Alexander Middleton, Project Manager in Geneva, Switzerland
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Alexander Middleton

Verified Expert  in Project Management

Bio

Spearheading finance transformation and ERP implementations, Alexander Middleton brings a wealth of expertise rooted in strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration as a seasoned program and project director. Change management and process optimization are the cornerstones of Alexander's approach to business transformation. His success is driven by a commitment to aligning systems with institutional processes and goals, ensuring seamless integration and enhanced operational efficiency.

Project Highlights

SAP S/4HANA Deployment
Delivered and managed the country's requirements and the needs of five sites, ensuring the project was completed on scope, within budget, and on time.
Carving Out Flagship Brands
Delivered a new ERP system, human resources information system (HRIS), finance processes, and a shared service center in under nine months.
Long-term Finance Business Partner
Provided daily business finance support to Caterpillar OEM Solutions as an external consultant.

Expertise

  • Budgeting
  • Finance
  • Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
  • Project Management
  • SAP ERP
  • Scrum Master
  • Six Sigma
  • Stakeholder Management

Work Experience

Interim Finance Director

2024 - 2024
WSP
  • Managed the transition in financial control, reviewed existing processes, and identified improvements.
  • Identified the need for support in financial controlling during an acquisition and ERP change and assisted in managing the transition.
  • Standardized the approach for the French and Swiss markets, leading forecasting and budgeting efforts.
  • Emphasized maximizing the potential of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations and Microsoft Power BI.

SAP S/4HANA Business Deployment Lead

2022 - 2023
Merck Serono
  • Spearheaded the SAP S/4HANA business deployment in Switzerland for all five sites, overseeing the entire design and implementation process. Managed local key users (KU) with support from site leads, covering 14 streams.
  • Directed five of nine project sites across Switzerland and Italy, managing a team of approximately 500 people, including key users, subject matter expert (SME) functional consultants, and various stakeholders.
  • Oversaw biotech-pharmaceutical production sites under GMP requirements, managing distribution and logistics and implementing a new automated warehouse system alongside a manufacturing execution system (MES) project with concurrent go-live dates.
  • Delivered the project on time, within scope, and on budget while overseeing 40 concurrent satellite systems projects as a steering committee member.
  • Ensured no business disruption following the go-live, successfully ramped up business-as-usual operations, and completed hypercare within two months post-implementation.

Business Controlling Transformation Lead

2019 - 2021
Skyguide
  • Managed the team and transformed the financial and FP&A processes, including team size and workflows.
  • Participated in assessing the new target operating model and financing and forecasting models.
  • Co-built the RFP for a new ERP implementer and contributed to developing a deployment plan for the integrator, business teams, and processes.

Lead Transformation Officer

2019 - 2019
Helvetia Environnement Group
  • Assisted the Swiss waste management leader in transforming its environment, processes, and systems.
  • Created a request for proposal (RFP) for a new ERP system integrated with a new operations system tailored to waste management processes.
  • Defined the conceptual plan, design, and framework to deploy a digitalization strategy, including systems and processes, and implemented collaborative tools, a new operations system, and a new finance system.

SAP S/4HANA Finance Transformation Manager

2018 - 2019
Applegreen PLC
  • Defined and built a new finance target operating model aligned with the ERP SAP S/4HANA implementation.
  • Coordinated efforts between SAP implementers, business process owners, and business-as-usual teams.
  • Assessed, reviewed, and challenged the existing shared services structure and model to develop a new one in collaboration with an offshore shared service center partner.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 FO UAT and Cutover Manager

2017 - 2018
Kudelski Group
  • Designed and implemented end-to-end testing across transversal business streams.
  • Coordinated data migration, cutover content, and issue tracking for finance, production, sales, and distribution.
  • Managed bug resolution projects with onshore and offshore developers, functional consultants, and business stream leads.

PMO Portfolio Transition Lead

2016 - 2017
Sommet Education
  • Transformed affiliate services to HQ services, established a finance shared service center, implemented Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations as the new ERP system, and improved financial processes.
  • Chaired PMO meetings, coordinating with the Eurazeo investor team, local management, integrators, service providers, consultants, and stream leaders.
  • Carved out two flagship brands, Glion and Les Roches, in the hospitality education industry following the acquisition by a private equity investor. Managed the application and duration of the transition service agreement (TSA).

