Akbar Ali

In August 2015, started as the Finance Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Manager for the region (11 countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan). Intertek Global is part of Intertek PLC, FTSE 100 companies covering Assurance, Testing, Certification and Inspection of Oil, Minerals, Agri Products, Food, Pharma, Electrical and Consumer Goods.

In January 2017, I was promoted as the Finance Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Director for Industry Services Vertical Business lines across 10 countries in Middle East, North Africa and India covering Testing, Inspection, and Certification of Oil & Gas, Minerals and Infrastructure Projects.

Due to my active engagement with Sales & Marketing, I was given additional responsibilities as the Commercial Director for the region from November 2020 onwards.

During my employment with Intertek, in addition to the traditional FP&A responsibilities including Budgeting, short and long term planning, intensive forecast and variance analysis, I have worked on several strategic project including restructure, turnaround and key customers strategies' definition and have helped define the global intercompany offices pricing.

I have worked on two key long-term projects whereby improved their profitability from break-even to double digit margins levels with a focus on reducing the SG&A/ Operational Overheads.

I joined the company when it was going through the restructure. Worked closely with the MDs and the CFO to reorganize the finance and operational teams.
With a focus to improve liquidity and working capital position, worked closely with the Accounting Shared Services and Collection teams to improve forecast reporting tools and improve accountability.
Lead financial and operational reviews with the regional directors and the finance team.
Identified the costs reduction potentials and implemented the agreed actions.

As the Global Financial planning & Analysis (FP&A) Manager for three product lines, I was responsible to report the weekly and month performance to the senior management on a weekly and monthly basis in a matrix environment.

Responsibilities included the preparation of comprehensive business cases, operative plans, and forecasts. Additionally, this position involved an in-depth analysis and presentation of key performance indicators (KPIs), as well as product-based price and contribution margin analysis.

I was also responsible to highlight the upcoming financial and commercial risks and opportunities expected to impact the financial targets. The role also demanded to have a close liaison with Sales and commercial team to review the opportunities pipeline as well as the proposed margins of the new projects.

In the capacity of Interim Head of Finance, I was responsible for the complete booking of small and medium sized companies adhering to both German GAAP and US GAAP standards.

My engagement also included the preparation of monthly financial analysis and suggesting recommendations. I was also helping the business to manage their working capital, debtors, creditors and cashflow to ensure continuity and financial stability. The responsibilities also included an active involvement on the receivables disputes’ resolutions.

As a key liaison reporting directly to the Managing Directors, this multifaceted role included the following responsibilities:

Ensuring regulatory compliance to the financial statements prepared under both German GAAP and US GAAP standards.

Executing meticulous financial forecasting, variance analysis, and commentary to provide visibility if the business is achieving its strategic objectives.

Developed and implemented SOPs in the Accounts and Finance departments, to foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Optimize cash flow and maintaining financial stability through effective liquidity and working capital management with through a diligent oversight of debtors' insurance and credit limits monitoring.

Compliance with the regulatory requirements by authorizing and submitting European VAT returns.
Ensuring compliance with legal and financial regulations through the coordination with external auditors, salary, and tax consultants.

It was a transitional role working closely with the MDs of metabion GmbH, based in the UAE and in Germany. I was involved in the strategic planning and to work on the future outlook of the company. I worked with KPMG, Dubai to develop 5-years business plan of the company.

I also worked closely with the Venture Capital investors to present the Valuation of medium sized companies.

The company was a start-up franchise between one of the biggest school chain in Pakistan and an IT Education Leading company in Singapore.

I structured the new Accounts and Finance department. Having based in the company's Head office, I hired and trained the Accounts professional of five branches across the country.

I have held the responsibility to consolidate the financial statements of the branch and Head offices under the US GAAP.

During my employment, I have developed and implemented internal control in the finance and Administration departments.

As an Audit Senior, I lead external audit assignments of Listed and Private Limited Companies.
During the Audits, Compliance and Substantive test were carried out together with a team of auditors under strict reporting timelines.

I played a pivotal role in the Consultancy Assignment to International Finance Corporation (IFC), member of World Bank. It related to the Assets Valuation of Water & Power Development Authority of Pakistan.