ross drapalski
@rossdrapalski
I am a strategic finance leader with IFRS and U.S. GAAP expertise.
GermanyWhat I'm looking for
I am a senior finance leader and strategic consultant with multi-sector operational expertise across private, nonprofit, and academic institutions, fluent in IFRS and U.S. GAAP. I combine strategic foresight, stakeholder engagement, and hands-on ERP and SOX implementation experience to modernize finance functions.
I have led finance teams and projects including ERP rollouts (SAP, NetSuite), M&A support, budgeting, forecasting, and cost-saving initiatives that materially improved margins and reporting accuracy. As a licensed CPA with CIA and CFE certifications and doctoral-level research skills, I bring rigorous analysis, international experience, and an approachable leadership style that drives collaboration.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Fractional Chief Financial Officer
EUSMS gGmbH
Jan 2025 - Present (7 months)
Serving as fractional CFO for a non-profit, overseeing financial strategy, IFRS/US GAAP alignment, and remote financial operations to support programs in East Africa.
BKSenior Director
Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA
Jan 2022 - Present (3 years 7 months)
Led finance transformation and global ERP implementations, modernizing reporting and strengthening SOX-compliant controls while supporting M&A activities across business units.
Research Associate
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management gGmbH
Jan 2023 - Jan 2024 (1 year)
Conducted management and finance research, performed advanced quantitative analysis, and supported publications and grant activity.
Adjunct Professor
Lancaster University GmbH
Jan 2023 - Jan 2024 (1 year)
Taught graduate courses and supervised student research in accounting and finance, and developed applied curriculum modules linking theory to practice.
BKDirector
Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA
Jan 2016 - Jan 2022 (6 years)
Directed global finance and audit engagements, led teams to implement ERP solutions and strengthen SOX controls, improving reporting accuracy and operational efficiency.
Finance Manager & Deputy CFO
Arvato Entertainment LLC
Jan 2013 - Jan 2016 (3 years)
Managed US subsidiary finance operations as Finance Manager and Deputy CFO, overseeing controllership, reporting, budgeting, and process improvements.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Texas
Master of Science, Taxation
Grade: 3.9/4.0 (approx.)
Activities and societies: Internship at Ernst & Young; exchange semester in Germany as part of the program.
Completed a Master of Science in Taxation in Texas in 2012.
North Texas School
Bachelor of Science, Accounting & Controlling
Grade: 3.9/4.0 (approx.)
Activities and societies: DAAD scholarship with internship at DB Schenker; multiple academic recognitions and awards.
Awarded a Bachelor of Science in Accounting & Controlling in 2010.
Coppell High School
High School Diploma, High School
Activities and societies: Four-year American football athlete; Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America, 2006).
Completed high school diploma in 2006 and participated as a four-year American football athlete.
Availability
Location
GermanyAuthorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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