Chief Financial Officer & Group Head of Treasury & Operations - Z2C Limited (Media, Advertising, Ecommerce, Marketing, Digital, Technology & Sports Group) - Karachi, Pakistan
(2014-03)
Working for a group is a franchise of Publicis Groupe one of the largest groups worldwide known for marketing and communications. It deals with providing marketing services to its multinational and local clients.
- Spearheaded the overall finance function, driving strategic planning to achieve organizational targets (e.g., Revenue, Operating Profit, and Expense Management).
- Led the Annual Business Plan, Long-Range Planning, and Financial Modeling processes, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management, while implementing robust internal control systems.
- Provided decision support through in-depth financial analysis, including P&L analysis, value chain analysis, and ad hoc performance evaluations.
- Collaborated with leadership and regional teams to plan and execute major B2B sales initiatives and cost optimization projects, improving operational efficiency and profitability.
- Delivered comprehensive performance reports to the Board of Directors (BOD), including budget variances, revenue trends, operating expenses, and financial forecasts on a quarterly and annual basis.
- Managed cash flow planning, forex operations, tax compliance, financial transactions, and external audits to ensure financial stability and regulatory adherence.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, advisors, and statutory organizations (e.g., IRD, Banks), while coordinating with internal and external auditors for efficient audit processes.
- Oversaw Admin/IT and HR functions to ensure seamless internal process compliance and operational efficiency.
- Supervised and mentored finance teams, providing analytical support and reports to operational and functional teams for day-to-day activities.
- Raised $ 15 Million in financing through local bank to support business expansion.
- Increase revenue by 20% through effective cash flow management and investment in profitable opportunities.
- Reduced the trading cycle by around 15 to 20 days, freeing up $ 2m working capital.
- Mitigate exchange losses of 50% during a period of currency devaluation through proactive cash flow planning.
- Implemented ERP System, reducing financial reporting errors by 20% and improving operational efficiency.
Regional Chief Financial Officer - Bee Squared Group - Singapore, UAE, UK, Mauritius
(2023-03)
Bee Squared Group is privately owned group, headquartered in Singapore. Its subsidiaries operate in UAE, Pakistan, Bangladesh, United Kingdom and Myanmar in the space of Marketing & Communications. The group is expanding its business, investing heavily in startups related to Tech & Media.
- Oversee financial operations across multiple regions, including Singapore, UAE, UK, and Mauritius, driving compliance with IFRS and local regulations while ensuring alignment with the group's strategic goals.
- Lead the overall finance function, including Financial Statements (FS) preparation, OPEX & CAPEX management, and financial planning, optimizing resource allocation and enhancing financial performance.
- Implement and enhance financial processes and controls across regions, improving operational efficiency, transparency, and risk management.
- Manage cash flow planning and implement robust financial controls to ensure liquidity, prevent inefficiencies, and mitigate risks.
- Develop project plans and budgets for new investments, contributing to the successful launch of 2 tech and media startups, and driving sustainable growth.
- Oversee Intellectual Property (IP) recordings for the group, ensuring complete documentation and compliance with accounting standards.
- Liaise with KPMG Singapore and KPMG Lower Gulf for external audits, tax compliance, and adherence to ACRA and UAE laws, ensuring seamless regulatory compliance.
- Consolidate financials for subsidiaries under the group, streamlining reporting processes and improving governance.
- Maintain strong relationships with banks in the UAE to secure financing and optimize banking operations, while actively collaborating with cross-regional teams for seamless financial operations.
- Handle quarterly VAT return filings with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and coordinate with UAE authorities to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
- Winning the Output the of PKR AED 400k imposed by FTA through detailed explanations and compliance efforts
- Ensured smooth financial operations of the contact with the internal stakeholders
Chief Financial Officer - D' Hamidi Advertising - Pakistan
(2013-05 - 2014-03)
Founded in 1994 by Faraz Maqsood Hamidi and Adil Mirza (Late), The D'Hamidi Partnership is Pakistan's first independent brand and identity consultancy and a critically acclaimed ideas company serving a select group of clients across the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond.
- Overall responsibility to oversee Media cost Planning (Print Media), Channels management, Customers management, Funds / Treasury Management, Media Finance and Corporate Finance management, Compliance with corporate laws and regulation
