Hi, I’m
Ashraf Zaid
Dubai
Summary
With extensive experience in the hospitality industry, offering a proven track record of financial excellence and leadership within hotel accounting departments. Adept at overseeing complex financial operations, managing teams, and implementing robust financial controls to ensure the fiscal health of the organization. Demonstrated ability to streamline accounting processes, optimize financial reporting, and drive cost-saving initiatives. Committed to maintaining compliance with industry regulations and standards while maximizing profitability. Seeking an opportunity to leverage my expertise in hotel accounting to contribute to the financial success and growth of a dynamic hotel establishment.
Overview
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Novotel Bur Dubai & Ibis Styles Sharjah
Cluster Chief Accountant / Credit Manager
2020.04 - Current (4 years & 5 months)
Job overview
- Prepared monthly journal entries and reconciliations.
- Completed year-end closing processes with controllers and external auditors.
- Reviewed documents and accounts for discrepancies and resolved variances.
- Wrote financial statements and consolidations after reconciling general ledger accounts.
- Handled month-end and year-end end finances by managing and reporting fixed assets and other data.
- Reconciled balance sheets and streamlined best practices for balance sheet processes.
- Analyzed financial audit information and made recommendations to improve efficiencies.
- Reviewed budgets and communicated discrepancies to senior management.
- Completed biweekly payroll and maintained employee records.
- Drafted variance reports, regulatory filings, and related schedules.
- Set up and improved accounting systems and processes to meet business needs and maximize operational success.
- Prepared accounts for industry audits and supported audit process.
- Developed and implemented effective accounting systems.
- Calculated tax owed, prepared, and submitted returns and upheld compliance with all applicable laws.
- Evaluated and improved financial records to make important business decisions.
- Assisted team members in transitioning to new system through extensive training and one-on-one support.
- Reviewed business operations and obligations to help organization function at acceptable level.
- Partnered with auditors to track errors and add contributions to maintain accuracy.
- Expedited payroll and invoicing by streamlining billing systems.
- Assisted in upgrade and conversion of in-house financial systems.
- Oversaw accounting team in servicing diverse clients.
- Leveraged finance knowledge to strengthen controls and improve transparency.
- Liaised with clients regarding financial plans and objectives.
- Offered advice and direction to help clients better understand financial goals.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
- Provided journal entries and performed accounting on accrual basis.
- Tracked funds, prepared deposits and reconciled accounts.
- Maintained integrity of general ledger and chart of accounts.
- Collected and reported monthly expense variances and explanations.
- Used accounting software to issue tax returns and prepare consolidated reports.
- Reviewed accounts, resolved coding areas, and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.
- Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
- Compiled general ledger entries on short schedule with 100% accuracy.
- Cooperated with senior leaders to create operating budgets and initiate financial planning.
- Collaborated with accounting manager to comply with governing bodies and limit regulatory risks.
- Diminished outstanding debts by analyzing accounts for issues.
- Initiated comprehensive account assessments to check viability, stability, and profitability of business operations.
- Kept up-to-date with tax changes and industry trends by participating in professional organizations, opportunities, and networks.
- Developed financial models to assess and analyze financial performance of clients.
- Found tax solutions to complicated tax issues or errors from incorrect tax filings.
- Conducted technical and analytical reviews of tax returns to check for accuracy and qualified deductions.
- Identified legal tax savings and recommended ways to improve profits.
- Researched technical tax issues to define tax effect or impact of certain tax positions.
Holiday Inn Express Jumeirah
Chief Accountant
2019.03 - 2020.04 (1 year & 1 month)
Job overview
- Completed year-end closing processes with controllers and external auditors.
- Reviewed budgets and communicated discrepancies to senior management.
- Handled month-end and year-end end finances by managing and reporting fixed assets and other data.
- Wrote financial statements and consolidations after reconciling general ledger accounts.
- Reconciled balance sheets and streamlined best practices for balance sheet processes.
- Evaluated and improved financial records to make important business decisions.
- Developed and implemented effective accounting systems.
- Reviewed documents and accounts for discrepancies and resolved variances.
- Calculated tax owed, prepared, and submitted returns and upheld compliance with all applicable laws.
