Sikander Ali

• Oversaw the financial operations of 9 schools and 2 real estate companies within the group, ensuring compliance with accounting principles, regulations, and internal policies.
• Oversaw accounting, payroll and financial reports to support daily functions.
• Streamlined financial procedures to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Reduced operational costs by implementing cost-saving strategies.
• Developed comprehensive financial reports for top management review.
• Enhanced company profitability with strategic budget planning.
• Negotiated favourable terms with vendors, achieving cost savings.
• Led forecasting exercises to anticipate future business needs.
• Reviewed and updated internal financial policies, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Ensured accurate tax filings, avoiding penalties and interest charges.
• Collaborated closely with auditors to ensure smooth audit processes.
• Conducted thorough risk assessments to mitigate potential losses.
• Provided key input in strategic decision-making meetings, influencing company direction.
• Implemented new financial systems enhancing data accessibility and reliability.
• Trained staff on finance-related matters improving overall understanding and performance.
• Liaised between finance department and other departments fostering inter-departmental collaboration.
• Prepared regular cash flow reports assisting in better fund allocation.
• Forecasted trends and interpreted cash flows to reliably inform business decisions.
• Developed thorough forecasting and cash-flow management processes to maximise progression and profitability.
• Conducted variance analysis to identify discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Oversaw audits to collate accurate data and recommend constructive improvements.

• Managed payroll functions, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
• Implemented ERP solution by working closely with the IT team.
• Improved business operations for streamlined processes through ERP system development.
• Conducted comprehensive training sessions for staff on ERP functionality and use.
• Optimised cash flow by managing credit and collection procedures effectively.
• Compiled general ledger entries on short schedule with 100% accuracy.
• Installed internal controls and set up standard procedures for business accounting systems.
• Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
• Streamlined vendor payment procedures for increased efficiency.
• Implemented an electronic filing system, enhancing document retrieval process.
• Prepared monthly, quarterly and annual balance sheets with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Completed month-end closing activities on time to avoid delays in reporting.
• Improved team productivity through cross-training staff members on various functions within the accounts payable department.
• Coordinated recordkeeping for compliance, tax preparation and external audits.

• Reviewed financial statements for improved accuracy.
• Ensured regulatory compliance with rigorous auditing procedures.
• Identified risk factors, preventing potential issues.
• Enhanced operational efficiency through in-depth analysis of business processes.
• Assisted in the development of audit plans, ensuring comprehensive coverage of areas of concern.
• Managed a team of junior auditors for effective task delegation and mentorship.
• Evaluated internal controls to enhance their effectiveness.
• Maintained professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, building up on skills.
• Worked closely with management for timely completion of audits.
• Investigated suspected cases of fraud and theft involving small numbers of transactions or complex systems.
• Advised management on financial details related to business operations, inventory levels and budgets.
• Managed financial updates, watch lists and insurance files.

Reporting to the Finance Manager in reviewing routine transactions and maintenance of General Ledgers according to International Financial Reporting Standards.

• Ensured proper handling & usage petty cash and cash in hand, preparing monthly bank reconciliation statement, making adjustments in cash book and tracking unpresented/uncleared cheques
• Conducted variance analysis of petty cash, its allocation, and performance evaluation headwise of each expense and department on a monthly basis.
• Maintained trade receivable/payable ledgers with ageing receivable/payable analysis, and reconciliation of individual receivable/payable ledgers with control accounts, as well as with customer/supplier statements.
• Wrote technical reports to provide structured information to aid the Finance Manager in the decision-making process.
• Prepared management reports for corporate management, assisting in various scenarios such as shutdown decisions.
• Finalised accounts by preparing income statement and balance sheet according to IASs and IFRSs.

Initial planning of the audit, identifying key risks during the process, and responding to these risks according to applicable audit methodologies.

• Initial planning of the audit, identifying key risks during the process, and responding to these risks according to applicable audit methodologies.
• Audit of assets, liabilities, equity, expenses, and income according to specified audit programmes.
• Setting the level of detection risk by identifying the overall audit risk.
• Fulfilling the different checklists relating to different matters, i.e.
• Related parties, going concern, subsequent events, etc.
• Identifying internal control deficiencies, their impact on financial statements, and making recommendations to remove these weaknesses.
• Obtaining written representations, and issuing a management letter.