Consultant, Group Consolidation and Projects

2011 - 2014
Sucafina
  • Structured and led the first group consolidation effort and the issuance of financial statements. Negotiated audit findings and ensured compliance.
  • Followed up with local auditors on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Luxembourg Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) compliance, addressing technical discussions and providing solutions.
  • Monitored special acquisition projects, performance projections, cash flow needs, and inventory valuations.
  • Helped develop new financial software for consolidation and group reporting.

Consultant | Finance Business Resources Manager II

2006 - 2010
Caterpillar
  • Collaborated with the Caterpillar OEM Solutions Group, working with manufacturers and Cat dealers to sell partial machines and quality first-fit components. Contributed to selling OEM machines to specialty corporations, enhancing product portfolios.
  • Transformed and led finance operations in EAME, including processes, systems, and reporting for the division.
  • Improved savings for the division and contributed to a Six Sigma project that resulted in savings exceeding $10 million, earning a reward for the achievement.
  • Built operational and regional budgets, overseeing financial controlling, and ensured compliance with financial requirements for Italy, Belgium, France, and Switzerland.

Marketing & Finance Controller | Director EAME and APAC

2005 - 2006
Iomega
  • Performed financial controlling tasks, including budgeting, forecasting, analyzing performance variances against budget and expectations, and preparing 10-K and 10-Q reporting elements for EAME and APAC.
  • Integrated and implemented process changes for all financial activities from the Asia Pacific region to the European headquarters in Switzerland.
  • Partnered with product management, sales, marketing, and the managing director in financial planning and analysis (FP&A).
  • Standardized management reporting and enhanced interdepartmental cooperation. Redesigned finance functions and processes following multiple restructurings, ensuring compliance with US GAAP and SEC reporting requirements.

Interim Finance Manager

2004 - 2005
Moore Stephens
  • Forecasted and planned activities for companies listed on the Securities and Exchange Commission.
  • Improved forecasting, variance analysis, and management reporting activities.
  • Spearheaded Sarbanes-Oxley implementation and deployment projects.

Group Financial Controller, Oil & Commodity Trading Division

2001 - 2003
Addax & Oryx Group
  • Supervised a team of 10 accountants responsible for day-to-day trading activities, P&L follow-up, contract performance, and the handling of general expenses, salaries, and related matters.
  • Implemented the JD Edwards ERP system and interfaced it with the trading, risk, and middle office system Tempest XL from Triple Point. Defined the analytical structure, outlined the benefits, and secured acceptance from stakeholders and end users.
  • Reviewed contract performance, vessel operations, and inventory valuations for rice positions in discussions with traders.
  • Managed all controlling activities for each trading entity, including performance analysis, variance tracking, and KPI monitoring, as well as preparing local tax reports.

Group Controller

1999 - 2000
IMO Car Wash Group Ltd
  • Built monthly and year-end consolidations applying UK accounting principles for the first time, transitioning from a Dutch Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) basis.
  • Conducted a critical review and challenged the 11 counterparts, providing commentary on monthly operating results with the COO and CFO of the group.
  • Designed and implemented accounting standards across the group.
  • Oversaw special projects, including the development of performance monitoring tools, budgeting, and liaising with key private equity investors.

Business Analyst

1998 - 1999
Amoco Chemical (Europe)
  • Conducted special projects and performed accounting reasonableness reviews for five European sales offices.
  • Performed monthly performance reviews of the financial statements.
  • Spearheaded the SAP R/3 migration project and instructed the European petrochemical accounting community on the financial module (FI).
  • Contributed to the merger accounting treatment for British Petroleum (BP) and Amoco following Amoco's integration into BP.
  • Established new processes for a shared service center in the UK.

Auditing Supervisor

1993 - 1998
PwC Switzerland
  • Joined as a junior auditor and was promoted to audit supervisor, working with multinational corporations, including regional consolidations for Digital Equipment, Philip Morris, Merck Serono, Nokia Maillefer, and Bacardi.
  • Trained team members across Western Switzerland in the new auditing approach.
  • Presented final audit findings to clients and defended the position taken.

Project History

SAP S/4HANA Deployment

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/david-wills-4a20b22_sap-saps4hana-erpimplementation-activity-7147998623857881089-dmc7?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAsmIABlm21B_3Zx0P7HKtgUGRDRkEgTOM

Delivered and managed the country's requirements and the needs of five sites, ensuring the project was completed on scope, within budget, and on time.

