Why I can help with Russia/CIS exposure
Kazakhstan & CIS Expertise
My connection with Kazakhstan and the wider CIS region goes back to the early 1990s, when I studied Accounting and Audit at Narxoz University in Almaty and started my professional career in the region.
This background gives me more than language skills. It gives me a practical understanding of local business culture, accounting logic, administrative processes and the gap that often exists between Western governance expectations and CIS operational reality.
Today, I use this experience to help CFO, Legal, Tax and Compliance teams make Russia/CIS exposure visible, manageable and board-ready — especially where legacy entities, assets, filings, cash, governance or exit-related issues remain unresolved.
Finance leadership in Russia/CIS operations
I spent more than 20 years in a leading finance and administration role in the Russian onshore business of KCA DEUTAG, supporting its growth from a single-rig operation with around 70 employees to 19 rigs, more than 1,500 employees and revenue of up to USD 200 million.
My responsibilities covered finance, accounting, tax, administration, local reporting, banking, internal controls, audits, budgeting, cash flow, restructuring support and coordination between local operations and international headquarters.
After completing my employee lifecycle in July 2023, including work on the integration of Saipem’s onshore drilling business into KCA DEUTAG, I now support companies as an interim CFO / finance executive in complex Russia/CIS-related situations.
1st Milestone
Kazakhstan foundation
Accounting and Audit studies at Narxoz University, Almaty, followed by early finance and chief accountant experience in Kazakhstan.
2nd Milestone
Germany / Kazakhstan cross-border execution
Relocation to Germany and finance/administration leadership for a Kazakhstan pipeline project branch in Kyzylorda.
3rd Milestone
Russia onshore growth and governance
From 2002 to 2022, finance and administration leadership for KCA DEUTAG’s Russian onshore business in Siberia — growth from one rig and around 70 employees to 19 rigs and more than 1,500 employees.
Alexander Hilfer
(Interim) Finance & Administrative Manager,
Based in Lower Saxony, Germany, with long-standing professional experience in Russia and Kazakhstan. Available for remote support and selected on-site assignments.
