Riccardo Scherrer

Analytically minded financial professional with extensive experience in financial controlling, process improvement and project management. Proven ability to excel in diverse work environments, from multinational companies (Airbus and Thales) to startups (ClearSpace). Multilingual capabilities and ability to liaise with staff at all levels.

12/2021 – 03/2024             Senior Financial Controller, Finance Department

                                                  ClearSpace SA, Renens, Switzerland

• Managed financial control for a multi-year project of over CHF 100 million, overseeing expenditure against approved budgets, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and liaising with budget holders and project stakeholders for expense eligibility.
• Coordinated project documentation preparation (financial proposals) and contract negotiations with the European Space Agency;
• Identified, improved and implemented tools and processes to monitor project Estimate at Completion (EAC) and cost status, focusing on procurement costs and Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs).
• Implemented internal controls and provided ad-hoc reporting to assist project team & client (e.g. time tracking report, subcontractor payment status, etc.); 
• Advised executive management and project managers on project financial status, offering insights into best practices and recommending processes for enhanced cost control;
• Provided critical analysis for geo-return discussions with country delegations;
• Conducted regular travel to assist in contract negotiations and support project financial discussions.

09/2014 – 11/2021             Financial Controller, Finance Department – Level 7 (2019-2021), Level 6 (2014-2019)
Airbus Italy S.p.A, Rome, Italy

• In close liaison with CFO, established companywide budgets, and maintained management accounting processes;
• Prepared quarterly and periodic reports including P&L, B/S, Headcount, variance reports, Revenue and Cost Reports, and KPIs, in accordance with IFRS;
• Developed processes & tools to enhance internal controls, data input by users, and data analysis for controlling;
• Implemented Estimation at Completion (EAC) process and provided financial guidance to project managers;
• Drove business process improvement through gap analysis, collection of feedback, and participation in cross-functional projects;
• National Project Manager for the implementation of SAP S4 Hana Cloud as Pilot for Airbus Defence & Space, including coordination of local team, and post-launch support;
• Created and delivered software training (e.g. SAP, EXCEL) to colleagues at all levels;
• Mentored team members and new staff, and oversaw tasks of accountants, ensuring alignment with project goals and deadlines.

03/2012– 01/2014             Controller, Budget Controlling Division 

                                                  Thales Alenia Space, Rome, Italy

• Controlled a €18.5M budget for Supply Chain, Human Resources, Operations, and other departments;
• Coordinated with senior managers to oversee cost monitoring, reporting, and conduct analysis of department costs, productive hours and manpower employed;
• Collaborated cross-functionally on various projects, including analysis of committed orders, IT application implementation, and cost accruals, as well as approving purchase order requests;
• Played a central role in company’s budget process, allocating overhead costs and managing inputs to monthly/quarterly/yearly management reports.

03/2010 – 03/2012            Collaborator, Treasury Division 
Thales Alenia Space, Rome, Italy

 

• Utilized SAP and Reuters KTP to optimize internal processes and procedures; 
• Supported cash management, forecasting, and hedging in compliance with IAS rules;
• Conducted credit management analysis, reporting, and monitoring, ensuring financial stability and risk mitigation.

  2002-2006                            

•  Bachelor in Economics (4 years degree)
  John Cabot University, Rome, Italy