CPA Member: Katherina Greene
Title: Transformation Global Process Owner Record to Report.
Company: Avery Dennison, Corporate.
Qualifications: Business Studies at MTU, CPA Qualification.
Route to CPA Qualification
I successfully completed Business Studies at Munster Technological University. I studied to become a CPA with Griffith College, Cork where I took weekend classes while I worked during the week. I qualified as a CPA in 2000 and was delighted to pass all my exams in the first sitting.
A day in the life
I am thrilled to be Transformation GPO, RTR. With the objective of Finance common global design, I’m driving an ecosystem of transformation and designing with a big tent approach to ensure adoption and success.
Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company serving an array of industries worldwide, including home and personal care, apparel, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive. Avery Dennison’s global scale - operating in over 50 countries - and extensive expertise in our core businesses allows us to be recognized as an industry leader.
Within a company of our scale, especially in corporate roles, there are immense opportunities for global connections and I enjoy driving change and encouraging collaboration across regions and divisions, sharing solutions and enabling efficiencies across the business. I delight in leading the process to debate with our global SMEs and designing a finance function that will support driving growth and shareholder return.
Q2 2023, marked the commencement of a significant milestone in our digital transformation journey with the kick-off of a global ERP implementation. I am ensuring RTR focus on creating value, delivering productivity and efficiency and enhanced governance, all this with a global lens. I actively participate in regular meetings with the global finance team both onsite and remotely. I encourage a steady exchange of perspectives and robust challenge to ensure we are optimising this opportunity and paving the way for the future of finance in RTR.
Rather than cultivating individual relationships with a few key stakeholders, I am building networks and groups with common goals. And instead of focusing only on managing change, I am also concentrating on embracing disruption as appropriate.
Leveraging both my CPA and project management qualifications and expertise, I understand the importance of a risk mitigation culture in RTR and ensure controls and compliance are top of our agenda.
What do you enjoy most about the work you do?
Challenging role with an excellent team!
Our culture is the foundation of everything we do at Avery Dennison. Our core values encourage us to be big ambitious thinkers who remain brave in the face of the unknown, to work together and leverage our collective strength to win. We expect the best from ourselves and each other.
Everyday, I am challenged to use imagination and intellect to create new possibilities.
Fun fact
I love travelling and truly appreciate the opportunity to travel with my role. I have visited 28 countries, including China, India & US.
How have you grown in your career?
My best career moves have been less about planning a specific linear career path and much more about saying 'yes' to opportunities as they arise!
Advice for someone considering the CPA Qualification
Go for it!
Obtaining my CPA qualification ensured I have a globally recognised qualification with deep finance expertise. This knowledge provides a solid finance perspective, applying a logical and systematic approach to solving problems and adding value for my organisation. Through my CPE, and continuous learning mindset, I continue growing and building upon my knowledge and skills.