- Partnered with auditors to track errors and add contributions to maintain accuracy.
- Expedited payroll and invoicing by streamlining billing systems.
- Completed biweekly payroll and maintained employee records.
- Assisted team members in transitioning to new system through extensive training and one-on-one support.
- Liaised with clients regarding financial plans and objectives.
- Assisted in upgrade and conversion of in-house financial systems.
- Provided journal entries and performed accounting on accrual basis.
- Used accounting software to issue tax returns and prepare consolidated reports.
- Reviewed accounts, resolved coding areas, and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.
- Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
- Collaborated with accounting manager to comply with governing bodies and limit regulatory risks.
- Diminished outstanding debts by analyzing accounts for issues.
Holiday Inn Express Jumeirah
Financial Accountant
2018.01 - 2019.02 (1 year & 1 month)
Job overview
- Reported financial data and updated financial records in ledgers and journals.
- Investigated daily variances and corrected errors to resolve discrepancies.
- Tracked business revenue and expenditures and reconciled accounts to maintain high accuracy.
- Applied proper codes to invoices, files, and receipts to keep records organized and easily searchable.
- Led daily general ledger entries, using double-entry accounting method and check backs.
- Input financial data and produced reports using [Software].
- Organized budget documentation and tracked expenses to maintain tight business controls.
- Analyzed and prepared annual budgets to contain costs, minimize losses and assure compliance with internal controls.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by uncovering and correcting outstanding financial problems and account errors.
- Used double-entry accounting methods and check backs to manage daily entries to general ledgers.
- Contributed to financial and operational risk reduction by evaluating effectiveness of controls and subsystems.
Holiday Inn Express Jumeirah
Account Payable Supervisor and cum General cashier
2015.06 - 2017.12 (2 years & 6 months)
Job overview
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
- Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
- Stocked, tagged and displayed merchandise as required.
- Assisted customers with returns, refunds and resolving transaction issues.
- Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
- Worked closely with shift manager to solve problems and handle customer concerns.
- Addressed customer needs and made product recommendations to increase sales.
- Tallied cash drawer at beginning and end of each work shift.
- Operated cash register to record transactions accurately and efficiently.
- Performed cash, card and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
- Upsold additional products and services to customers, increasing revenue.
- Handled cash with high accuracy and took care to check bills for fraud.
- Learned duties for various positions and provided backup at key times.
- Used POS system to enter orders, process payments and issue receipts.
- Worked with floor team and managers to meet wide range of customer needs.
- Kept cash wrap stocked, products faced and shelving free of misplaced items or trash.
Holiday Inn Express Safa Park
Income Auditor Supervisor
2014.02 - 2015.05 (1 year & 3 months)
Job overview
- Facilitated internal audits and prepared detailed reports on findings.
- Conducted strategic and technical reviews to verify compliance with quality control standards, schedule constraints and budget parameters.
- Analyzed accounting systems for efficiency and effectiveness.
- Trained and mentored department staff on policies and procedures to establish strong foundation for client development and service activities.
- Coordinated, managed and implemented auditing projects and prepared for evaluation.
- Gathered and analyzed financial data to determine improvement efforts.
- Recommended changes to management regarding financial operations.
- Developed high-level knowledge of client business goals, policies and procedures to establish foundation for targeted problem solutions.
- Participated in billing and collections operations to facilitate client payment of overdue invoices.
- Assisted staff auditors with [Process].
- Cultivated mutually beneficial relationships with clients and company financial officers to facilitate improved business operations.
- Tracked funds, prepared deposits and reconciled accounts.
- Maintained integrity of general ledger and chart of accounts.
- Collected and reported monthly expense variances and explanations.
- Used accounting software to issue tax returns and prepare consolidated reports.
- Reviewed accounts, resolved coding areas, and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.
- Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
- Compiled general ledger entries on short schedule with 100% accuracy.
IHG Hotels
Receiving Clerk
2012.11 - 2014.01 (1 year & 2 months)
Job overview
- Conducted counts and audits of inventories to identify and resolve discrepancies in records.
- Maintained tidy, organized and safe work area to comply with cleanliness standards.
- Regularly reviewed invoices and double-checked orders.
- Unloaded pallets and deliveries and organized products in warehouse.
