Financial Controller - Saudi Arabia and Bahrain Cluster
Kuehne and Nagel
Total years of experience :12 years, 1 Months
Lead the Controlling & Reporting function including budgeting & forecasting. Emphasis on achieving results included sharp analytical abilities toward directing the Cluster, Risk Management, Revenue/Cost review, Business Planning, Reporting, Shared Services and delivering the complete P&L plan/forecast to Regional leadership. Approachable and go-to member in Finance.
Other key functions:
* Lead targeted decision-making for all business units (i.e. Sea, Air, Road & Contract Logistics) and functional units (Finance, HR, IT & Sales).
* Proactively maintained responsibility for direct and indirect reports from onsite and Shared Service Centers across the globe.
* Routinely presented financial reporting and analysis to the C-suite.
* Managed a financial sales controller responsible to review sales performance using a custom-built tool and for providing business insights that drive sales team to meet/exceed KPIs.
* Handled internal/external audits and supported Tax/VAT filing/investigations to ensure seamless business processes and regulatory compliance, including adherence to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
* Provided financial analysis & advice on existing business, opportunities and investment proposals, acting as a business partner on financial matters.
* Ensured month-end close is accurate and complies with finance KPIs.
* Created policies for effective management of accounting accruals and billing.
* Identified opportunities for cost savings and explored initiatives to maximize effectiveness and efficiency.
* Trained operational staff and departmental managers on financial reporting and accounting.
* In-house champion and trainer for Tableau, Microsoft Excel and Global Gross Profit Measuring system (FSL).
Managed a portfolio of 36 assurance & accounting advisory clients, ensuring compliance to SOCPA/IFRS standards, including Zakat/Tax review, while managing a team and reporting to multiple Partners.
Client portfolio mainly consisted of Bupa Insurance (Listed), Juffali Automotive (Mercedes), Binzagr (Unilever), Accor (Hotels), Nazer Clinics, ICIEC (Insurance company of Islamic Development Bank), Rubaiyat (Gucci & Other clothing brands) and others.
Key roles included:
• Directed audit engagements from planning to completion, including both financial statement audit and internal control procedures for several high-profile clients, both in the public and private sector.
• Managed offshore audit using EY Global Shared Service center.
• Assigned team responsibilities and reviewed performance as well as providing on-the-job training.
• Lead trainer & champion of EY Global Audit Tools.
• Demonstrated command of the audit methodology by proactively defining key risks and controls, identifying, and responding to potential control issues quickly and integration into quarterly assessment reviews with review planning.
• Supervised and reviewed the work of team members, trained staff on policies and procedures and provided performance reviews.
Oversee all facets of financial accounting and reporting including analysis of financial data to support business decisions; directly involved in the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts, monthly comparisons and management reports for all business segments (Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu, Fleet, Forklift, Used Cars, Service, Parts and Accessories); implemented efficient procedures including changes to the monthly flash reporting; and streamlined accounting operation resulting in increased accuracy.
Performed various client's audit planning, system's understanding and documentation and substantive and analytical testing.