Hamid Raza Shaikh CA, ACCA, MCSI

Leading the finance function of a DFSA-regulated brokerage entity, with full responsibility for financial management, regulatory compliance, and strategic financial oversight. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: • Act as DFSA Finance Officer, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements including PIB reporting, capital adequacy, and financial returns. • Oversee end-to-end finance operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management. • Lead preparation and submission of regulatory reports to DFSA, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. • Establish and maintain robust internal controls, governance frameworks, and financial policies aligned with regulatory expectations. • Partner with senior management to provide strategic financial insights, supporting business growth, cost optimization, and expansion initiatives. • Manage external audits and regulatory inspections, acting as the primary point of contact for auditors and regulators. • Drive system implementations and process improvements to enhance efficiency, scalability, and reporting accuracy. • Oversee VAT compliance, including filings, advisory, and process alignment with UAE tax regulations. • Build and lead a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. • Support business in new product launches and operational changes, ensuring financial and regulatory alignment.

Served as DFSA-approved Finance Officer for a regulated financial services firm, responsible for financial control, regulatory compliance, and establishment of finance operations. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: • Acted as DFSA Finance Officer, ensuring compliance with PIB rules, capital adequacy requirements, and regulatory reporting obligations. • Led the setup of the finance function from inception, including development of policies, procedures, and reporting frameworks. • Prepared and submitted DFSA regulatory returns, maintaining strong engagement with the regulator and ensuring timely compliance. • Managed full financial reporting cycle, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in line with IFRS. • Designed and implemented internal controls and governance structures to support a regulated environment. • Played a key role in VAT implementation, including system readiness, process design, and ongoing compliance. • Coordinated with external auditors and advisors, ensuring smooth audit processes and regulatory adherence. • Supported senior management with financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting to guide strategic decisions. • Contributed to operational setup and system implementation, improving reporting efficiency and data integrity. • Built strong cross-functional relationships to ensure alignment between finance, operations, and compliance teams.

Progressed from Associate to Senior Associate within a leading Big 4 firm, with core experience in internal audit, enterprise risk services, and advisory engagements across financial services and other sectors. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: • Led internal audit engagements, including planning, execution, and reporting, with a focus on risk-based methodologies. • Developed audit strategies and risk assessments, identifying key business and operational risk areas. • Evaluated internal control frameworks, identifying weaknesses and recommending practical improvements. • Delivered enterprise risk services assignments, supporting clients in strengthening governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks. • Performed special assignments and agreed-upon procedures, providing actionable insights to management. • Reviewed financial records and system reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, and reliability. • Supervised and reviewed team members’ work, ensuring quality delivery and resolving issues in coordination with client management. • Coordinated with cross-functional specialists (legal, actuarial) on complex engagements. • Drafted internal audit and advisory reports, presenting findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders. • Supported implementation and enhancement of accounting systems and internal control procedures. • Ensured compliance with corporate governance frameworks and internal policies. • Reported to Managers and Partners, contributing to engagement delivery and final reporting.

Qualified November 2020. Member since January 2021

Member since July 2020

Completed Bachelors in Commerce in 2011