Team Leader Finance
DHL GLOBAL FORWARDING LLC
Total years of experience :18 years, 11 Months
Responsible for auditing the client’s freight contracts and invoices in line with the Standard Operating Procedures; identifying cost savings opportunities planning and implementing measures that maximize savings
Review, adjust, deny and approve invoices submitted by our client vendors in accordance with procedures; evaluating invoices submitted by our client’s vendors timely and accurately
Maintaining and updating inventory and system rate cards to ensure proper functioning of automated invoice validation processes
Ensuring that the clients pay only for the services received in lien with the agreed rate contracts and billed freight services are compliant with valid client-carried rate files, contract contractual & ad-hoc agreements to eliminate the risk of being overcharged for origin, freight & destination charges
Identifying gaps in SOP, SLA & internal controls and making practical recommendations for process improvement
Receive and respond professionally and courteously to all internal and external customer inquiries
Work closely with other departments to understand client requirements and to communicate openly about billing changes, enhancements, or process changes
Performing invoice audit reporting, credit note pipeline management, contract compliance & system integrations
Leading multiple initiatives for developing supply chain IA KPIs & building invoice audit dashboards to monitor KPIs
Document processes and propose ideas for standardizing, automating, and improving invoicing practices and handling light bookkeeping and billing database clean-up
Providing management with a complete overview of up-normality in price trends and highlighted focus areas
Analysing the global LSPs pricing data in the master database for decision-making in Carrier Manager profile
Highlights:
Performed invoice auditing for top logistics service providers in the world such as DHL, Kuehne + Nagel, DB Schenker, FedEx, Agility, Schneider, Dachser, so on
Identified opportunities in process workflow & implemented improvement plans (invoice auditing automation)
Completed invoice audit for a value of CHF 30 Million & 60000 freight invoices of top 25 (LSPs) Logistic Service Providers
Led a specialised auditor’s team for developing and maintaining supply chain audits and the necessary analytical tools for a major aerospace company in Switzerland
Demonstrated invoice audit saving of CHF 200k for clients; provided real-time correction of freight invoices and facilitated logistics service providers to raise credit notes against client; increased gross profit of clients
Identified and improved upon critical areas of potential project saving opportunities and generating project savings of CHF50k for client
Automated the preparation of Invoice Audit reports using SCI Tools that previously required 2 hours of effort per week
Attained reduction in the billing statement cycle time from 4 days to 5 hours by facilitating the generation of electronic statements of customer AR accounts
Team Leader - A/P Invoice Audit (Mubadala - SR Technic Project)
An Excellent Understanding of invoice auditing techniques under complex Logistic environment for top Logistic Service Provider in the world like DHL, Kuehne + Nagel, DB Schenker, FedEx, Agility, SCHNEIDER, DACHSER etc.
Facilitated “no-fault” internal & external auditor as a result of sound recordkeeping and relevant supporting evidence.
Implemented next-generation technologies and process automation (including new EDI and ERP system) to foster an environment of continuous improvement.
Auditing the client freight contract and invoices according to SOP and identify the opportunity of savings
Audit Assurance - Ensured that the client is only paying for the services which it actually receives in alignment with agreed rate agreements. Ensured billed freight services are compliant with valid client-carrier rate files, contractual and ad-hoc agreements, thus eliminated the risk of being overcharged in areas such as Origin, Freight & Destination Charges
Identify any Gaps in SOP, SLA & Internal Controls and make practical recommendations for process improvement.
Involved in invoice audit reporting, credit note pipeline management, contract compliance & system integrations.
Led multiple initiatives for Developing Supply Chain IA KPIs and build Invoice Audit Dashboards to monitor KPIs.
Developed a major Price Trend Analysis to assess changes in procurement prices for different Logistic Service Providers and compare changes to global price indices. Provided management with complete overview of up-normality in price trends and highlighted focus areas.
Compiled & analysed the Global LSP’s Pricing data in Master Data Base for decision making in Carrier Manager profile
Developed Internal Control compliance with companies polices and procedure for invoice audit section
Key Deliverables
Audited 60, 000 Freight A/P Invoices from worldwide for CHF 35 Million and Saved CHF 500, 000 by extensive Invoice Audit process in one year. Received Credit Note from vendor for erroneous invoicing for CHF 500k.
Laid the foundation of Invoice Audit process and implemented audit compliance and internal controls in LLP
Successfully managed to complete invoice audit of value CHF 30 Million and 60000 freight invoices of top 25 (LSPs) Logistic Service Provider in the world. Managed specialized auditors team responsible for developing & maintaining all supply chain audit & analytical tools for a major Aerospace company in Switzerland.
Identified the area of potential projects saving opportunities and generated project savings of CHF50k for client.
Understand monthly/quarterly actuals and key drivers of past performance, as well as the impact of results on the outlook
Utilized financial acumen to provide consultation to the Senior Management, to help maximize profits, reduce expenditures, and leverage opportunities
Ensure all month end closing activities are completed on time
Prepare Finance Scorecard and provide comments / narratives and present to BU.