- Compared shipping orders and invoices against contents received to verify accuracy.
- Double checked records, daily reports, and inventory transactions to identify and correct variances.
- Unloaded and unpacked incoming shipments to facilitate orders and verify accuracy of contents.
- Properly labeled and stored goods in safe area to provide identification and avoid losses.
- Utilized forklift to transport pallets of goods to and from warehouse.
- Requisitioned new supplies and maintained storage areas for smooth department operations.
Holiday Inn Express Airport
Night supervisor
2011.04 - 2012.10 (1 year & 6 months)
Holiday Inn Express Safa Park
Receptionist
2010.01 - 2011.03 (1 year & 2 months)
Job overview
- Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Confirmed appointments, communicated with clients, and updated client records.
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression.
- Answered phone promptly and directed incoming calls to correct offices.
- Resolved customer problems and complaints.
- Corresponded with clients through email, telephone, or postal mail.
- Handled cash transactions and maintained sales and payments records accurately.
- Managed multiple tasks and met time-sensitive deadlines.
- Maintained confidentiality of information regarding clients and company.
- Answered central telephone system and directed calls accordingly.
Education
Banha University
Bachelor of Commerce from Section Accounting
2013
Tanta University
Bachelor of Law
2008
Skills
- Financial Reporting and Analysis.
- Budgeting and Forecasting.
- Revenue Management.
- Accounts Payable and Receivable.
- Financial Software Proficiency.
- Internal Controls and Compliance.
- Cost Analysis and Control.
- Cash Flow Management.
- Team Leadership and Supervision. Communication and Interpersonal Skills.
Additional Information
Position: Task Force Member
Duration: December 2021 to January 25, 2022
Responsibilities and Achievements:
- Reopening Hotels: Played a pivotal role in reopening one of the hotels after a period of closure, contributing to the successful relaunch of the property.
- Auditing for 2021: Conducted a comprehensive audit of the hotel's financial records for the year 2021. This likely involved reviewing financial transactions, verifying accuracy, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards.
- Year-End Closing: Led or participated in the year-end closing process, which is crucial for accurately documenting financial performance and meeting reporting deadlines.
- Ledger Maintenance: Maintained all ledger entries, ensuring accurate and up-to-date financial records.
- Balance Sheet Reconciliation: Reconciled balance sheets, which involves verifying that assets, liabilities, and equity accounts balance correctly.
- Statement of Account: Prepared and presented the statement of accounts, which provides a snapshot of the hotel's financial position at a specific point in time.
- Financial Statement Presentation: Prepared and presented the complete financial statements for the year 2021. This is essential for financial transparency and decision-making.
- Management Communication: Addressed the challenge of presenting financial statements to management, despite a prolonged period of non-reporting for nine months. This required effective communication and transparency.
- Staff Training: Provided training to staff members, possibly related to financial processes, accounting standards, or other relevant aspects of hotel accounting and operations.
- Transition Planning: Facilitated a smooth handover by preparing the financial systems, records, and staff for the new Chief Accountant. This is crucial to ensure continuity in financial operations.
Languages
Arabic
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Advanced (C1)
Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Cluster Chief Accountant / Credit Manager
Novotel Bur Dubai & Ibis Styles Sharjah
2020.04 - Current (4 years & 5 months)
Chief Accountant
Holiday Inn Express Jumeirah
2019.03 - 2020.04 (1 year & 1 month)
Financial Accountant
Holiday Inn Express Jumeirah
2018.01 - 2019.02 (1 year & 1 month)
Account Payable Supervisor and cum General cashier
Holiday Inn Express Jumeirah
2015.06 - 2017.12 (2 years & 6 months)
Income Auditor Supervisor
Holiday Inn Express Safa Park
2014.02 - 2015.05 (1 year & 3 months)
Receiving Clerk
IHG Hotels
2012.11 - 2014.01 (1 year & 2 months)
Night supervisor
Holiday Inn Express Airport
2011.04 - 2012.10 (1 year & 6 months)
Receptionist
Holiday Inn Express Safa Park
2010.01 - 2011.03 (1 year & 2 months)
Banha University
Bachelor of Commerce from Section Accounting
Tanta University
Bachelor of Law
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