Vanita Thomas

Highlights:
• Achieved significant savings by identifying revenue leakage areas/poor controls, under-utilized assets, re-negotiating weak clauses and recommended re-negotiating exit clauses.
• Identified weaknesses in business/ operating models and recommended reviewing these models.
• Responsible for developing structured audit processes and setting audit standards of Meraas Holding
• Identified business areas with lack of control/open to fraud and made recommendations to improve controls - this was significant for Meraas as the company has several new business lines.
• Identified fraudulent transactions, conducted fraud investigations, identified revenue leakage areas, and recommended controls to streamline &strengthen the controls environment(s).

Responsibilities:
• Perform financial, operational and compliance audits including audit planning, detailed audit procedures and related testing and reporting in accordance with professional and departmental standards
• Plan/oversee audits to assess controls, operational efficiencies and compliance with all policies, procedures & regulations.
• Develop the audit strategy, define an audit methodology and coordinate the planning of engagements and internal audit activities with other internal and/or external control departments to ensure appropriate risk coverage.
• Develop and implement a risk-based audit plan to assess, report on, and make suggestions for improving the company’s key operational and finance activities and internal controls.
• Monitor and ensure the proper implementation of procedures as well as the appropriate flow of information between departments.

Key Clientele (Dubai Holding):
• Dubai Parks and Resorts (DPR)
• Coca-Cola Arena
• Laguna Waterpark
• Mattel Play Town
• Splash Pad
• Roxy Cinemas
• The Green Planet and Arcade
• Global Village
• Arab Radio Network (ARN)
• Arab Media Group
• Done Events and
• Shared Services (HR, Finance, Administration, HSE, Contact Center etc)

Responsibilities:
• Work with the senior management team to implement best practice fraud prevention, detection and control strategies.
• Design, develop and implement internal auditing policies and procedures consistent with the organization's standards.
• Partner with the business to assess and ensure that internal controls are in line with the requirements of all regulatory bodies and the internal risk assessment program.
• Maintain a comprehensive system for recording all audit plans, work papers, findings, reports, and follow-up audits.
• Review working papers of fellow auditors and assess the quality, accuracy and sufficiency of audit evidence.
• Manage and supervise the team of internal auditors and ensure that their qualifications and professional skills enable them to achieve the objectives of the audit plan; propose additional training or certifications for the internal audit teams.
• Prepare audit reports on internal control deficiencies with recommendations; inform senior management on significant risks or exposures related to internal controls, compliance and governance requiring prompt attention.

Key Clientele (Meraas Holding):
• Meraas Healthcare
• Meraas Retail
• Meraas Fashion
• Meraas Concierge
• Dubai Parks and Resorts (DPR) and
• Shared Services (HR, Finance, Administration, HSE etc)

Highlights:
• Significant contribution in streamlining business processes, and continuous strengthening of the control environment and compliance framework, which resulted in multiple promotions in the company with increased responsibilities.
• Achieved significant savings through audits of key business units, and resolution of identified control deviations.
• Recommended and implemented internal controls to mitigate risks through timely identification and coordination.
• Efficiently provided coaching to the staff to drive consistent skill enhancement and self-sufficiency in audit execution.
• Delivered results-oriented on-job training and performance feedback to UAE Nationals to support knowledge sharing.
• Trained selected members of the audit team on TeamMate to utilize technology for the effective audit engagement.

Responsibilities:
• Led the team to ensure excellence in audit execution as per the schedule; managed audit planning, testing, controls evaluation and follow-ups to facilitate successful completion of audits.
• Ensured that each member of the audit team has a full understanding of their responsibilities and the nature of the audit.
• Effectively communicated with all members of the audit team and senior audit management throughout each stage of the audit from planning through to completion.

Key Clientele:

• Dubai Biotechnology (DuBiotech)
• International Media and Production Zone (IMPZ)
• Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF)
• Dubai Media City (DMC)
• Dubai Studio City (DSC)
• Dubai Industrial City
• Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV)
• Arab Media Group (AMG)
• Dubai Outsource Zone (DOZ)
• Global Village
• Idama (Facility Management)
• EHosting Datafort (EHDF)
• Dubai Press Club (DPC)
• Smart City (Malta & Kochin)
• Leasing Portfolio
• Dubai Media Technology Free Zone Authority

• Provided direction to department staff for on-site audits to fulfill personnel development goals and audit objectives to fortify the control environment and assess the adequacy of management policies.
• Worked with the senior management team to input to the identification of strategic audit priorities and development of the annual audit plan.

• Prepared and delivered accurate and value-added audit reports highlighting new business priorities, risk assessments, operation's integrity and additional comments to match best-in-class practices and organizational standards.
• Developed and presented comprehensive reports to senior management including audit recommendations to drive improvement in internal controls; identified emerging risks and root causes to determine changing business priorities.