Group CFO
AL Khaleej Sugar
Total years of experience :24 years, 7 Months
Leading all Finance activities across related companies, reporting to the Managing Director (for Group) and CEO (for Al Khaleej) in close coordination with respective General Managers and HODs for developing and implementing Strategic Objectives and managing financial matters of the multi billion Dollar Group.
Key Contributions:
Developed first ever Strategic Plan for the company including roll out at company level with SMART goals and enabled effective monitoring and implementation linked with performance management.
Established Finance Strategy for respective Finance functions across different companies laying out 1-3-year plan with aim of inculcating best practices tailored to suit the peculiar nature of each business.
Founded Monthly Financial Reporting pack for the company and developed Scorecards across functions for monitoring achievement of Strategic KPIs.
Initiated comprehensive Cost Saving Plan that resulted in reducing overheads by 30%.
Leading implementation of Corporate Tax across the respective companies.
Coordinated with Audit and Assurance HOD in updating Delegation of Authority for the company.
Heading Finance and IT functions of the Company, diligently working with CEO and Board of Directors and HODs across organization
for ensuring delivery of actual financial performance is aligned with budgets, targets and Strategic Objectives. Actively engaging with
external stakeholders including potential acquisition targets, new businesses growth opportunities, investment advisors,
management consultants, key suppliers & customers, bankers, auditors and lawyers. Exploring latest financial and technological
solutions increasing automation, enhancing efficiencies and controlling costs across different functions.
• Presently leading all financial activities of the Consumer Business Division and being the P&L owner for the categories of Water, Beverages and Dairy.
• Reporting directly to the EVP and the Group CFO as well as regularly engaging with the Group CEO and COO for vital company projects and activities
• Working closely with Corporate Finance teams on information provided to Board of Directors, Government & other regulatory authorities, financial markets and analysts
• Representing company in important strategic dealings with banks, financial institutions, key customers & suppliers, auditors, lawyers and various authorities
• Developing and ensuring effective implementation of 5-year business strategies & plans
• Approving Authority for all business transactions of the division
• Improved month-end closing of books from 10 days to 1 day
• Implemented 12 month Rolling Forecast P&Ls
• Core team member for implementing VAT across the Group
• Initiated activity based budgeting and cost allocation model across business units
• Ensured reduction in customer overdue balances by 50% in 6 months
• Rolled out cash flow management programs and processes ensuring stable financial ratios
• Played critical role in achieving significant savings from various initiatives
• Led implementation of Business Process Optimization project across the company
• Established finance function and developed various company policies and procedures
• Implemented ERPs: MS Dynamics NAV (2007) and SAP’s S4 HANA (2018-19)
• Established JV operations with a US Company
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
• Leading all financial activities of the Agribusiness division and being the P&L owner for the categories of Flour, Feed & Bakery
• Reporting directly to the EVP and the Group CFO as well as regularly engaging with the Group CEO and COO for vital company projects and activities
• Working closely with Corporate Finance teams on information provided to Board of Directors, Government & other regulatory authorities, financial markets and analysts
• Representing company in important strategic dealings with banks, financial institutions, key customers & suppliers, auditors, lawyers and various authorities
• Developing and ensuring effective implementation of 5 year business strategies & plans
• Approving Authority for all business transactions of the division
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:
• Ensured consistent achievement of financial targets for last 5 years
• Improved month-end closing of books from 10 days to 1 day
• Implemented 12 month Rolling Forecast P&Ls
• Initiated activity based budgeting and cost allocation model across business units
• Ensured reduction in customer overdue balances by 50% in 2 months
• Rolled out cash flow management programs and processes ensuring stable financial ratios
• Played critical role in achieving significant savings from various operational and procurement projects and initiatives
• Established finance function and developed various company policies and procedures
• implemented ERP (Navision) across all functions and business units
PwC is the leading Big 4 financial services and audit firm of the world.
Assistant Manager 2006 - 2007
Audit Executive 2005 - 2006
Supervising Senior 2003 - 2005
Audit Senior 2001 - 2002
Audit Junior 1999 - 2000
• Managed and supervised numerous audits and reviews of various multinational and large corporations across different industry segments including Uniliver, Coca Cola, IBM, DHL, Pakistan Refinery, Bank Alfalah, Commercial Union, Rafhan Bestfoods, Dabur, Sind Club and Al Futtaim Technologies
• Ensured strict compliance to IFRS and legal requirements in the preparation and presentation of financial statements during audit of the above clients
• Successfully managed and supervised large teams of 15 - 20 people on individual assignments
• Represented the firm in meetings with Audit Committees and Board of Directors of listed companies
• Issued various reports on internal control weaknesses with recommendations to senior management
• Ensured compliance to SOX and Corporate Governance regulations for listed companies
• Managed special assignments involving SOX compliance and IFRS applications
• Developed accounting policies and procedures manual for multinational corporations
• Conducted training programs for the firm’s staff on PwC audit methodology
• Undertook deputation to PwC Dubai for three months
