Muhammad Manzoor
Finance Manager| Financial Planning & Analyst
Dubai
Summary
Highly motivated and goal-driven Financial Analyst skilled in collecting, monitoring and studying data to analyze financial status and recommend business strategy. Experienced in qualitative and quantitative analysis, contract management and forecasting. Tech-savvy in use of spreadsheets, accounting and financial management software.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
Work History
Financial Analyst Group Operation
News Group International (CARMA International Limited)
12.2018 - Current
- Assisted the Group Director in Management Reporting and Financial Planning & Analysis function
- Developing income statement and working capital forecasts, analyzing monthly and quarterly results
- Preparation of Group Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS
- Steering end-to-end evaluation of financial performance, operational efficiency, and variance analysis
- Reviewed the financial processes, identified the control weaknesses, and embed necessary controls
- Preparation of budget and forecasts and monitor the financial performance of the Companies
- Coordination with external auditors (KPMG) for annual audit of group companies and consolidation
- Spearheading overall financial operations encompassing accounting, budgeting, reporting, month-end closure, consolidation of financial statements.
- Assisted in M&A transactions, conducting valuation analyses to ensure favorable deal terms for the company.
- Achieved significant cost savings by identifying financial inefficiencies and implementing improved processes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize budgets, resulting in improved resource allocation.
- Supported executive decision-making by providing data-driven insights on revenue trends and cost drivers.
- Streamlined financial reporting for better decision-making with clear, concise analysis and presentation.
Regional Finance Manager - Europe, Africa and Asia
News Group International (CARMA International Limited)
08.2017 - 12.2022
- As a Regional Finance Manager, I was custodian of finance function of 5 Companies geographically expanded in Malta, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Morocco and Singapore
- Ensured compliance with regional financial regulations by maintaining thorough knowledge of industry standards and conducting regular audits.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers/vendors that resulted in cost savings for the organization.
- Implemented financial management systems that streamlined data collection and improved reporting accuracy, enhancing overall visibility into business performance.
- Managed relationships with external partners such as banks and investors, securing necessary funding for ongoing operations or expansion plans.
- Streamlined financial processes by implementing efficient systems for budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
- Improved cash flow management by optimizing working capital strategies and negotiating favorable payment terms with vendors.
- Monthly reporting to all regional CEO’s and Group CFO/FC
- Treasury planning and working capital management
- Reviewing operational and financial KPI’s of all companies, staff and products
- Preparation of budget and forecasts and monitor the financial performance of the Companies
- Dealing with statutory auditors of all the regional entities
- Tax planning, coordination with local tax consultants
- Preparation and filling of VAT and other returns
- Preparation of regional payroll as per local regulation.
Supervisory Senior/ Senior Associate
KPMG
10.2016 - 05.2017
- Managed a portfolio of audit clients, which included planning, execution, supervision, and finalization of audits
- Developed and maintained relationship with clients
- Executed statutory audits under local regulations as well as foreign group reporting in accordance with the instructions of Group Auditors
- Extensive experience of preparation and review of consolidated / standalone financial statements of Listed and other Companies in accordance with applicable financial reporting standards, IFRS or US GAAP and local laws
- Practical application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and auditing standards (ISAs)
- Conducted comprehensive system study of the business processes of entities
- Managed multicultural teams
- Conducted audit of various multinational companies
- Ensured compliance with Independence & Ethics Guidelines issued by KPMG/ICAP/IFAC.
Education
- Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) | Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP)
- A & O level Equivalent | Overall A Grade in equaling qualification
Skills
Specialized in Complex Consolidations of FS
Financial statement analysis
Adaptability to diversity
Agile Learner & Amicable Personality
External Audit
Management Reporting
Budgeting & Forecasting
Working Capital Management
ERP and process implementation
IFRS
Process Improvement and control
VAT & Sales Tax
Taxation
Data Analysis
Account Reconciliation
Variance Analysis
Report Preparation
Comparative analysis
Compiling Data
Financial statement analysis
Flexible team player
Advanced financial analysis
Cash Flow Management
Accounting assistance
Financial Modeling
Project Management
Microsoft Excel
Financial software
Auditing procedures
Financial statements expertise
Accounting Principles
Mergers and Acquisitions
Financial Management
Personal Values
Commitment, Integrity, Hard work and Excellence
Career Highlights And Achievements
- Working as Financial Analyst Group Operations and Regional Finance Manager for more than 5 years in News Group International, managing 5 regional entities, operating in Europe, Africa and Southeastern Asia.
