Althea Lizette Fernandez

Lead end-to-end finance operations, providing strategic oversight across Finance, Procurement, and IT while strengthening governance, internal controls, and risk management to support transparency and accountability. * Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance monitoring to support organizational planning and decision-making. * Oversee IFRS and statutory reporting, cash flow management, and audit coordination. * Ensure full UAE VAT compliance and support internal and external audit processes. * Drive finance process improvements and ERP-enabled initiatives (including SAP S/4HANA) to enhance reporting quality and efficiency. * Lead and develop cross-functional finance teams, fostering accountability, control discipline, and continuous improvement.

Provided senior finance leadership across budgeting, reporting, cash flow management, and regulatory compliance within a dynamic operational environment. * Managed month-end and year-end financial closing, including P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, and variance analysis. * Led cash flow planning, working capital management, and payroll oversight. * Coordinated internal and external audits, maintaining strong governance and compliance standards. * Supported financial stability and continuity during periods of operational disruption. * Implemented cost-control and process improvement initiatives across finance and administration.

Managed corporate credit portfolios and supported cash flow stability through disciplined credit control, reconciliation, and vendor payment processes. * Acted as direct account handler for Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) Group, resolving ledger discrepancies and ensuring accurate cash allocation. * Strengthened credit control procedures and contributed to process improvements, including updated desktop procedures and team restructuring initiatives. * Supported budget and expenditure control, ensuring vendor payments were processed within agreed terms.

Provided commercial and financial analysis to support senior management decision-making within a large property and retail portfolio. * Delivered monthly performance reports and cash flow forecasts to support planning and customer discount decisions. * Reduced receivables by implementing a revised collection strategy and strengthening follow-up on overdue accounts. * Conducted post-investment and expenditure reviews to support financial discipline.

Handled end-to-end accounting and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with financial standards and best practices. * Prepared monthly financial statements, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow reports, for management review. * Managed day-to-day bookkeeping, reconciliations, and reporting requirements. * Advised on accounting standards and supported improvements to financial controls and processes.

Supported governance and risk management through internal audits and control reviews within a banking environment. * Conducted risk-based audits and evaluated the effectiveness of internal controls and risk management frameworks. * Investigated irregularities and supported fraud risk mitigation efforts. * Streamlined audit procedures by reducing manual processes and improving documentation standards.