JULIAN OTERO TORRES
Treasury Specialist
São Paulo, Sao Paulo
Summary
Results-driven financial professional with over 6 years of experience at Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions revenues of approximately $34 billion and adjusted EBITDA of around $5.5 billion. Perform effectively in dynamic environments by promoting innovation, achieving tangible results, and maintaining a strong emphasis on adaptability and accountability. Expertise in controlling, treasury management, and project management. Former collegiate athlete, competed on the University of West Florida Golf Team, enhancing professional approach and instilling discipline, teamwork, and resilience in work ethic.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Treasury Specialist
Smurfit Westrock
São Paulo, SP
12.2024 - Current
- Consolidate and manage the company’s cash flow, overseeing yearly values exceeding US $100 million, while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial data.
- Project cash flow to ensure operational efficiency in treasury management, maintaining financial health and optimizing financial processes.
- Proactively manage financial risks and develop short- and long-term financial plans, including operational budgets, investment plans, and project feasibility analyses.
- Provide support to the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable teams.
- Efficiently manage investments, funding, and banking operations.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with financial agents (banks, asset managers, and brokerage firms).
- Lead foreign exchange operations, securing the most cost-effective exchange rates.
- Advise the group on the best hedging strategies.
- Serve as a strategic liaison between plant operations and senior management to optimize cash flow.
Finance/Project Specialist
Smurfit Kappa
02.2023 - 12.2024
- Treasury Management: Contributed to the strategic management of cash flow and working capital for a multinational corporation with an average annual EBITDA exceeding US$ 50 million, effectively overseeing a managed cash flow of US$ 24 million.
- Debt Management: Administered local bank loans totaling US$ 10 million and managed interest rate swaps associated with group loans amounting to US$ 85 million, while ensuring compliance through the oversight of agreement execution.
- Insurance Oversight: Directed the management of insurance policies and strategies by selecting appropriate coverages, negotiating contracts, assessing risks, and optimizing insurance-related costs.
- Credit Analysis: Managed credit analysis processes, determining credit limits for clients by evaluating financial statements and credit bureau reports in accordance with internal policies. This thorough approach ensured informed decision-making aligned with the company's risk management strategy.
- Merger Project Leadership: Led and managed the end-to-end process of the merger project for Smurfit Kappa Brazil, aimed at integrating three legal entities within the company. Ensured compliance with local regulations and corporate standards throughout the project lifecycle.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Supervised project planning and execution across multiple functional areas, collaborating effectively to provide strategic insights to senior management.
Controlling Analyst
Smurfit Kappa
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Directly reported to the Plant Controller, providing essential support in financial operations and decision-making processes.
- Performance Management: Utilized SAP Core and Oracle Hyperion solutions to meticulously monitor financial performance and operational processes at a paper-based corrugated plant with over 500 employees, ensuring strict adherence to compliance standards.
- Budgeting & Forecasting: Supported periodic budgeting and forecasting processes for a paper-based corrugated plant with an annual EBITDA of US$ 15 million. Collaborated closely with operational teams to develop detailed projections aligned with production targets and strategic objectives.
- Internal Controls: Prepared comprehensive internal controls while utilizing the Salesforce CRM platform to monitor and enhance both financial and operational performance.
- Inventory Management: Responsible for supervising, consolidating, and improving physical inventory procedures for raw materials, work in progress, finished goods, and spare parts, representing an average inventory value of US$ 7 million.
Controlling Analyst
Smurfit Kappa
06.2019 - 12.2020
- Reported directly to the Country Divisional Controller, collaborating closely with senior finance management to support strategic decision-making. Key responsibilities included preparing financial reports, conducting variance analyses, and providing actionable insights to guide business decisions.
- Successfully led the implementation of internal controls and process improvements, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy in alignment with the company's financial objectives.
- Played a pivotal role in the US$ 5 million SAP Core project at Smurfit Kappa Brazil, driving automation processes that improved overall efficiency and productivity.
- Supported budgeting and forecasting processes by gathering and consolidating inputs from diverse departments, ensuring the creation of precise financial projections aligned with business goals and market dynamics.
- Actively engaged in two Strategic Plan projects, assisting in forecasting financial and operational metrics for the upcoming five-year periods.
Financial Analyst
Smurfit Kappa
06.2018 - 05.2019
- Reported directly to The Americas CFO, assisting in the preparation of financial reports and presentations for both the CEO and CFO, delivering valuable insights into regional financial performance and identifying opportunities for enhancement.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams across multiple countries in the Americas to refine financial workflows and improve communication efficiency, resulting in a 20% reduction in processing time for financial reports. By playing a central role in streamlining regional financial procedures, I contributed to operational effectiveness, driving organizational growth and enhancing overall productivity.
- Participated in a targeted training program designed to cultivate critical thinking skills specific to Smurfit Kappa's business model in the sustainable paper-based packaging sector. This training deepened my understanding of industry dynamics and enhanced my strategic decision-making capabilities, enabling me to contribute in financial project outcomes, and ultimately driving impactful contributions to the organization's success.
Athletic Department Assistant
University of West Florida Recreation & Wellness Services
04.2017 - 02.2018
- Organized, supervised, and assisted in pre-game preparations and game day operations for home games at the University of West Florida, including field maintenance, facility setup, and equipment arrangements to ensure seamless gameplay conditions.
- Managed inventory of athletic equipment and supplies.
- Supported team management in achieving operational efficiency during live events.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Finance
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA
Pensacola, FL, United States 08.2014 - 05.2018
Skills
Critical Thinking
Adaptability and Flexibility
Emotional Intelligence
Resilient mindset
Accountability
Communication
Leadership
Innovative problem-solving
SAP Core
Oracle Hyperion
Financial planning and budgeting
Cash management expertise
Courses
PwC: Introduction to US GAAP
Fundação Getulio Vargas:
- Financial Administration
- Compliance
- Controlling
- Credit Management
- Cost Management
- People Management
- Risk Management
- Strategic Management
Coursera: Private Equity and Venture Capital
Timeline
Treasury Specialist
Smurfit Westrock
12.2024 - Current
Finance/Project Specialist
Smurfit Kappa
02.2023 - 12.2024
Controlling Analyst
Smurfit Kappa
01.2021 - 01.2023
Controlling Analyst
Smurfit Kappa
06.2019 - 12.2020
Financial Analyst
Smurfit Kappa
06.2018 - 05.2019
Athletic Department Assistant
University of West Florida Recreation & Wellness Services
04.2017 - 02.2018
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Finance
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA
08.2014 - 05.2018