Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Carla Piras

Crouch End,London

Summary

Highly skilled Finance Manager with extensive experience in financial management, accounting, and reporting. Expertise includes profit and loss (P&L) review and analysis, balance sheet reconciliations, and providing financial support for forecasting, budgeting, and cash flow management. Strong background in payroll and HR processes, with in-depth knowledge of regulatory compliance, auditing, and VAT return submissions.

Demonstrates a strong ability to produce accurate financial statements, develop comprehensive budgets, and implement cost-reduction strategies that enhance organisational performance. Experienced in financial reporting, KPI management, and building practical, user-friendly financial models to support strategic decision-making. Proven ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for senior management and stakeholders.

A collaborative leader with a track record of mentoring teams, improving financial processes, and strengthening internal controls. Adept at working cross-functionally to drive efficiency and support business growth. Committed to continuous professional development, maintaining high ethical standards, and delivering results under pressure.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Finance manager

Bulgari Hotel London
London, London
2020.11 - Current
  • Trained staff on finance-related matters, improving overall financial awareness and team performance.
  • Contributed to strategic decision-making by delivering financial insights that supported business direction.
  • Supported forecasting and budgeting processes to anticipate future business needs and enable effective planning.
  • Improved profitability through strategic budget planning and cost-control initiatives.
  • Produced comprehensive financial reports for senior management to support informed decision-making.
  • Reviewed and enhanced internal financial policies, ensuring ongoing regulatory compliance.
  • Acted as a key liaison between finance and other departments, strengthening cross-functional collaboration.
  • Partnered with external auditors to ensure efficient and successful audit processes.
  • Managed and mentored a team of finance professionals, driving performance and professional development.
  • Analysed complex financial data, translating findings into clear, actionable insights for leadership.
  • Streamlined financial processes, improving efficiency and reporting accuracy.
  • Oversaw financial reporting activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and deadlines.
  • Delivered regular management reports and maintained oversight of the quarterly tax calendar.
  • Maintained and enhanced KPI reporting tools, providing accurate and timely data for decision-making.
  • Implemented cost-control measures to optimise expenditure and strengthen financial discipline.
  • Conducted detailed variance analysis, identifying discrepancies and recommending corrective actions.

Payroll and Benefits Manager

Bvlgari Hotel London
London , London
2016.05 - 2020.11

In addition to my core payroll management responsibilities, I also dedicated significant focus to developing and enhancing a competitive compensation and benefits framework, ensuring the organisation remained attractive in the labour market and that employees felt valued and supported.

  • Participated in benchmarking studies to ensure the competitiveness of employee benefits programmes within the market.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring full compliance across all compensation and benefits processes.
  • Supported the design and enhancement of compensation and benefits structures to improve employee engagement and retention.
  • Resolved complex employee queries relating to benefits packages in a timely and professional manner.
  • Supported employees during open enrolment periods by providing clear guidance and accurate information.
  • Developed and delivered communication materials to improve understanding and uptake of benefit offerings.
  • Negotiated contracts with insurance providers and external vendors, securing cost-effective and competitive terms.
  • Conducted regular audits of benefits data to ensure accuracy, integrity, and compliance.
  • Educated line managers on policy updates and process changes to ensure consistent implementation across the organisation.
  • Analysed market data to support the development of competitive compensation and benefits strategies aligned with business objectives.

Payroll Manager

Bvlgari Hotel London
London , London
2014.06 - 2016.05
  • Managed and supported end-to-end payroll processes, ensuring accurate and timely monthly payroll execution in line with internal controls and deadlines.
  • Produced and reviewed year-end statutory returns, including P60s and P11D submissions, ensuring full compliance with HMRC requirements.
  • Administered PSA (PAYE Settlement Agreement) calculations and submissions, ensuring accurate reporting of taxable employee benefits and expenses.
  • Ensured full compliance with statutory payroll obligations, including tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions.
  • Conducted payroll cost analysis, providing detailed reporting and insights to support budgeting, forecasting, and workforce planning.
  • Reconciled payroll accounts and ensured accuracy between payroll systems, HR records, and the general ledger.
  • Resolved complex payroll queries, including pay discrepancies, adjustments, and deductions, ensuring timely and accurate resolution.
  • Supported payroll reporting processes, delivering accurate cost data and financial analysis to management.
  • Assisted with payroll budgeting and forecasting to support effective cost control and financial planning.
  • Conducted regular payroll audits to ensure accuracy, compliance, and adherence to internal and external regulatory standards.
  • Collaborated with HR and Finance teams to ensure alignment between payroll data, employment changes, and contractual terms.
  • Provided guidance to managers on payroll processes, statutory reporting, and compliance requirements.
  • Analysed compensation and payroll data to support fair, compliant, and cost-effective remuneration structures.

Payroll Master and General Cashier

Bvlgari Hotel London
London , London
2012.03 - 2014.06
  • Supported payroll and finance teams during system implementation and daily operations, ensuring smooth transition and continuity of processes.
  • Collaborated closely with Finance and HR teams to ensure accurate and consistent payroll, HR, and accounting data across integrated systems.
  • Assisted in the setup and data migration for new systems, including accounting, HR, and payroll platforms.
  • Provided administrative and technical support during payroll cycles, ensuring deadlines and accuracy standards were consistently met.
  • Helped reconcile and validate employee and payroll data to maintain data integrity during system implementation and migration.
  • Assisted with basic payroll processing tasks under supervision, supporting accurate salary calculations and record maintenance.
  • Identified and corrected discrepancies between HR, payroll, and finance records, improving overall data accuracy.
  • Supported the finance team during month-end close and system go-live periods with operational and reporting tasks.
  • Gained hands-on experience with integrated HR and finance systems, strengthening understanding of end-to-end payroll and accounting processes.
  • Worked as part of the General Cashier function, assisting with daily cash handling, reconciliation, and supporting accounting controls.

