Muhammad Usman

Finance & Accounting Manager (ACCA, UAECA) with 14+ years of progressive experience leading end-to-end finance operations, statutory reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and regulatory compliance across education, manufacturing, retail, and professional services sectors. Proven expertise in IFRS reporting, UAE VAT & Corporate Tax, audit management, ERP implementation, cash flow optimization, and internal controls. Recognized as a trusted business partner to senior leadership, delivering data-driven insights, cost optimization, and sustainable financial governance.

Finance & Accounting Manager at Al Najah Private School (2017-11 – Present)

Lead the overall financial operations of the school in line with IFRS and internal policies, ensuring accuracy and compliance across all functions.

• Lead the overall financial operations of the school in line with IFRS and internal policies, ensuring accuracy and compliance across all functions.
• Managed payroll processing through WPS and vendor reconciliation, ensuring 100% compliance and achieving on-time payment accuracy rate of over 98%.
• Supervise monthly and annual closings, prepare P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statements, and perform account reconciliations.
• Lead preparation of annual budgets and rolling forecasts; conduct variance analysis across revenue, OPEX, and capital expenditures (CAPEX) to support cost optimization and business planning.
• Reported monthly financial results to senior management, enabling cost controls that improved operating margins by 12%.
• Implemented Focus ERP and contributed to automation of reporting workflows, improving internal control and enabling accuracy in monthly close and management reporting dashboards.
• Manage VAT and corporate tax compliance, including quarterly filings, reconciliations, and coordination with the FTA, maintaining accurate, audit-ready records.
• Oversee procurement processes ensuring financial control, adherence to budgetary constraints, and alignment with institutional goals.
• Strengthened internal controls and developed financial reports supporting revenue cycle management, OPEX analysis, CAPEX monitoring, and service line profitability evaluation

Finance Manager at Al Hallami Group (OSMA Cosmetics) (2015-10 – 2017-11)

Independently managed the entire finance function for a diversified group with manufacturing and retail operations, acting as the sole finance lead and key advisor to ownership and senior management.

• Independently managed the entire finance function for a diversified group with manufacturing and retail operations, acting as the sole finance lead and key advisor to ownership and senior management.
• Directed end-to-end financial operations, including general ledger, AR/AP, inventory accounting, payroll coordination, and statutory compliance in line with IFRS.
• Led monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closings, preparing complete sets of financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) and management reports.
• Developed and monitored budgets, cash flow forecasts, and working capital plans, ensuring liquidity and operational continuity.
• Conducted strategic cost analysis and margin reviews across production, logistics, and retail operations, supporting pricing decisions and profitability improvement.
• Oversaw inventory valuation and controls, aligning stock management with financial planning and reducing slow-moving and obsolete inventory risks.
• Designed and implemented internal controls and reporting frameworks, strengthening financial governance and transparency.
• Coordinated external audits, ensured timely completion of audited financial statements, and addressed audit findings independently.
• Partnered directly with business owners on financial planning, performance analysis, and growth decisions, functioning as a de facto Head of Finance for the group.

Senior Accountant at Grandma's Cheesecake (2015-04 – 2015-10)

Handled daily bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, and inventory controls.

• Handled daily bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, and inventory controls.
• Generated weekly/monthly financial reports and managed vendor payments.
• Ensured timely invoicing, receivables tracking, and general ledger accuracy.
• Assisted in preparing year-end accounts and audit documentation.

Assistant Manager – Audit & Assurance at Fazal Mahmood & Company (2013-01 – 2015-02)

Supervised statutory audits, internal control reviews, and system audits for clients across sectors.

• Supervised statutory audits, internal control reviews, and system audits for clients across sectors.
• Finalized financial statements as per IFRS and local compliance standards.
• Conducted feasibility studies, investment appraisals, and due diligence reviews.
• Led audit teams (20–36 staff) and reported directly to the managing partner.
• Key clients include Descon Engineering, Dawn Group, and Symbol Industries.

Advanced Diploma in Accounting & Finance – United Kingdom

Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) in Accounting – United Kingdom

Bachelor of Commerce in Commerce – Pakistan