James Lalan John

Companies :
Fas Arabia LLC, Dubai, UAE
Al Marafi Electrical & Mechanical Supplies, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Al Marafi Architectural Products, Dubai, UAE
Kerala Constructions Specialities, Kerala, India

 Finalization and consolidation of accounts for the entire group.
 Prepare and submit the group’s monthly financials
 Roll out quarterly budget and forecasts for the entire group.
 Detailed account analysis and corporate month-end processing and reporting.
 Review all monthly balance sheet reconciliations and inventory reconciliations.
 Review and make decisions on credit limits of new and existing customers.
 Review and authorize the weekly accounts payable run, and monitor the follow-up of receivables.
 Analyze existing procedures and use of resources to maintain a high level of accuracy.
 Ensure the accuracy of all accounting transactions entry in the accounting system and manage MIS.
 Developing and implementing of the procedures and features to enhance the workflow
 General administration of the entire group of companies.

Monitor and analyze department work to develop more efficient procedures and use of resources while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
Supervise the staff to ensure the accuracy of all accounting transactions entry in the accounting system and manage the MIS.
Assist in development and implementation of procedures and features to enhance the workflow of the department.
Work with the company’s Finance Manager in all other activities including external audit.

daily cash flow requirements, bank credit facilities with 13 major banks including documentary credits/collection documents, LAI/TR/CIL, LBD and invoice discounting.
Finance Manager in M/s. Image Entertainment LLC, Dubai involved in feasibility study, company setup process, accounting and operations software analysis and customization, budgeting, planning, forecasting, information systems, accounts payable, payroll, fixed assets and general ledger.
Successfully led IS conversions in new systems on or ahead of schedule and on or below budget.
Facilitated improvement of billing accuracy including improved on-time delivery, timely collection of receivables, and improved record accuracy and reduced distributors billing discrepancies.
Implemented automated financial reporting process to download data, reducing annual overtime and enhancing accuracy and timeliness.
Developed and implemented automated credit control process, and eliminated unnecessary delay in collection of receivables.
Led several cross-functional TQC teams and coached team members, as appropriate, to develop skills and confidence in their ability to examine work processes, create solutions, and measure improvements.
Spearheaded numerous learning programs on new reporting systems.
Expertise in developing financial modeling system that reduced process time and enhanced procedures for the operations department.
Negotiated and achieved costs saving process for CC customers’ payment gateway system and at the same time reduce the customers request process time, through different banks.

Leading General Trading Company - mainly foodstuff, electronics, stationeries, luggages, personal body care etc. in the Middle East and India.
Worked as the

Leading Event Management Company and affiliated to Pay TV business in the Middle East and North Africa.
Worked as the

Leading SMS Company for the Pay TV business in the Middle East and

& Financing /Payables & Receivables
Managing cash flow requirements of AED 500K to AED 1M daily, handling bank credit facilities including documentary credits, collection documents, LAI, CIL, TR, invoice discounting and LBDs.
Monitoring daily collection and debtor credit limit; preparing outstanding statements, Credit Index Reports and Defaulters List.
Ensuring speedy processing of market claims and credit notes to the customers and regular follow-up of Receivables.

Imports / Exports
Follow up with suppliers for the timely shipment of the imports, negotiating LC terms with the suppliers, etc..
Tracking imports status with the shipping agencies, negotiating charges, chargeback to suppliers if any claims as and when applicable.
Liaison with transporting companies and third party warehouse companies regarding the rates, storage and handling for the smooth movement of the goods.

Strategic Financial Planning & Budgetary Control
Heading finance functions involving determining financial objectives, designing & implementing systems, policies & procedures to facilitate internal financial control.
Designing business plans / strategies for maximizing profitability & revenue generation & realise corporate goals.
Formulating budgets and conducting variance analysis to determine difference between projected & actual results and implementing corrective actions.

Process Migration and Management
Mapping business requirements and coordinating in developing and implementing financial processes in line with the pre-set guidelines; spearheading process transition initiatives.
Undertaking responsibilities of removing unnecessary procedures in processes; ensuring uniformity in the process understanding at the client’s and the organization’s end.
Monitoring the overall functioning of processes, identifying improvement areas and implementing adequate measures to maximize customer satisfaction level.

Accounts & Auditing
Designing and implementing accounting systems & procedures; supervising the timely preparation of statutory books of accounts and finalisation & consolidation of group accounts.
Implementing and administering payroll policies for employees to ensure accurate and timely compliance with statutory obligations.
Monitoring and ensuring preparation of Bank Reconciliation Statements for reconciling Cash & Bank balances involving active coordination with bank authorities.
Coordinating internal, statutory and tax audits; evaluating internal control systems / procedures to highlight the shortcomings and implementing necessary recommendations.

System Implementation & MIS
Designing and implementing systems to ensure smooth functioning of finance & accounting operations across the organization.
Supervising the preparation of MIS reports to provide feedback to top management on financial performance, viz, fund management, variance analysis, profitability, etc.