The Role of the CFO at Suzano

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Suzano, a leading global pulp and paper company, plays a pivotal role in the company's strategic direction, financial stability, and long-term growth. The position demands a deep understanding of not only finance and accounting but also the complexities of the global commodity market, sustainable practices, and the nuances of operating in Brazil and internationally.

Specifically, the CFO is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of Suzano's operations. This encompasses a wide array of duties including:

• Financial Planning and Analysis: Developing and implementing comprehensive financial strategies aligned with Suzano's overall business objectives. This involves forecasting future financial performance, analyzing market trends, and identifying opportunities for improvement and efficiency. The CFO must provide insightful data and analysis to guide strategic decision-making across the organization.
• Accounting and Reporting: Ensuring the accuracy and integrity of Suzano's financial statements, adhering to both Brazilian and international accounting standards. This includes managing the accounting department, overseeing internal controls, and preparing reports for shareholders, regulatory bodies, and the board of directors. Transparency and compliance are paramount in this area.
• Treasury and Risk Management: Managing Suzano's cash flow, investments, and debt. This involves optimizing capital allocation, mitigating financial risks, and securing funding for strategic initiatives. Given the volatility of the pulp and paper market and the company's global presence, risk management is a critical aspect of the CFO's responsibilities.
• Investor Relations: Communicating Suzano's financial performance and strategic direction to investors and analysts. The CFO serves as a key liaison with the financial community, building trust and confidence in the company's financial management and long-term prospects.
• Mergers and Acquisitions: Participating in the evaluation and execution of mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. The CFO provides financial due diligence, valuation analysis, and structuring expertise to ensure that any potential transactions create value for Suzano's shareholders.
• Sustainability and ESG Integration: Increasingly, CFOs are playing a more active role in integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into financial decision-making. At Suzano, with its strong commitment to sustainability, the CFO must ensure that ESG considerations are embedded in the company's financial strategies and reporting. This might involve evaluating the financial impact of sustainable forestry practices, investing in renewable energy projects, and tracking key ESG metrics.

Beyond these core responsibilities, the CFO at Suzano is expected to be a strategic partner to the CEO and other members of the executive team. They provide critical insights into the financial implications of business decisions, help drive operational excellence, and contribute to the company's long-term success. Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills are essential for success in this role.

In conclusion, the CFO at Suzano is far more than just a financial administrator. They are a key architect of the company's financial strategy, a guardian of its financial stability, and a crucial contributor to its sustainable growth in a dynamic global market.