Head of Internal Audit
Union Properties PJSC
Total years of experience :16 years, 1 Months
For three decades, Union Properties PJSC has been entrusted with developing key residential, commercial, industrial and leisure projects across Dubai. Since starting operations in 1987, UP has proved itself to be a true pioneer of the UAE real estate sector, becoming a publicly traded company in 1993 and going on to develop landmark projects such as MotorCity, Dubai Autodrome, Green Community and Uptown MotorCity, Green Community East and West at Dubai Investment Park, Uptown Mirdiff, and Limestone House and Index Tower in the DIFC area. The operations of Union Properties extend beyond real estate investment and development to encompass project management, interior design and fit-out, property management and facilities management, creating a powerhouse of the UAE real estate sector. Subsidiary companies include ServeU, The FITOUT, Thermo, GMAMCO, Edacom, and EMICOOL, Dubai Autodrome, and Marriot Executive Apartments and Courtyard by Marriott.
Working as “Head of Internal Audit” at Union Properties PJSC company and its subsidiaries, the responsibilities assigned is to help deliver and manage the Internal Audit and Risk Management function of the organization to ensure that it adds value to the governance, controls and risk management processes. Reporting directly to the Managing Director of the Group and Audit Committee comprising of non-executive board of directors.
Have established and implemented the Internal Audit Department strategy, plans and initiatives throughout the organization. Established the Risk Management framework and aligning the risk assessment results by delineating the risk based Internal Audit Plan for the Group including subsidiaries in addition to the enforcement of zero tolerance policy on fraud and ethical related misconduct and behavior.
Dubai Properties Group LLC United Arab Emirates 'Dubai' January 2012 to date
Dubai Properties Group (DPG) is a member of Dubai Holding and master developer of world class destinations that support the long-term development of Dubai including Business Bay, DUBAILAND, JBR and Culture Village. It offers end-to-end property related services including project development, portfolio management and asset management through its business units Dubai Properties (DP) and Ejadah.
DP is responsible for developing DPG’s sales portfolio including project development, sales and customer service and handover management; it also manages the leasing portfolio across DPG’s destinations and districts, including land leases and retail and mall management. Leading asset management company Ejadah provides facilities management, property management and security solutions for the public and private sector.
Working as Group Internal Audit Manager, my key roles and responsibilities includes but not limited to planning, executing audit and other special assurance assignments, translating the audit strategy into effective audit procedures and ensuring effective and efficient delivery of services in line with the best quality practices and established standards. I have been performed financial, operational and compliance audits along with conducting several diagnostic reviews, consulting and advisory agreements including fraud investigations.
Nominated from Group CAE to implement the GTAG-Analysis Framework in the Internal Audit Department. Had successfully implemented the pilot phase; currently working on the continuous improvement phase. Also successfully attended all level of ‘ACL’ training (Basic, Intermediate and Advanced course).
Have/had attended numerous conferences and seminars in the field of Internal Auditing on various descriptions such as Fraud, Money Laundering, Quality Standards and Reports, Effective Interview Skills, Soft Skills and Delivery & Preparation of Executive Report and summary to the Board and Audit Committee.
PricewaterhouseCoopers United Arab Emirates 'Dubai' Aug' 2007 to Dec' 2011
* Worked as a senior associate / consultant. I lead large teams through the planning, execution and completion stages of varied special nature assurance engagements, statutory audits and other similar assurance engagements. My responsibilities entail engagement management, client relationship management, co-ordination with professionals in various fields like legal, actuarial and IT experts and decision-making for resolution of critical reportable matters.
* Worked in the ABAS group of the firm has enabled me to develop a comprehensive understanding of the competitive and regulatory environments of diversified industries and the accounting and internal control systems implemented at various organizations.
* My audit experience has exposed me to practical implementation and complexities of International Financial Reporting Standards and best practices in respect of financial and risk management. The professional examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and ACCA also include a detailed examination of these standards.
* Assessed risks and internal controls by identifying areas of non-compliance; evaluating manual and automated financial processes; identifying process weaknesses and inefficiencies.
A.F.Ferguson & Co. 'a member firm of PricewatrehouseCoopers' Jan' 2006 to Jun' 2007
Pakistan 'Karachi'
Worked in "RISK ADVISORY SERVICES - Banking and Capital Markets Group". The core area of work includes risk management services, business and process efficiency advisory, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, business process re-engineering, forensic audit services, assistance with regulatory compliance, Basel II implementation etc. Assignments I had been involved in:
Worked in "Audit & Assurance - Financial Services". During my stay, I was involved in the statutory annual audits and half-yearly reviews of the financial institutions covering all major functions including investment portfolio, treasury operations, brokerage operations, leasing portfolio, review of loans and advances portfolio, capital and money market related matters and other statutory reporting requirements. The clients that I had performed my roles and responsibilities includes:
• Basel Capital Requirement:
➢ Basel II Pillar I Diagnostic for MCB Bank Limited as a team member - credit risk
➢ Basel II Implementation Plan for MCB Bank Limited as a team member - credit risk
➢ Basel II Capital Calculation assisted the bank in calculation of its regulatory capital charge under the Basel II Framework (credit risk - standardized approach and operational risk Basic Indicator Approach)
• Committee of Sponsoring Organization (COSO):
Implemented COSO for MCB Bank Limited as a team member - I was part of the team that worked on the assessment of adequacy and effectiveness internal controls of the Financial Control and Corporate Affairs Divisions of the Bank.
• Involved in following external audits as a team member:
Askari Commercial Bank Ltd.
KASB Securities Ltd.
KASB Technologies Ltd.
Anjum Asim Shahid Rehman & Co. 'a member of Grant Thornton LLC' June 2004 till June 2005
Pakistan 'Karachi'
Started my audit experience from AASR. During my stay, I was involved in the statutory annual audits and half-yearly reviews of different sectors of the organizations. My roles and responsibilities include assisting my seniors and managers especially during the field work of the following audit engagements: • Nouman Abid and Company Ltd.
• First Interfund Modarba
• Interasia Leasing Company Ltd.
• Dawood Investment Bank Ltd.
• Guardian Modarba
• Pakistan Venture Capital Ltd.
• Dawood Money Marked Fund
• Metropolitan Steel Corporation Ltd
• State Life Insurance Corporation
Callmate Telips Telecom Limited 'a leading Telecom Listed Company' June 2003 till May 2004
Pakistan 'Karachi'
Worked as Internal Audit Executive in Callmate Telips Telecom Ltd (Pakistan's leading long distance and international telecom operator) . The responsibilities include monitoring accounting processes, ensuring implementation of control procedures, to research on the other company's best practices for improving the efficiency and day to day operations of the company, work and report directly to the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer of the company.
Ongoing. Pending thesis to be completed only. Once submitted, the certificate will be awarded.
Obtained a fellowship membership of the ACCA institute in the year 2013 after completing 5 years associate membership requirements.