Wärtsilä Finance encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, from meticulous financial planning and reporting to strategic investment decisions and risk management. As a global leader in marine and energy solutions, Wärtsilä’s financial health is crucial for maintaining its competitive edge and delivering value to shareholders. The finance department plays a vital role in ensuring the company’s financial stability and supporting its growth ambitions.
A core function of Wärtsilä Finance is financial planning and analysis (FP&A). This involves developing comprehensive budgets, forecasting future performance, and analyzing variances. FP&A provides management with crucial insights into the company’s financial performance, enabling them to make informed decisions about resource allocation, investments, and operational improvements. Accurate forecasting is particularly important given the long lead times often associated with Wärtsilä’s large-scale projects.
Financial reporting is another key area. Wärtsilä adheres to strict accounting standards (IFRS) and regularly publishes financial statements, including annual reports and interim reports. These reports provide stakeholders – investors, creditors, and the public – with a transparent view of the company’s financial position, performance, and cash flows. Transparency and accuracy in financial reporting are essential for maintaining investor confidence and meeting regulatory requirements.
Treasury management is vital for ensuring Wärtsilä’s liquidity and managing its financial risks. This includes managing cash flow, optimizing working capital, and securing funding for projects and operations. Wärtsilä operates in numerous countries and currencies, requiring sophisticated treasury management practices to mitigate currency risk and ensure efficient cash management across its global operations. The company also utilizes various hedging strategies to protect its profitability from fluctuations in commodity prices and exchange rates.
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are also within the scope of Wärtsilä Finance. When the company considers acquiring other businesses or divesting existing ones, the finance team plays a crucial role in evaluating the financial implications of these transactions. This includes conducting due diligence, valuing target companies, and structuring deals to maximize shareholder value.
Risk management is an integral part of Wärtsilä Finance. The company faces a variety of financial risks, including credit risk, market risk, and operational risk. The finance team is responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating these risks through the implementation of appropriate controls and procedures. This includes managing counterparty risk associated with large projects and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, such as anti-money laundering laws.
In conclusion, Wärtsilä Finance plays a critical role in ensuring the company’s financial health, supporting its strategic objectives, and delivering value to its stakeholders. From financial planning and reporting to treasury management, M&A, and risk management, the finance team provides essential financial expertise and oversight across the organization.