Looking for a job

George Motsanos

@georgemotsanos

Message

I lead retail finance, budgeting, P&L performance, and operational efficiency across multinational businesses.

Greece

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead finance and operations in a business where I can strengthen budgeting, P&L performance, financial controls, scenario planning, and cross-functional decision-making.

I've led store finance and operations for IKEA across Qatar, the UK, Greece, and other international markets, managing end-to-end budgeting, P&L performance, audits, CAPEX, and financial controls.

At IKEA Qatar, I implemented a dynamic budgeting model that increased forecast accuracy by 15% and improved CAPEX utilization by 10%. I developed sales, gross-margin, and departmental CAPEX budgets while using scenario analysis to strengthen financial resilience.

At Ambotis Tours, I directed financial planning for nine hotels and 170 cars, building detailed P&L budgets and performance tracking that delivered a 12% cost reduction. Earlier at IKEA UK, I improved labor-cost efficiency by 18% through workforce planning and the “Smile effect” project.

My background also includes 14 years managing financial performance at IKEA Greece, where I established reporting systems for multiple stores and maintained profitability through severe sales declines. I bring hands-on experience in analytical accounting, reporting, profitability analysis, compliance, and developing finance teams.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Store Finance Manager

IKEA Qatar

Jul 2021 - Mar 2024 (2 years 8 months)

Led store finance and operations, overseeing end-to-end budgeting, P&L management, and financial audits. Implemented a dynamic budgeting model that increased forecast accuracy by 15% and improved CAPEX utilization by 10%.

Financial Management Budgeting P&L management Financial Audit scenario analysis Financial Control Deviation Analysis Capital Expenditure Management

Finance and Budgeting Manager

Ambotis Tours

Apr 2018 - Jun 2021 (3 years 2 months)

Directed financial planning for 9 hotels and 170 cars, focusing on profitability analysis and cost-saving strategies. Achieved a 12% cost reduction by implementing performance tracking across all business units.

Financial Planning Profitability Analysis Cost Reduction Variance Analysis Budgeting Performance Monitoring

Operations Manager

LCC Logistics

Nov 2017 - Apr 2018 (5 months)

Analyzed transportation costs and restructured pricing models, achieving a 10% reduction in logistics expenses. Negotiated service rates with IKEA Cyprus, enhancing contract profitability.

Cost Analysis Pricing Strategy Negotiation Logistics Management

Store Finance and Operations Manager

IKEA

May 2016 - Feb 2017 (9 months)

Led store finance and operations, including budgeting, P&L management, and financial audits. Introduced monthly performance boards and changed sales mix in F&B to drive visitor traffic.

Financial Management Budgeting P&L management Financial Audit scenario analysis Sales Analysis Performance Monitoring

Store Finance and Operations Manager

IKEA UK

Dec 2014 - Apr 2016 (1 year 4 months)

Transformed financial performance in a loss-making store by developing an investment-focused budgeting approach. Led the 'Smile effect' project, improving labor cost efficiency by 18% and raising employee satisfaction.

Financial Transformation Budgeting Workforce Planning Cost Efficiency scenario analysis Project Management

Store Finance Manager

IKEA Greece

Mar 2003 - Jun 2014 (11 years 3 months)

Led financial reporting for brand performance and profitability, implementing analytical accounting systems that improved reporting efficiency by 30%. Managed store financial performance for 14 years, maintaining profitability even during a 60% sales decline.

Financial Reporting Analytical Accounting Budgeting OPEX Management Capital Expenditure Management Profitability Management team training

Finance Controller

Electrolux Hellas

Jan 2001 - Feb 2003 (2 years 1 month)

Prepared company reports including P&L and assets-liabilities, and integrated results per brand and product line. Set up back office systems to meet reporting needs for central HQ in Sweden.

Financial Reporting Analytical Accounting MS Access Brand Analysis Product Line Analysis Integrated Profitability

Assistant Controller

Electrolux Hellas

May 1997 - Dec 2000 (3 years 7 months)

Allocated expenses across marketing, administration, brands, and departments. Managed slow-moving inventory and prepared sales and OPEX budgets per brand and product line.

Expense Allocation Sales Analysis Cost Analysis Variance Analysis Inventory Management Budgeting