Zuhaib Akhtar

• Directed a finance team of 9, enhancing capabilities in IFRS reporting and ERP usage. • Spearheaded the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365, reducing month-end close cycle by 3 days. • Established a robust control framework recognized in external audits, optimizing financial operations.

o Successfully led the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP, standardizing processes across AP, AR, GL, and payroll, improving reporting accuracy and reducing manual workload by 30%. o Assisted Finance & Accounts department in completing external audits with prominent firms like Deloitte and EY, ensuring compliance with industry standards. o Designed and enforced stronger accounting controls, improving error detection and achieving cleaner audits; prepared IFRS-compliant financial statements (SoFP, SoCI, SoCF) and reduced close cycle by 2 days. o Oversaw diverse bank facilities (STLs, ODs, LCs, TRs, Guarantees, Corporate Cards) exceeding AED 75M, negotiated improved banking terms, and enhanced liquidity monitoring through cash flow forecasting and treasury MIS. o Implemented robust monitoring of fixed and variable costs, ensuring budget compliance and providing monthly variance analysis to management. o Enhanced collection performance through structured receivables reporting; maintained strong supplier relationships across multi-currency settlements, reducing disputes and improving payment cycles. o Supervised payroll for 450+ employees, aligning with internal controls and ensuring compliance with UAE labor laws and FTA regulations. o Delivered comprehensive MIS packs (cash flow forecasts, collection analysis, treasury status) to the CFO, Managing Partners, and Board of Directors, supporting strategic decision-making o Oversaw customer, vendor, and project onboarding, ensuring compliance with FTA regulations and mitigating risk exposure. o Conducted inventory audits and implemented effective control measures, ensuring accurate forecasting of inventory flow. o Coordinated with local and international banks, including FAB, ARAB Bank, ENBD, Citi Bank, ADCB, ADIB, ICICI India, Central Bank China, Monex Bank Mexico, RBC Canada, and BOK Financial USA, fostering strong banking partnerships. o Successfully implemented Transfer Pricing /Benchmarking.

o Managed full project accounting cycle, focusing on job costing, departmental and divisional reporting, and cost centre analysis to provide accurate visibility of project margins and overhead allocations o Generated detailed cost centre–based MIS covering department-wise, division-wise, and project-wise results; enabled management to compare actual vs. budgeted costs and make corrective decisions. o Implemented and monitored project budgets, validated costs against BOQs, LPOs, subcontracts, and quotations, and reduced cost overruns by 10–15% through tighter controls and reporting discipline. o Verified contract revenues and associated costs in line with project execution, ensuring compliance with IFRS 15 revenue recognition for long-term contracts. o Prepared and presented project-level financial statements (P&L by project, cost-to-complete analysis, variance reports), strengthening performance measurement and decision-making for management. o Supervised payroll allocations and expense reimbursements, ensuring accurate charge-out of manpower costs to projects and departments. o Oversaw project-related capitalizations, depreciation, and asset disposals/write-offs as per IAS 16, ensuring accurate allocation of fixed assets to cost centres. o Coordinated project cash flow planning and prioritized payments of suppliers, subcontractors, and facility obligations (TRs, overdrafts, STLs, Performance Bonds), optimizing liquidity while maintaining vendor trust. o Assisted auditors with project-wise schedules and reconciliations; ensured accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual closings with reduced audit adjustments. o Monitored receivables and customer credit limits at the project level, strengthening collections and reducing exposure to bad debts. o Delivered detailed variance analysis (budget vs. actual costs, direct vs. indirect costs, fixed vs. variable), helping management identify inefficiencies and improve project profitability.

o Reporting to the CEO, Manager Accounts and Finance, and other Project Managers. o Managing the company’s financial accounting, & Costing. o Providing financial reports and interpreting financial information to executive management. o Structured representation of the financial position and financial performance of the company. o Handling the company’s tax Issues. o Supervision in Payroll and Employees Expenses report. o Validating the revenue and costs associated with contracts. o Controlling and managing project wise budgets. o Managing Fixed Assets, Depreciation Charge, Assets disposal & write off, Gen. ledger & Cost Ledger. o Identifying and correcting the accounting Discrepancies & irregularities. o Checking and verifying the LPOs, Contracts, Sub-Contracts, BOQs & quotations. o Arranging payments for Payables, loans, facilities and auto loans according to the rank of their importance, through different sources like trust receipt, Invoice or cheque discounting, overdraft short-term loans. o Ensuring the accurate and timely monthly, quarterly and year close. o Monitoring company credit policy and credit limit. o Analyzing financial reports, including Statement of Financial Position and P&L/Statement of Comprehensive Income. o Reconciliation of Bank Accounts. o Measuring and Reporting Financial Performance o Project Cost Controlling.

Accounts & Finance