Karim Bhamani

I am a finance professional with over 15 years of experience across the media, FMCG, retail, and telecom sectors in the UAE and Pakistan. I specialize in financial reporting, general ledger management, fixed assets, and tax compliance, with deep expertise in IFRS, UAE VAT, Corporate Tax, and Excise Tax.

In my current and recent roles, I have managed end-to-end GL close processes, fixed asset lifecycle, and balance sheet reconciliations, while ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal control frameworks (ICFR). I have also worked closely with auditors, tax advisors, and cross-functional teams to deliver accurate financial reporting and timely statutory submissions.

I bring strong hands-on experience with leading ERP systems including Oracle Fusion, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics AX, and Tally, along with advanced skills in financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting. I have also contributed to system implementations, process improvements, and finance transformation initiatives.

Some of my key achievements include:

Successfully managing a VAT refund of AED 35 million, improving organizational cash flow.

Leading Chart of Accounts (COA) implementation and enhancing financial reporting accuracy.

Driving automation of exchange rate updates in Oracle Fusion to streamline processes.

Supporting UAE e-invoicing compliance readiness and corporate tax filings.

Strengthening internal controls through VAT health checks and policy enhancements.

Throughout my career, I have consistently focused on improving financial controls, enhancing reporting accuracy, and delivering value through process optimization and compliance excellence. I am passionate about leveraging my experience to support business growth, strengthen governance, and contribute to high-performing finance teams.

Senior Accountant (General Ledger & Assets)

Abu Dhabi Media Company PJSC, UAE

Jun 2024 – Jan 2026

• Managed the full Fixed Assets lifecycle capitalization, depreciation, impairment, disposals, and reconciliations in compliance with IFRS and internal policies.
• Maintained the Fixed Assets Register, performed periodic physical verification, resolved variances with operations and internal audit.
• Handled VAT accounting and compliance, including preparation, review, reconciliation, and timely filing of VAT returns.
• Served as the main finance contact for VAT and Corporate Tax advisors, supporting computations, clarifications, submissions, and authority queries.
• Managed Corporate Tax compliance, including data compilation, calculations, documentation, and adherence to applicable regulations.
• Ensured accurate IFRS 16 accounting for ROU assets, lease liabilities, modifications, and disclosures.
• Executed monthly GL close activities journal entries, accruals, prepayments, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Reviewed GL accounts to ensure accuracy, completeness, and timely clearance of reconciling items.
• Supported design, implementation, and monitoring of ICFR controls and compliance frameworks.
• Coordinated external audits, prepared schedules, responded to audit queries, and ensured timely closure of findings.
• Contributed to development and improvement of accounting policies, SOPs, and internal controls for fixed assets, VAT, tax, and leases.
• Managed special finance projects under the Head of GL & Assets, ensuring timely and quality delivery.
• Guided junior staff and cross-functional teams on accounting treatments and compliance matters.
• Supported continuous improvement initiatives to enhance controls, reporting, and operational efficiency.

General Accountant

Dairy Express General Trading LLC, a subsidiary of Hammoudeh Industries Jordan, UAE

Nov 2018 – May 2024

• Manage the complete fixed assets lifecycle, including acquisition, capitalization, depreciation, and disposal.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual fixed assets report for management review.
• Ensure compliance with accounting policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide support during external audits related to fixed assets.
• Managing day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, petty cash, daily cash flow and financial statement preparation.
• Conducting internal and external audits and develop internal procedures to ensure compliance with industry regulations.
• Providing tax advice and preparing VAT and excise tax filing.
• Managing customer and vendor database and liaising with customers on a daily basis for invoices and outstanding payments.
• Liaising with bankers regarding financial transactions.

Senior Accountant

Manoushe Street, UAE

March 2013–October 2018

• Reconcile general ledger accounts, investigate, and resolve discrepancies.
• Implemented SAP integration and VAT Filing in the company.
• Managed day-to-day accounting duties, such as accounts payable functions for restaurant expenses, accounts receivable, petty cash of all branches, payroll, budgets, and forecasting.
• Participate in internal and external audits, providing necessary documentation and explanations.
• Managed vendor databases and ensured compliance.
• Preparing accurate, timely financial statements in accordance with established schedules for the Company.
• Conduct monthly and quarterly account reconciliations to ensure accurate reporting and ledger maintenance.
• Liaised with bankers regarding financial transactions.
• Reconciling intercompany Accounts and Banks.

Financial Analyst January 2012- February 2013

Assistant Finance Manager September 2010 – December 2011

Senior Finance Officer June 2008 – August 2010

i2 Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd (Nokia Business partner in Pakistan and Afghanistan)

• Handling imports related matters of Nokia mobile phones including LC establishment, negotiation terms and conditions, timely retirement of LC, requesting and arranging issuance of shipping guarantees/endorsement.
• Monitoring accounts receivable and accounts payable functions including maintaining and reconciling customer’s ledgers and vendor accounts, calculating incentives to customers and price differential claims.
• Monitoring aging analysis of market receivables and highlighting overdue customers on a timely basis.
• Handling monthly reporting to parent company profit and loss account, balance sheet and other financial data.
• Maintained income tax records and handled withholding tax from vendor payments and ensuring timely deposit in the Government treasury.
• Handling day-to-day banking affairs of the company.

Accounts Officer

International Brands (Pvt) Limited (IBL)

Karachi, Pakistan

June 2005– May 2008

• Reviewing Bank Reconciliation Statement, Vendor Reconciliation Statement, Stock Reconciliation Statement, Inter Company Reconciliation.
• Handling Payroll Related Matters.
• Preparing annual accounts and dealing with external as well as internal auditors.
• Handling sales tax and monitoring withholding of Income Tax Under the provision of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

• Master of Business Administration (MBA in Finance) 2004

(Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan)

• Bachelors of Commerce (B.Com), 2001

(Govt. College of Commerce under Karachi University)