I served as the country SAP S/4HANA business deployment lead in Switzerland, overseeing all five sites from design to implementation. I managed local key users with support from site leads across 14 streams and supervised five project sites in Switzerland and Italy. The project team included around 500 people, including key users (KU), subject matter experts (SMEs), functional consultants, and various stakeholders.

The project involved biotech-pharmaceutical production sites subject to GMP requirements, with an extensive distribution and logistics network. I led the implementation of a new automated warehouse system and a manufacturing execution system (MES) project, both with concurrent go-live dates.

As a steering committee member, I ensured the project was delivered on time, within scope, and on budget while overseeing 40 concurrent satellite system projects. I ensured no disruption following go-live, ramped up business-as-usual operations, and concluded hypercare within two months post-implementation.

Carving Out Flagship Brands

https://investors.laureate.net/news/press-release-details/2016/Agreement-between-Laureate-Education-Inc-and-Eurazeo-for-the-sale-of-Glion-and-Les-Roches-hospitality-management-schools/default.aspx

Delivered a new ERP system, human resources information system (HRIS), finance processes, and a shared service center in under nine months.

I contributed to the separation of two flagship brands, Glion and Les Roches, in the hospitality education industry following an acquisition by a private equity investor. This transversal project addressed financial, operational, systems, and structural aspects. I led the transformation from affiliate to HQ services, which included setting up a finance shared service center, implementing a new ERP system (Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations), and improving financial processes. I also led PMO meetings and liaised with the investor team (Eurazeo), local management, integrators, service providers, consultants, and stream leaders. Additionally, I helped recruit and train a new finance service team of 12 full-time equivalents (FTEs).

Long-term Finance Business Partner

Provided daily business finance support to Caterpillar OEM Solutions as an external consultant.

As an external consultant, I provided finance business support for the Caterpillar OEM Solutions Group. This group collaborates with other manufacturers and Cat dealers to sell partial machines and high-quality first-fit components. Many of these OEM machines are sold to Cat dealers to fill gaps in their product portfolios, such as water trucks, fuel and lube trucks, tow tractors, and foundation drills.

I transformed and led finance operations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (EAME) for the Caterpillar OEM Solutions Group, overseeing the division's processes, systems, and reporting. I built operational and regional budgets, managed financial control, and ensured compliance with financial requirements for Italy, Belgium, France, and Switzerland. I independently improved savings for the division and participated in a Six Sigma project, which earned recognition and contributed to savings of over $10 million.

Education

2021 - 2022

Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation and Design Thinking

MIT Management Executive Education - Cambridge, MA, USA

2010 - 2012

Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA)

University of Geneva and Savoie - Geneva, Switzerland

1991 - 1993

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration (BBA)

Webster University - St. Louis, MI, USA

Certifications

DECEMBER 2023 - DECEMBER 2026

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Institute (PMI)

OCTOBER 2023 - PRESENT

Certified Scrum Master

ITTA

JUNE 2023 - PRESENT

Certified Change Practitioner

Prosci

Skills

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations, Microsoft Dynamics AX, Navision, Zoom, Microsoft Project, Jira, Slack, JD Edwards

Paradigms

Waterfall Delivery, Agile Delivery, Design Thinking, Agile, Six Sigma, Change Management, Scrum, Transformation Design

Platforms

SharePoint

Other

SAP ERP, Finance, Scrum Master, Prosci ADKAR, ADKAR Change Model, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Management, IT Project Management, Consolidation, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), PMO Governance, PMO Processes, transformation, Cost Accounting, Management Accounting, HR Transformation, Training, Budget Modeling, Budgeting, Cutover, Target Operating Models, Process Flows, Microsoft Teams, Smartsheet, Business Management, International Logistics, Projects, Financial Accounting, Marketing, Scrum of Scrums, Stakeholder Mapping, IT Services, Innovation, Audits, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), IFRS Financial Reporting, Financing, SAP R3, US GAAP, UK GAAP, Budget Management, Performance Metrics, JDE, Profit & Loss (P&L), Pricing, Sarbanes-Oxley, Reporting, Structure, Corporate Tax Planning, Shared Service Centers, HRIS, UX Testing, Digitization, Negotiation, Process Transformation, Agile Transformation, Financial Controlling, Request for Proposal (RFP), Remote Work, Controlling, Team Management, Scope Management, Project Management Office (PMO), Transition Service Agreement (TSA)

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