Income auditor

Four Seasons Hotel
London
2010.01 - 2012.03
  • Investigated discrepancies identified during income audits and resolved issues promptly and accurately.
  • Ensured high levels of accuracy in financial reporting by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of accounting standards and regulations.
  • Managed daily income audit activities, ensuring timely completion of all audit tasks and reporting requirements.
  • Liaised effectively with external auditors during annual audits, providing required documentation and supporting smooth audit processes.
  • Improved financial data accuracy through detailed recordkeeping and thorough reconciliation of revenue transactions.
  • Reviewed financial statements and transactional data to identify and correct errors, reducing the risk of reporting inaccuracies.
  • Prepared detailed income and revenue reports for management, supporting informed decision-making.
  • Streamlined income audit procedures, improving efficiency within the finance department.
  • Supported the implementation of internal controls and standard operating procedures for accounting and revenue processes.
  • Coordinated and executed month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes in line with reporting deadline

Accounts payable accountant

Four Seasons Hotel
Milan , Italy
2007.05 - 2010.01
  • Processed and posted supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring correct allocation to the purchasing ledger and general ledger accounts.
  • Reconciled supplier statements, resolving discrepancies and maintaining strong vendor relationships.
  • Managed accounts payable ledger, ensuring accurate and up-to-date financial records.
  • Processed payments to suppliers, ensuring timely settlement and avoiding late payment penalties.
  • Supported bank reconciliations, ensuring completeness and accuracy of cash and payment records.
  • Prepared and reviewed prepayments and accruals at month-end to ensure accurate financial reporting.
  • Assisted with cash flow monitoring and reporting to support effective financial planning and control.
  • Conducted cost analysis of expenses, supporting management in identifying savings opportunities.
  • Streamlined vendor payment processes, improving efficiency and reducing processing time.
  • Liaised with suppliers to resolve invoice discrepancies and queries in a professional and timely manner.
  • Supported month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing activities to ensure accurate financial reporting.
  • Assisted in the preparation of balance sheet reconciliations with a focus on accuracy and completeness.
  • Maintained strong internal controls within accounts payable processes to reduce risk of fraud and error.
  • Assisted in audit preparation and supported external auditors with required documentation.
  • Improved data accuracy through diligent invoice processing and recordkeeping practices.
  • Collaborated with wider finance teams to enhance reporting efficiency and cross-department communication.
  • Cross-trained in multiple accounts payable functions to support team flexibility and productivity.

Accounting finance intern

Four Seasons Hotel
Milan, Italy
2007.01 - 2007.05

Completed a finance internship following graduation from university and a Master's in Finance. Initially joined for a six-month internship, but was offered a permanent position before completion due to strong performance and contribution to the team.

  • Analysed financial documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with accounting standards.
  • Provided administrative and operational support during financial audits, assisting in detailed review processes.
  • Supported audit procedures by preparing documentation and ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance.
  • Assisted in improving invoice processing workflows, contributing to increased efficiency and reduced processing time.
  • Collaborated with finance team members to streamline accounting procedures and enhance overall departmental efficiency.

Education

Master's Degree - Tourism and Business Management

Ailun Alta Formazione Manageriale
Italy
2006.01 - 2007.01

Bachelor of Business Administration - Business and Economics

University of Cagliari
Italy
1998.09 - 2004.07

Skills

Key Skills & Competencies

Financial Management & Reporting

  • Profit and loss (P&L) analysis and balance sheet review and reconciliation
  • Financial forecasting and budget support, working closely with the Director of Finance
  • Cash flow analysis and cash flow management
  • Variance analysis and KPI reporting

Accounting & Technical Expertise

  • Accounting principles and financial controls
  • Payroll processing and payroll compliance
  • VAT return preparation and submissions
  • Audit support and internal control procedures

Business & Analytical Skills

  • Financial analysis and decision support
  • Cost-reduction strategies and expense control
  • Stakeholder management and business partnering
  • Initiative-taking and problem-solving ability

Leadership & Professional Skills

  • Team leadership, mentoring, and coaching
  • Cross-functional collaboration and leadership engagement
  • Training and development of finance staff
  • High ethical standards and professional integrity
  • Strong time management and performance under pressure
  • Resilience and adaptability in fast-paced environments
  • Continuous learning and professional development

Languages

English
Advanced
Italian
Native

Affiliations

  • Hobbies &Interests. Travelling and exploring new places. Interest in arts, culture, museums, and history. Enjoying live music and cultural events. Discovering different cuisines, food, and beverages. Socialising and spending quality time with friends and family. Interest in events, continuous learning, and expanding knowledge across different areas. Engagement with local community activities and support for local businesses.

Timeline

Finance manager

Bulgari Hotel London
2020.11 - Current

Payroll and Benefits Manager

Bvlgari Hotel London
2016.05 - 2020.11

Payroll Manager

Bvlgari Hotel London
2014.06 - 2016.05

Payroll Master and General Cashier

Bvlgari Hotel London
2012.03 - 2014.06

Income auditor

Four Seasons Hotel
2010.01 - 2012.03

Accounts payable accountant

Four Seasons Hotel
2007.05 - 2010.01

Accounting finance intern

Four Seasons Hotel
2007.01 - 2007.05

Master's Degree - Tourism and Business Management

Ailun Alta Formazione Manageriale
2006.01 - 2007.01

Bachelor of Business Administration - Business and Economics

University of Cagliari
1998.09 - 2004.07
Carla Piras