Monitor Bank Accounts and keeping them adequately funded
Work Closely with the Treasury Team and ADCB Bank
Providing timely inputs with regard to consolidation of financial data.
Work closely with the auditors in completion of the yearly audit and file with regulatory authorities
Ensure payment to suppliers and employee reimbursements are done on time
Developed business strategies, monitors progress and makes adjustments/recommendations as needed; ensured action plan process is in place to assist in the timely development of Profit Plan gap closure activities
Offered analytical reporting to assist company management team in making informed decisions; developed adequate internal reporting and communication strategies/cadence
Established and implemented cost control systems, monitored and evaluated project costs, corporate costs and man-hour performance monthly prepared an executive summary and offered commentary to the Leadership
Prepared annual budget and rolled out forecast (estimation) for next 18 months
Led working capital management including:
Reduced DSO by controlling O2C process & optimizing revenue recognition
Consolidated supplier base to maximize purchasing & payment efficiency
Improved cash flow by reducing inventory cycle receivable cycle & AP deferment
Internal Control System: prioritizing risk area, identify controls, implement monitoring
Quote to Invoice, Purchase to Pay and Record to Report process flows
Monitored internal control for revenue recognition; audited & verified all inventory purchase invoices
Investigated & audited all operating & capital expense and reported non-compliance with higher management
Undertook business process mapping and re-engineering at departmental, functional & process level including:
Customer Invoicing, Accounts Payable P2P Cycle, Pre-sales Activity Process Flow
Commercial Credit Approval Process Flow and Employee Expense Claim Reimbursement Process Flow
Reviewed & approved payroll for over 750 employees and maintained its monthly impact on accounts
Spearheaded the External Financial Audit in compliance with GAAP, Company’s Group Accounting Manual, Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Company’s Group Controls Manual
Highlights:
Garnered cost saving of AED 800K by implementing internal procurement control while selecting lowest bid with the highest quality, better payment term and on-time delivery
Reduced the suspense account from AED 3 Million to AED 250, 00
Conducted Internal Audit for ISO 9001:2008 for Steel Fabrication & Civil Divisions
Augmented sales of the company by winning tenders of ACC in Barakha (BNPP Project) for AED 4.5M
Recovered overdue over 360 days of around AED 2 Million within 6 months
Implemented internal auditing procures to control cost and eliminate accounting fraud & error
Achieved permanent saving of DH 30K p.a. by implementing systematic approach towards waste management report submission to Abu Dhabi Government Program Tadweer
Developed & implemented revenue recognition criteria standard in the green track to control the revenue
Improved DSO & cash flow from AED 13M to AED 5M and recovered AED 200K of bad debt by strategic follow-up
Reviewing all cost centres and minimize the SG&A cost, Service cost and Other Operating expenses
Maintain daily, weekly, and monthly reporting and analysis models that track performance and results of various units within the organization including the monthly close/forecast process and variance reporting standards
Experience in Multiple levels of consolidation of financial statements on a corporate level which includes Average (P&L) and Current or historical (for Balance Sheet) trends to perform Estimates, Budget and forecasting or projections
Assist in providing timely and accurate reporting and analysis and ensure information is received completely and in the correct format before completing final analyses
Research and resolve all escalation and urgent requests from vendors and business which include payment, invoice corrections, escalated inquiries, supplier holds, disputes return mail, check issues, etc.
Managed all payroll functions and administered foreign and domestic payrolls for all employees (around 1200+ staff)
Analyzed financial performance against key business metrics and document pertinent financial highlights that will enable management to determine progress against budgets
Highlights
Augmented contribution margin by 15% by back-charging support tools cost to the customer directly during the cost-reduction program (permanent increase in the margin)
Streamlined entire Middle East Payroll activity as per compliance & time schedule; reduced annual bank charges cost in Iraq by negotiating with other local bank & saved $10K every year (permanent cost saving)
Reorganised payroll processing from 7 remote locations & 4 banks to 1, with a salary savings of almost $40K annually (permanent cost saving)
Reduced complaints from suppliers by 25% through evaluation of processes & implementing changes to improve cash inflow predictability & visibility, thus improving receivables management & payables scheduling
Curtailed costs by 5% by conducting a regular review of cost back charges from JVs & agent charges
Eliminated manual tasks, resulting in better utilisation of staff skills, by implementing new payroll claim reimbursement online; accelerated monthly financial closings by 3 days
Saved over $50K by auditing inbound & outbound vendor invoice of transportation by reviewing shipping from the point of origin to the point of delivery (direct shipment to the customer from the factory)
Improved DSO performance by collecting credit sales over 180 days and reversed the bad debts provisions of $40K
Sr. Financial Analyst (Accounts Payable - Europe, Middle East & Africa)
Key Deliverables
Managing the monthly vendor & Inter-company invoice verification to related companies and the process of payments
Managing staff responsible for performing the accounts payable function
Following company procedures for compliance; coding and processing invoices including: correct accounting period, company code, cost centre, cost allocation, ensuring proper G/L account codes are used, prepaid expenses etc.
