Veronica Avelar
• Lisbon, Portugal • - •-• LinkedIn
Summary
Financial Controller with expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and risk
management. Proficient in financial analysis, ERP systems (SAP), and financial reporting tools.
Skilled in streamlining processes, managing financial systems, and supporting strategic
decision-making. Strong track record in improving financial KPIs, ensuring compliance, and
mentoring teams. Experienced in delivering actionable insights to drive business growth and
operational efficiency.
Experience
Senior Cost Engineer, Estimator | Galp | Lisbon, Portugal (JAN 2023 – PRESENT)
● Delivered cost estimates for energy projects totalling over €2 billion per year, by analyzing
requirements, conducting risk analyses (@risk), identifying cost drivers, and collaborating
across functions, ensuring projects were completed within the estimated Capex.
● Reduced CAPEX estimates by €11M through collaborative cost reviews, risk analyses
(@risk), and identifying optimization opportunities in a single project.
● Trained team members on project cost management, improving departmental
performance and process efficiency.
● Implemented financial reporting improvements, enhancing accuracy in forecasting and
expenditure tracking.
Cost Manager Engineer | CTR Group | Samora Correia, Portugal (MAR 2021 – JAN 2023)
● Achieved €1M in annual savings by partnering with C-suite leadership to optimize budgets
through FP&A tools, conducting in-depth warehouse stock analyses to prioritize production
based on demand, accelerating cash flow, and reducing excess inventory with strategic
financial controls.
● Contributed to achieving 30% revenue growth in year one and an additional 52% in year
two by streamlining global portfolios across Portugal, China, India and the US, and
improving operational efficiency.
● Generated monthly Purchase Price Variance (PPV) reports, safeguarding profit margins by
addressing pricing discrepancies.
● Saved €150K annually through make-or-buy analyses, recommending outsourcing over
in-house manufacturing to optimize costs.
● Led budget preparation and variance analysis, providing actionable financial insights to
senior management.
● Supported tax departments by calculating tax benefits under the EU drawback regime.
Cost Manager Engineer | AKWEL | Tondela, Portugal (MAR 2019 – FEB 2021)
● Managed CAPEX and OPEX budgets of €1M to €5M per project, overseeing the entire
process from end to end by reviewing technical drawings and project requirements to
estimate the Capex & Opex, optimizing costs and controlling budgets for prototypes, tools,
and validations tests. Delivering high-quality final products to clients while maintaining
budget and timeline compliance.
● Reduced project costs by up to €100K per project by identifying synergies in the validation
tests with other projects.
Cost Management, FP&A | PSA Groupe | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (SEP 2016 – SEP 2018)
● Achieved €16M in savings on a €200M machining factory project I managed by relocating
the need for additional equipment purchases.
● Led a team of 4 cost analysts and developed standardized FP&A processes by
implementing consistent reporting frameworks and best practices, reducing operational
inefficiencies and improving productivity.
● Aligned operations with financial targets by presenting FP&A variance analyses of part
costs, labour, and supplier expenses to identify and address discrepancies.
● Reduced annual production costs by €2 million by validating and monitoring engine part
changes, and optimizing transportation, packaging, and machining processes while
ensuring quality and on-time delivery.
Sr. Cost Analyst, FP&A | PSA Groupe | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (SEP 2009 – SEP 2016)
● Performed ROI analyses that drove €500K in annual savings by implementing technical
modifications and optimizing operational processes.
● Oversaw Brazil’s €50 million annual engine budget, using FP&A methodologies to ensure
strategic resource allocation, effective cost control, and alignment with organizational
objectives.
● Directed feasibility studies for cost-reduction initiatives, prioritizing high-impact
investments to support long-term growth and profitability.
Relevant Skills
Financial Analysis & Reporting
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Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning
Profitability and ROI Analysis
Compliance and Risk Management
Cost Variance and Break-Even Analysis
Financial Variance Analysis
Cost Optimization
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CAPEX/OPEX Management
Financial Modeling and KPIs
Purchase Price Variance (PPV) Reporting
Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) Analysis
Technical Proficiency
● MS Office Suite (Advanced Excel)
● ERP Systems (SAP, DGP)
● @Risk Statistical Software
Project Management
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Project Cost Estimation
Project Budgeting and Tracking
Time Management & Planning
Stakeholder Communication
Remote Work & Independent Task Management
Education
SEP 2018 – MAR 2021
Master’s in Project Management | Lusofona University | Porto, Portugal
JAN 2015 – JUN 2016
MBA: Master’s in Business Administration and Project Management | FGV University | Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil
AUG 2004 – DEC 2009
Bachelor’s in Production Engineering | UERJ University | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Key Achievements
● Successfully managed audits, liaised with tax advisors, and ensured compliance with
regulatory authorities, contributing to improved financial governance.
● Implemented process automation and reconciliation strategies to enhance financial
accuracy and efficiency.
● Reduced CAPEX estimates by €11M through collaborative cost reviews and risk analyses.
● Achieved €1M in annual savings by optimizing budgets and implementing strategic financial
controls.
● Contributed to achieving 30% revenue growth in year one and an additional 52% in year
two by streamlining global portfolios.
● Saved €150K annually through make-or-buy analyses and outsourcing recommendations.
● Reduced annual production costs by €2 million by optimizing transportation, packaging, and
machining processes.
