Since 2006, I have worked in various finance and controlling roles across different industries – from steelmaking to apparel retail. After completing my MBA at INSEAD three years ago, I joined Zalando, a major European online fashion retailer, to lead an internal consulting team within the finance department.
I establish financial governance across the group, and promote economic thinking across the company. I also design financial tools to help steer customers and products in real-time in the digital world – a futuristic area at the intersection of decision automation, business intelligence and finance.
Online trade has brought new challenges related to the volume of deliveries, fraud and return levels not comparable to those in traditional retail. However, it has also brought a huge amount of data about orders, products, trends and customers.
I design financial tools to help steer customers and products in real-time in the digital world
We use predictive analytics widely in finance – for example, detailed sales and return forecasts are used to plan logistics capacity, inventory levels and financing. Detailed profitability information is calculated for each sold item and updated dynamically. This brings vast opportunities for real-time value segmentation of customers, and marketing campaigns.
However, creating value from the analysis of the big data has its challenges. It increases demands on the performance of systems, and also requires relevant competences in controlling teams. In addition to traditional accounting expertise, we face a growing demand for decision support capabilities, project management skills, and a better understanding of statistical methods and business intelligence.
Although ACCA is not widely known in Germany, the qualification has provided me with important practical knowledge and models that I continuously use in my projects. Furthermore, ACCA has enabled me to speak the same language with colleagues in accounting, strategy, tax and treasury.
I learn something new every day at Zalando. The industry changes rapidly, and so does the company.
I work in Berlin, one of the most vibrant cities on the continent, and I never get bored here. I also enjoy travelling.