Ruhaifa Hallak

Ruhaifa Hallak Mobile: +96279 55 32121
Sector: FMCG and Manufacturing

Established in 1976, Saudia Dairy & Foodstuf Company (SADAFCO) has been a leader in the UHT (Long Life) Milk market in Saudi Arabia, with the Saudia brand capturing more than half of the Long-Life Milk market and almost a third of Total Drinking Milk. In addition to UHT milk, the company also manufactures Tomato Paste, Ice Cream, Snacks and Drinks, with Saudia Tomato Paste also enjoying the status of market leader.

Key Responsibilities
• Responsible for running the finance department in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan.
• Ensured compliance with statutory authority and audit requirements.
• Ensured the monthly reconciliation of all ledgers and sub-ledgers.
• Analysed business performance and results, providing feedback to Senior Management.
• Monthly monitor and track debtors to ensure they are consistent with contract conditions.
• Ensured that debtors are monitored, and collections are consistent with set company time frames.
• Co-ordinate and prepare annual budgets, including operating and capital expenditures budgets.
• Ensured accurate preparation and reporting of monthly financial results in strict accordance with company deadlines.
• On monthly basis track and review expenditure against set budgets providing Directors with "budget inconsistencies report".
• Ensure all company assets are monitored and accurately accounted for.
• Completed KPI assessment of direct reports within company specified time frame.
• Ensure all reasonable steps are taken to achieve workplace harmony within the organization at all times.
• Prepared comprehensive Financial Plans for the existing companies & the new markets.
• Prepared Financial Reports for the Management Team periodically.

Achievements
• Created an efective Cash management daily process in the whole region.
• Enhanced the relationship with government entities such as FDA, TAX and Customs department to facilitate their operations as a regional company.
• Jordan branch: Completed all relevant and pertinent aspects of the tax and customs compliance over the used systems with respect to the sell side of its operations for its finished goods (trading material) in cooperation and under the supervision of KPMG.

Reason for Leaving: Head Hunted

Sector: Aviation and Training

JATS was originally founded as Royal Jordanian's Training Center and is now the leading independent airline and customer service training academy in the Middle East. JATS is now part of Eastern Group Holding and located in a state-of-the-art facility at Queen Alia International Airport, Amman. Over the years JATS have trained over 100, 000 pilots and cabin crew members from regional and international airlines.

Key Responsibilities
• Administered the formulation of financial systems and plans that fulfil JATS financial objectives and strategies.
• Directed and supervised the establishment of the budget and development of accounts receivable,
accounts payable and general ledger principles and procedures.
• Monitored the collection function by continuously following up on the collection methods and their efectiveness.
• Prepared reports that summarize and forecast JATS business activities and financial position in areas of income, expenses and earnings based on past, present and expected operations.
• Appraised JATS financial position and issuing financial reports on its financial stability, liquidity and growth.
• Managed the archiving and data analysis of all training records and reviewing the statistical reports analysing the previously conducted training courses, courses participants and expected revenues.
• Analysed and consulted on the financial impact of key company's strategies on long-term income growth.
• Influenced Operations management on the prioritization of strategies and tactics to balance the impact on income both short- and long-term.
• Identified gaps (if founded) between forecasted results and targets, and then makes recommendations to ensure annual Regional financial goals are achieved.
• Build and maintained relationships with banks.
• Prepared periodic reports with respect to the Depts. activities and achievements to be submitted to the General Manager & Eastern CFO.
• Conducted periodic meetings with subordinates to follow up smooth running of activities and keeping abreast with latest findings and actioning them.
• Recommended training needs of subordinates and evaluating the outcomes of training courses.

Achievements
• Restructuring the Chart of Accounts and installing integrated systems to the Inventory System, Training Recording System and the Human Resources System.
• Led the Auditing process with Ernest & Young and prepared the Board Meeting for 2011 Financial Statements presentation & approval.
• Followed up on the Internal Control Procedures and obtained the milestones for each Department to meet Ernst & Young Standard Internal Control Requirements.
• Created new job descriptions within the department and allocated tasks & responsibilities according to the International Standards for the Accounting Department Team.
• Accomplished Five Years Forecasting budget for the Board of Members including the BEP calculations.

Reason for Leaving: Head Hunted

Previous Career Experience