Managing check runs for Bank, Bank holding companies and its subsidiaries as needed
Preparing monthly and yearly accruals and adjustments for the accounting cycle
Maintaining Prepaid Expense items
Maintaining the schedule of deferred expenses and prepaid expenses and provide accounting treatment accordingly.
Identify AP aging and communicated (especially for accruals), and resolved in a timely manner
Analysing and reconciling general ledger accounts and preparing journal entries, classification and re-classification.
Providing detail account variance analysis and suggested corrective action if needed.
Assisting with the development of budgets and rolling forecast.
Performing daily approval request of bank wire transfer according to Delegation of Authority Matrix
Assisting with accounting department audit requests
Special projects as directed by the management team
Preparation of Process Map of AP & AR process along BMP Analyst and maintain accurate SOP of the department
Gained detailed knowledge of inter company process. (Recharges & Recoveries). Oversaw maintenance and approval of Level of Authority (LOA) signature database for invoice processing and its approval as per SOX. Ensured exact KPI (Key Performance Indicator) level in Accounts Payable process to maintain organization standard.
Steered efforts toward adhering to Service Level Agreements as agreed with onshore to meet require quality standards for the business process. Facilitated processing of International Electronic Fund Transfer through DBDI (Fund transfer medium of Deutsch Bank) to beneficiary’s A/c by online system (i.e. NEFT / RTGS).
Monitored reports and reconciliation of payment proposal and exceptional processing through rejected transaction which normally occurred due to incorrect account number, IFSC code, MICR Code, IBAN code, name of the beneficiary, vendor, payment block or any other reasons.
Highlights
Received ‘Star Award’ (best employee) in January 2010.
Prepared the Process Mapping (BPM) document for Deutsche Bank - AP division
Key Deliverables
Provide recommendations to senior managers on issues related to working capital management strategy and operations.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure effectiveness of Accenture working capital programs
Develop and manage strong internal controls related to P2P, O2C (AP & AR) Process
Resolving issues associated with project accounting, billing, accounts receivables, client requests, and audits; and assisting project management
Work closely with the Working Capital Manager to improve performance of the project billing and cash teams and improve cash flow through the identification of process improvements and best practices
Collaborate with business and finance teams to identify and evaluate working capital opportunities.
Performed analysis of expenses account and allocation of cost to different division and reported to Corporate.
Facilitated monthly provision & conducted analysis of GR/ IR account and clearance of the open PO’s. Ensured SOX compliance and checks were done before certifications of business cycle, standard operating processes were designed and implemented pertaining to AP process. Smooth half yearly audit and annual audit through external auditors. Ensure compliance of points raised by internal auditor.
Handled customer accounting, reconciliations, carried out ageing analysis, inventory analysis. Updated Service Tax reports & WHT reports & reconciliation of WHT.
Highlights
Performed successful compilation of cash application process transition from Accenture India controllership to Accenture GSCO project.
Played a vital role in the implementation of proper and on time cash application process in AR to ensure proper control and reduction in down time in Accenture India Pvt.
Key Deliverables
Undertook maintenance of fixed asset register. Made sure that capitalized expenses were as per norms and depreciation calculation as per financial guidelines.
Oversaw payment processing system - ensured payments are done as per agreed terms with suppliers.
Adhered to statutory compliances, VAT, TDS, Provident fund. etc.
Conducted analysis of actual results to budgets / forecasts & communicated results to division Management.
Provided assistance to Financial Controller in the development of the budget, planning & other corporate financial requirements.
Oversee preparation of monthly management reports, analyze and submit to Higher management for review
Prepare cash flow/forecasts for cash management and short term financing purpose.
Vendor Reconciliation & Inter Company Reconciliation
Highlights
Had main role in the group for cost control and process improvement, design & implementation with the IT team.
Worked independently under the Director Finance, assisting him on different matters including compliance, HR, admin, security, production and construction.
Develop and maintain internal control structure and procedures
Managed preparation of daily MIS reports and presented to Head Office DAKC of stock and responsible for normal and abnormal loss of stock and its critical analysis.
Facilitated vendor reconciliation and organized and controlled production of key reports.
Provided financial systems support and guidance to users and system developers throughout HDP & Co.
Shouldered responsibility for maintenance and control of C&G's asset recording systems for both tangible and intangible assets.
Produced, reviewed and maintained detailed system documentation and user, application and training manuals to departmental standards. Developed and delivered appropriate and effective training to users of systems owned by the department.
Highlights
Designed and identified the simple reconciliation tools for reviewing cost centre to capture the significant cost before month end close - in Cameron Middle East.
Well versed in HFM (Hyperion Financial Mgmt) & HYPERION FDM (Financial Data Quality Management) Upload from SAP Like Trial Balance, Capex Data and PPE Data etc.
Developed the Divisional Month End close check list to increased employee efficiency and quicker month end close.
Financial Management
Financial Management
Accountancy
