Viewing challenges as opportunities is one of the marks of a good business leader. Severine Hoss is one such businesswoman; never having been one to stay in her comfort-zone, Severine’s professional journey is replete with courageous decisions that have led her towards greater success. Be it her decision to move to Dubai after 12 years of working in Paris or her decision to establish her own freelancing company while adjusting to life in a new country, she has never shied away from taking up challenges.

Severine’s professional journey began as she completed a master’s degree in accounting and finance while simultaneously working for a chartered accountant company in Paris. This dual commitment allowed her to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, enhancing her understanding and proficiency in the field. Severine further upskilled and honed her knowledge by making several strategic moves across the value chain in the automotive spare parts and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors.

She is currently the CFO & COO at Alpha Nero, where her primary focus is on sound financial management and strategic planning.

In a conversation with the Women Entrepreneur team, Severine speaks about her professional experience, role at Alpha Nero and much more.

Take us through the prior industry experience that you bring to the table.

I have worked in the automotive spare parts and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors, which has equipped me with skill sets and a comprehensive understanding of these industries.

In the automotive industry, I gained insights into the supply chain management, inventory control, and logistics, while my experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing has provided me with the expertise to work in a highly regulated environment where I gained experience in adhering to strict quality control measures.

I have been introduced to Six Sigmaand lean methods which are the keys in manufacturing, leading to streamlined processes, based on a science, hence more stringent and accurate.

Throw some light on key business lessons you’ve learnt through your prior experience and how do they enable you to be a better finance leader today?

I have gleaned several key business lessons that have shaped my approach as CFO today. I have learned the importance of strategic thinking and the ability to align financial goals with business objectives. This requires an understanding of the organization's operations.

I have also learned the value of effective communication and collaboration across functional teams. It allows to bridge the gap between finance and other areas of the organization, leading to more informed decision-making and improved financial outcomes.

I have learned the importance of adaptability in an ever - changingconstant changing business environment. As a manager, you will have to take decisions and sometimes, they will be wrong, but you will learn from it and be more confident in your decision-making instinct.

“With a strong foundation in financial management & strategic planning, i have naturally transitioned into the role of COO”

Introduce us to Alpha Nero. Tell us about the various responsibilities you shoulder as the CFO & COO at Alpha Nero.

Alpha Nero is one of the leading shop fitting companies for luxury brands based in UAE. With a strong reputation in the industry, Alpha Nero specializes in providing comprehensive shop fitting solutions for retail and commercial spaces. Created in 2014, they were part of my client portfolio while I had my own company. I started from scratch, to put all the accounting and financial software in place. From 16 employees in 2014 we are now approaching a whopping 300 employees.

Alpha Nero, being a fast growing company with a vision of making manufacturing sustainable, not only prioritizes profitability and growth but also embraces environmental responsibility, social impact, and long-term viability.

My primary focus is on the financial management of Alpha Nero. I oversee the company's financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and analysis. I ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data, prepare financial statements. Risk management, cash flow management, and financial reporting compliance also fall within my remit as the CFO.

With a strong foundation in financial management and strategic planning, I have naturally transitioned into the role of COO. This progression has allowed me to combine my financial expertise with operational insights, planning, optimizing processes, and achieving sustainable growth for the organizations I serve.

In your opinion what are some of the most critical challenges you encounter as a finance leader in today’s business climate?How do align with industry trends and evolutions?

Some of the most critical challenges I encounter are gender bias, limited representation in leadership roles, and the need to strike a work-life balance. To overcome this, I have built a strong team on which I can rely and delegate. I have had to develop resilience to overcome setbacks and confidence -believing in my abilities and leadership instinct.

Regulations and taxes significantly impact the CFO's job- it is an ongoing evolving environment. I actively seek out and cultivate relationships with mentors, peers, and industry networks and participate in webinars. I also invest in my professional growth by staying updated with industry trends, expanding my skill set, and pursuing relevant certifications.

Tell us about the top three professional milestones you have achieved over the years? What is your success mantra?

The significant professional milestones I have achieved are, setting up my own company in a new country with a totally unknown culture and regulations, giving it up to follow and contribute to the growth of Alpha Nero, revolutionising the production landscape in retail, becoming the CFO while also wearing the hat of COO, and now a partner in the organisation as well.

My success mantra is- break barriers and lead with confidence - challenging stereotypes, and pave the way for future generations - you need to inspire trust in your team when making decisions. A business leader Severine admires

Christine Lagarde: A French lawyer and politician who currently serves as the President of the European Central Bank. Lagarde is known for her expertise in global economics and her commitment to promoting stability and sustainable growth in the international financial system. She is also recognized as a strong advocate for gender equality in leadership positions.

Severine Hoss, CFO & COO, Alpha Nero

Believe in yourself, embrace challenges, and be persistent. Cultivate a strong support system, both personally and professionally, and never shy away from pursuing your dreams. Remember to celebrate your achievements and believe in your own worth.