preparing partial balance sheets according to applicable energy industry regulations
Preparation of the quarterly report for all group companies including all subsidiaries, including the monthly short-term income statement

Oct 2002 - Apr 2004

1 year 7 months

Heidelberg, Germany

Controlling and Order Billing Associate

Heidelberger Versorgungs- und Verkehrsbetriebe GmbH

Providing cost accounting support to the investments and training their staff, as well as implementing order billing in one of the companies
Implementation of SAP R/3-based service recording (including creating manuals and training staff) and implementing order billing at Stadtwerke Neckargemünd
Billing and controlling of major and subsidy projects for third parties, as well as re-charging orders from the subsidiaries to third parties and between the subsidiaries

Summary

Building bridges is my specialty!

Why? Years ago I was personally affected by an acquisition – today I help others with that knowledge.

That's exactly why I offer your company hands-on support in all accounting and controlling processes that arise during an acquisition by an American corporation, drawing on almost 20 years of experience in accounting and controlling, which often represent a major challenge.

In addition to my long-standing specialized know-how, a variety of highly qualified experts also contribute to the the Bridge success concept. When you work with me, you have direct access, if needed, to this versatile the Bridge consulting network that I established. With this network in the background, we can support you even better and more personally.

Based on our diverse experience as interim managers, consultants, and trainers in national and international accounting, we all know the challenges you have to overcome in a US acquisition. Let's maximize your successes together and benefit from the holistic the Bridge business concept that perfectly combines implementation consulting, training programs, and coaching.

Skills

Key Activities

Coordinating And Ensuring The On-time Preparation Of Monthly Financial Statements According To Hgb/us Gaap, Preparing The Annual Financial Statements, And Reporting To Headquarters Or Local Management
Advising On Sox 404 Implementation
Strategic Support In Adapting The Erp System
Team Leadership And Fostering A Work Atmosphere That Boosts Team Productivity
Overseeing Internal Audits And Acting As Contact For Auditors And External Reviewers
Developing Training Concepts Tailored To The Company's Specific Requirements
Implementing Fast-close Processes

Services

Consulting – We're Here To Set Things Up And Then Move On (Assisting With The Transition From Hgb To Us Gaap)
Training – We Train Your Staff (No Restructuring, Using Existing Personnel)
Project Management / Change Management
Interim Management
On-the-job Training
Operational Support
English
Intercultural Training
Excel For Reporting
Specialized Seminars
Leadership Training