Ibrahim Abu Ara

• 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.

• 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.

• 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