- Strong exposure of Group consolidation, Financial Planning & Analysis, Management Reporting and Budgeting.
- Successfully centralized all the regional finance operations to Dubai (HO) that improved efficiency and enhanced the coordination between regions and Head Office.
- Led the project of ERP system transition from Peachtree to Ms. Dynamics with more automated and control-oriented approach in all group entities.
- Successfully integrated all group cost departments i.e. IT, CAPEX, Content Hub, HR and Finance in one Centralized Cost Department to get the economies of scale and saved a cost of USD 1m in centralized cost through cost efficiency audit.
- Assisted in CAPEX planning and management, systemized all the Capex spending into project wise module to improve the control process.
- Assisted group Finance Director in treasury and managing relationship with the banks.
- Travel for business helped me in understanding local reporting frameworks, tax laws, salary tax structure in Portugal and Malta.
- Previously worked in KPMG (Big4) for more than 5 years in Audit & Assurance Department.
- Extensive experience of External audit, IFRS, IAS, Financial reporting frameworks, secretarial tasks, Complicated consolidations, statutory financial statements and ICOFR.
- Managed multicultural teams in KPMG and in my current job.
Previous Experience
CARMA (NGI), 5, As a Regional Finance Manager, I am custodian of finance function of 5 Companies geographically expanded in Malta, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Morocco and Singapore. This included maintenance of books of accounts. Further responsibilities include:, Implementation of the SOP's, accounting policies and adequate control structure., Manage the regional finance teams, the monthly closing of the books., Monthly reporting to all regional CEO’s and Group CFO/FC, Treasury planning and working capital management., Reviewing operational and financial KPI’s of all companies, staff and products., Preparation of budget and forecasts and monitor the financial performance of the Companies, Dealing with statutory auditors of all the regional entities., Tax planning, coordination with local tax consultants., Preparation and filling of VAT and other returns., Preparation of regional payroll as per local regulation
Audit And Assurance Experience
KPMG, 5, Managed a portfolio of audit clients, which included planning, execution, supervision, and finalization of audits., Developed and maintained relationship with clients., Executed statutory audits under local regulations as well as foreign group reporting in accordance with the instructions of Group Auditors., Extensive experience of preparation and review of consolidated / standalone financial statements of Listed and other Companies in accordance with applicable financial reporting standards, IFRS or US GAAP and local laws., Practical application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and auditing standards (ISAs)., Conducted comprehensive system study of the business processes of entities., Managed multicultural teams. Conducted audit of various multinational companies., Ensured compliance with Independence & Ethics Guidelines issued by KPMG/ICAP/IFAC., Significant assurance engagements include: KPMG Dubai, UAE, KPMG Pakistan, SAP Middle East & North Africa LLC, Ingredion Incorporation (Rafhan Maize), News Group International (CARMA & Social Eyez), Akzo Nobel Pakistan Limited, Sterling Perfumes Industries LLC, First Capital Securities Corporation Limited (FCSC), Bab Al Shams Desert Hotel (Branch of Meydan Group), Style Textile (Private) Limited, Careem Networks FZ LLC, Media Times Limited, PIFD & INTECH
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 03/15/89
- Nationality: Pakistani
Training
- Micro soft 365 business central (user level)
- KPMG trainings on Risk Management.
- Attended 100-hour Presentations Skills Training Course - ICAP
- KPMG audit software & KAM (Audit Manual)
- Internal Control on Financial Reporting (ICOFR)
- Code of Corporate Governance
- Different courses on VAT (UAE and GCC)
- SAP and Ms. Dynamic (user level)
Timeline
Financial Analyst Group Operation - News Group International (CARMA International Limited)
12.2018 - Current
Regional Finance Manager - Europe, Africa and Asia - News Group International (CARMA International Limited)
08.2017 - 12.2022
Supervisory Senior/ Senior Associate - KPMG
10.2016 - 05.2017
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