Ibrahim Abu Ara, Finance Manager

Ibrahim Abu Ara

Finance Manager

V3 Middle East Engineering Consultants Co

Location
Saudi Arabia
Education
Master's degree, Management Information System
Experience
24 years, 10 Months

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Work Experience

Total years of experience :24 years, 10 Months

Finance Manager at V3 Middle East Engineering Consultants Co
  • Saudi Arabia - Jeddah
  • My current job since October 2011

• Report to the CEO and manage overall activities of the finance department, providing support for achievement of the organization’s business goals and objectives.
• Supervise all aspects of finance and accounting, treasury, budgeting, insurance and zakat tax & VAT by leading the team, assigning tasks and monitoring on time accurate completion.
• Ensure maintenance of complete and accurate records of all financial transactions, monthly and annual closing of accounts as adhering to company processes and statutory requirements.
• Lead the preparation and validation of financial statements including the balance sheet and income & expenditure statement.
• Manage all aspects of tax administration complying with requirements of the General Authority of Zakat & Tax (GAZT) and produce associated returns and reports.
• Participate in development of annual business plans and budgets of the company, analyze performance and provide periodic management reports.
• Support management decision making by providing strategic inputs based on analysis of complex financial data.
• Coordinate implementation of internal and financial management controls and participate in development of new standards and policies to improve performance.
• Drive cost saving initiatives across the organization to identify opportunities and implement effective action plans.
• Manage working capital including cash flows, maintain good banking relationships and negotiate with banks to secure banking facilities.
• Deal with financial risk management including identification and evaluation of risks, implementation of mitigation plans and improvement in practices related to risk management.
• Conduct regular study and analysis of the economic scenario and market trends and provide strategic inputs to the management.
• Collaborate with other departments and contribute to resolution of issues and achievement of corporate vision and objectives.
• Supervise staff of the finance department including direct reports and provide training, guidance and support to improve overall productivity and performance.

Finance Manager at Allied Contracting Company
  • Saudi Arabia - Jeddah
  • August 2004 to October 2011

• Coordinated the development of the company’s business plans, budgets, forecasts and 5-year outlook plans.
• Reviewed performance against approved plans, budgets, key performance indicators (KPI) and targets and produced variance reports with recommendations for improvements.
• Managed all aspects of operational accounting including maintenance of records, closing of accounts, reconciliation and preparation of financial statements.
• Monitored and ensured on time accurate preparation, review and submission of management information reports.
• Implemented and ensured adherence to internal control policies and procedures to minimize operational risks.
• Coordinated with the HR department and ensured accurate preparation and review of monthly payroll.
• Managed all aspects of accounts receivable and accounts payable of the company’s construction business including review of payment certificates and invoices of clients and subcontractors.
• Coordinated annual physical verification of assets and inventories and ensured reconciliation with financial records.
• Liaised with internal and external auditors and facilitated on time completion of audits as well as close-out of audit observations and points.
• Led the successful project for implementation of the Microsoft ERP system in the organization.
• Supervised departmental team, conducted monthly reviews an ensured completion of all departmental tasks on time with high quality deliverables.

Accounts Manager at Naghi Group
  • Saudi Arabia - Jeddah
  • January 1999 to February 2004

• Administered the company’s general accounting system ensuring on time and accurate closing of accounts and delivery of financial reports to the management and various external stakeholders.
• Supervised preparation of monthly and quarterly forecasts, analyzed financial and operational performance against budgets and produced required reports
• Tested and documented internal controls, assessed financial risks of business processes and recommended improvements to internal controls to enhance operational effectiveness.

Prior Assignments
• FINE, Dammam KSA, Chief Accountant, November 1997 - December 1998
• EDGO Management Group, Amman Jordan, Senior Accountant, January 1993 - January 1995

Education

Master's degree, Management Information System
  • at Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport,
  • September 2010
Bachelor's degree, Finance
  • at Yarmouk University
  • January 1993

Specialties & Skills

Administration
Journals
Preparation
Balance
Detailed Analysis
Cost Management and Control
Internal Controls and Risk Management
Staff Management
Negotiation and Deal Closing
Zakat and Tax Management
Working Capital Management
Banking Relations
Strategy Planning and Execution
Stakeholder Relations
Contract Administration
Financial Analytics and Reporting
Statutory Compliance
Teamwork and Leadership

Languages

Arabic
Native Speaker
English
Expert
Russian
Intermediate

Memberships

Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA)
  • Member
  • January 2010

Hobbies

  • Scuba Diving