ANDRÉS GARCÍA CRUZ
Assistant Controller
MEX
Summary
Detail-oriented and results-driven assistant controller with a solid background in financial planning, analysis, and reporting. Proficient in financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting to drive informed financial decisions. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Controller
Smurfit Westrock
07.2025 - Current
- Led financial control and project setup for a industrial rehabilitation project of a WWTP upgrade in Guadalajara
- Support the financial management of a paper machine improvement project by monitoring budgets, analyzing project costs, tracking CAPEX/OPEX impacts, preparing financial reports, and collaborating with engineering and operations teams to ensure alignment and control.
- Developed and managed project budgets (CAPEX), cash flow projections, and cost control structures from project initiation.
- Monitored committed vs. actual costs, identifying variances and financial risks throughout early project phases.
- Coordinated with engineering, procurement, and construction teams to align financial tracking with technical progress.
- Reviewed and validated contracts, payment terms, and financial milestones with suppliers and contractors.
- Prepared executive financial reports and key project KPIs for senior management.
- Ensured proper financial treatment and capitalization of assets in compliance with corporate and regulatory requirements.
Sr. Financial Analyst
Smurfit Westrock
07.2024 - 06.2025
- Financial Modeling Create and maintain advanced financial models to predict business performance, evaluate investment opportunities, and support strategic decisions.
- Budgeting and Forecasting: Lead the development of annual budgets and rolling forecasts, ensuring they align with the company's goals and priorities.
- Variance Analysis: Analyze budget-to-actual variances, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities to provide actionable insights to leadership.
- KPI Development and Tracking: Design and monitor key performance indicators to evaluate and improve financial and operational performance.
- Strategic Planning: Contribute to long-term planning by analyzing market trends, competitive positioning, and new business opportunities.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with teams from sales, operations, and other departments to ensure financial plans align with broader business strategies.
- Data Visualization and Reporting: Create detailed dashboards and reports using tools like Power BI to communicate insights effectively to stakeholders.
- Cost Analysis: I perform comprehensive cost reviews to find efficiency opportunities and support initiatives to enhance profitability.
- Month-End Close Support: Month-end financial close processes, ensuring accurate reconciliation of accounts and financial reporting.
- Ad-Hoc Analysis: Provide in-depth financial analysis for special projects, including mergers, acquisitions, and other high-priority initiatives.
Financial Analyst
Smurfit Kappa
12.2022 - 06.2024
- Financial Modeling: Build and maintain financial models to support forecasting, budgeting, and decision-making processes.
- Budgeting and Forecasting: Assist in preparing annual budgets and forecasts, ensuring accurate financial projections.
- Variance Analysis: Analyze differences between actual results and budgets/forecasts to identify trends and provide insights.
- KPI Tracking: Help track key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor financial and operational performance.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Work with teams like sales and operations to gather data and ensure alignment with financial goals.
- Financial Reporting: Prepare regular financial reports, summarizing key findings for management and stakeholders.
- Cost Analysis: Support cost analysis initiatives by identifying areas for expense optimization.
- Ad-Hoc Analysis: Provide detailed financial analysis for specific projects or tasks as needed by the team.
Trainee
Smurfit Kappa
01.2021 - 11.2022
- Budgeting and Forecasting: Supporting the budgeting process by gathering data, preparing spreadsheets, and analyzing variances between actual and budgeted figures.
- Cost Analysis: Assisting in analyzing cost variances, identifying cost drivers, and evaluating cost trends to understand the factors influencing the organization's cost structure.
- Collaborated closely with departments such as acquisitions and sales to streamline processes and achieve mutual objectives.
- Managed division inventory, ensuring accurate tracking, replenishment, and optimization of stock levels.
Intern
Smurfit Kappa
09.2019 - 12.2020
- Collaborated with the finance team to streamline financial reporting processes, resulting in improved efficiency and timeliness of financial reporting.
- Supported the preparation of inventory reports.
Education
Bachelor’s - Banking and Finance Businesses
Universidad del Valle de México
12.2020
Skills
Financial Analysis and Modeling
Budgeting and Forecasting
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Proficient in Microsoft office Software’s
SAP, HFM and Power BI
Cost Analysis
Advanced English (C-1)
Efficient management of P&L
Timeline
Assistant Controller
Smurfit Westrock
07.2025 - Current
Sr. Financial Analyst
Smurfit Westrock
07.2024 - 06.2025
Financial Analyst
Smurfit Kappa
12.2022 - 06.2024
Trainee
Smurfit Kappa
01.2021 - 11.2022
Intern
Smurfit Kappa
09.2019 - 12.2020
Bachelor’s - Banking and Finance Businesses
Universidad del Valle de México
ABOUT ME
I thrive in collaborative and fast-paced environments, where my proactive nature and exceptional problem-solving skills enable me to adapt to new challenges seamlessly. Communication and teamwork are at the core of my work ethic, allowing me to foster strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders. I am deeply committed to continuous learning and growth, constantly seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge.