At ATG Consulting, we excel in developing robust controlling functions tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses expanding into new markets. This showcase highlights our successful project with a leading car spare parts manufacturer, which launched three Business Units (BUs) in Russia.

The Challenge

Our client embarked on a significant expansion into the Russian market by launching three new Business Units. The primary challenge was to establish a controlling function from scratch that could effectively monitor and analyze business performance, while also aligning with the Group’s standards and adapting to local market constraints.

Approach

1. Comprehensive Needs Assessment:
   • We conducted an in-depth analysis of the Group corpus requirements alongside the specific needs and constraints of the Russian market. This ensured that the controlling function would be both comprehensive and adaptable.
2. Redesigning Accounting Processes:
   • Revisited and realigned all accounting processes performed by the regional Shared Services Centre (SSC) to ensure they met the new controlling requirements. This change management initiative was crucial for integrating controlling needs with existing operational processes.
3. Development of Controlling Function:
   • Designed a bespoke controlling function that integrated the Group’s standardized procedures with local regulatory and market requirements. This involved setting up data collection and reporting structures tailored to the operational realities of the Russian BUs.
4. Strategic Hiring and Training:
   • Successfully hired and trained five controllers within a year. These controllers were strategically placed across the BUs and by function to maximize their impact and enhance the level of financial analysis provided.
5. Enhanced Analytical Capabilities:
   • Elevated the scope of analysis to deliver maximum value added to the business, including the capability to manage Capex projects and conduct offer simulations, thereby supporting strategic decision-making processes.
6. Process Implementation and Tools Integration:
   • Implemented tailored processes and integrated advanced analytical tools to support effective performance monitoring. This included establishing budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis processes tailored to the identified needs.
7. Training and Support:
   • Provided thorough training to local staff to ensure a seamless transition and effective use of the new controlling systems. Ongoing support was also established to adapt processes as business needs evolved.
8. Continuous Improvement Framework:
   • Created a feedback loop to continuously refine and enhance controlling practices based on real-time data and market developments, ensuring sustained performance optimization.

Results

Through our tailored approach, ATG Consulting successfully established a fully operational controlling function for our client’s Russian Business Units. This enabled precise monitoring and analysis of business performance, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning aligned with both global standards and local nuances. Moreover, the enhanced analytical capabilities significantly contributed to strategic projects such as Capex management and business simulations.

Conclusion

By building a controlling function from the ground up and aligning all accounting processes with controlling requirements, we enabled our client to gain critical insights into their new market operations, ensuring a strong foundation for future growth. This project exemplifies ATG Consulting’s capability to deliver customized solutions that bridge corporate requirements and local market realities, driving successful international expansion.