In this fourth edition of the Hipoges Corporate Newsletter, we are pleased to share an interview with Sara Pérez, Finance Director in Spain. In each issue, we dedicate a space to get to know one of our team members better, giving an insight into their role and experiences in the company. In addition, each publication offers a rich selection of content, including news from the real estate and NPL sector, initiatives in which we have participated, relevant data from our areas of activity and news from the different companies in the group.
We invite you to discover the full interview with Sara Pérez and explore her perspective and contribution to Hipoges’ success.
Interview with Sara Pérez in the Hipoges Newsletter 4Q 2024
Who is Sara Pérez? Tell us a little about yourself and your background
I am a Director in the Finance department at Hipoges, responsible for the accounting, treasury and tax areas. Until recently, I was exclusively in charge of the corporate tax aspects of the group, as well as supporting our operational colleagues in terms of tax advice on asset acquisition and sale strategies, among others.
However, since last year, with my own free will and personal motivation, and thanks to the trust of the Management team, I have also started to lead the accounting and treasury sub-departments. This is a point I want to highlight about Hipoges, and something I’ve personally experienced alongside many other colleagues: this company offers its employees real opportunities for professional development and growth, and for this reason, I feel grateful and fortunate to belong to this organisation.
To tell you a bit more about my background, I have a degree in Business Administration and Management, I am a former candidate for the Senior Corps of State Tax Inspectors (obviously this experience did not end as I expected, but I am proud of the knowledge I acquired during those long years of intense study). I began my first professional experience in a tax and labour consultancy firm where, by chance, I was assigned a portfolio of clients among which Hipoges Iberia had just joined, back in 2012. Since then, I witnessed the company’s rapid growth, which I accompanied from the other side as a collaborator, until in 2017 and, given the good relationship with management and the need to expand the Finance team, I joined the company as Head of Accounting and Tax. So, you could say that I’m quite the veteran in the company!
What are your everyday responsibilities?
On the accounting and treasury side, my tasks can generally be summarised as overseeing the financial management of the group’s companies in Spain. This includes reviewing financial statements, implementing internal controls and ensuring that all financial transactions are recorded accurately and in a timely manner; planning treasury and financing needs as well as reviewing cash flows; ensuring compliance with all applicable financial, accounting and regulatory standards, and overseeing audits; also, a key part of my role is team management, leading and motivating the finance team.
In the tax area, my main responsibility is to ensure compliance with the group’s global tax obligations and relations with tax authorities. Additionally, I supervise that we give correct and accurate tax advice to our colleagues who negotiate our clients’ credit and real estate assets in day-to-day management and in portfolio closing projects.
What are the challenges of a position like yours?
There are many, but I will mention three that, in my opinion, are particularly significant:
– Digital transformation, to further automate and streamline processes in such a dynamic and fast-paced environment as Hipoges.
– Talent management, which translates into recruiting, training and retaining the team to ensure that the finance department is ready to face any challenge.
– Regulatory complexity, not only at tax level but also with regarding to corporate sustainability reporting.
And what do you like most about this position?
The variety of tasks performed. From treasury management to financial planning and reporting, M&A processes, implementing new business lines, and adapting to new technologies and market regulations, and so on. Every day can bring new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow.
It is also very rewarding to have the ability to influence the company’s financial and tax direction and see how your decisions can impact the organisation’s success.
In your opinion, what are the main attributes that an area director should have?
In general, technical knowledge, analytical skills, leadership, and motivational skills, along with strong communication and collaboration skills to work closely with other areas of the company.
More specifically, I believe that effective collaboration with the team is essential. In a complex and dynamic environment, it is crucial for the team to work cohesively and efficiently to achieve common goals. We cannot row alone, we need the team; they are the key to any department’s success. This requires clear and open communication, the ability to work as a team as well as the willingness to share knowledge and skills.
What are the future prospects of the market in which Hipoges develops its activity?
The market has reached a stage of maturity in which margins have shrunk and the volume of portfolios has also declined. This will require the implementation of cost optimisation strategies and a firm commitment to creating value within the industry, ensuring that Hipoges continues to position itself and remain a key player, both in Spain and in the other countries in which we are present.
What do you think is the most outstanding attribute of your team?
A collaborative attitude, commitment, and willingness to cooperate in order to share common goals and complete tasks efficiently.
I also greatly value the desire to learn and continue growing professionally.
Finally, what would you say to someone who has just joined Hipoges?
I would start by congratulating them, of course! Then I would give them a couple of pieces of advice: sit down, listen, give yourself time to understand and assimilate the processes in the area; and when this is settled, participate, deploy, work as a team and grow.
Hipoges is firmly committed to the development and visibility of its team, it is essential to know the people who drive the success of its projects every day. Through these quarterly interviews, we want to offer an authentic and close view of those who are part of our various departments and their perspectives on the sector, in this case the interview was conducted with Sara Pérez, Finance Director in Spain.
Keep discovering more Hipoges stories and news in our corporate blog, don’t miss them!