Syed Bokhari

FCA (ICAP) with 25+ years of senior leadership in financial management, corporate finance, budgeting, financial reporting, and internal financial controls across large public sector utilities, donor-funded institutional programs, and diversified private sector groups. Proven track record serving as Chief Financial Officer of a public sector organization with assets exceeding Rs. 150 billion, delivering full statutory, tax, and regulatory compliance, multilateral donor financing and reporting (World Bank, ADB, USAID), and leadership of large multi-functional finance teams. Recognized for building robust internal control and enterprise risk frameworks, driving ERP-enabled financial systems transformation, strengthening corporate governance, and steering organization-wide financial and operational transformation.

Group Chief Financial Officer - Rehman Group - Lahore, Pakistan

(2015-10)

Diversified Business Group — Hotel, Textile, Shopping Malls, Real Estate

• Lead Finance, Operations, HR, IT, Tax, and Corporate Affairs functions across group entities, overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting group-wide.
• Direct procurement operations, inventory management, and supply chain controls across all business entities.
• Lead enterprise risk assessments, strengthen internal financial controls, and deliver periodic financial performance reporting to the top management and Board.
• Manage banking relationships, working capital facilities, project financing, and full statutory and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee HR functions including labor law compliance, payroll, and employee relations across the group.

Financial Management Advisor - IRG (International Resource Group), USAID Implementing Partner - Peshawar, Pakistan

(2013-04 - 2015-09)

USAID-Funded Institutional Capacity Building program—PESCO (Peshawar Electric Supply Company), Peshawar

• Implemented financial management and institutional capacity building projects in a leading public sector power utility (assets Rs. 100bn+, 17,000 workforce, serving the entire province).
• Ensured full compliance with USAID policies, regulations, and contractor procurement guidelines as Head of the Procurement Evaluation Committee.
• Led ERP roll-out in a record time－ formally recognized by senior program leadership as a remarkable accomplishment.
• Implemented Risk-Based Audit Manual and provided extensive staff training－hugely strengthened internal control and risk management systems.
• Delivered high-impact quarterly financial and performance reports to senior stakeholders and convened Steering Committee meetings of multi-agency leadership.
• Convened stakeholders' Steering Committee meetings－regular update, expediting steps helped timely completion.
• Supervised HR data buildup for 17,000 + employees－improved HR management.
• Coordinating across implementing partners and reviewing periodic financial and HR submissions.
• Reviewed and reported on implementing partners' periodic submissions for payment clearance.
• Led implementation of updated accounting manual and extensive training to senior accounting staff － improved Cash flow and liquidity management.

Chief Financial Officer / Finance Director - MEPCO (Multan Electric Power Company) - Multan, Pakistan

(2003-11 - 2013-03)

Largest power utility— Rs. 100bn turnover, Rs. 150bn assets, 18,000 staff

• Restructured Finance and Accounts Department into Corporate Accounting and Reporting; brought down Cash-In-Transit to below 3.5%－industry record; Corporate Planning and Control－brought down budget variance within 5%.
• Led Finance, Accounts, Compliance, Tax, and Corporate Affairs functions for one of Pakistan's largest public sector power utilities, with 350 finance staff across 100+ field offices.
• Secured large-scale financing from the World Bank and ADB, leading banking consortium－ensured donors' procurement compliance and and financial reporting requirement.
• Oversaw statutory compliance including timely tax and GST filings, external audits, and regulatory coordination with sector regulators and government oversight bodies.
• Implemented IT-enabled bank reconciliation automation across 1,500+ branches and designed IT-driven fund transfer policies with banking partners.
• Streamlined procurement operations ensuring full PPRA regulatory compliance; managed procurement policy and vendor relationships.
• Represented the organization in apex courts and senior-level government ministry engagements; recognized by the Chief Executive for playing a key role in transforming the company into a vibrant corporate entity.

General Manager Finance - Superior Textile Mills Ltd. - Lahore, Pakistan

(1992-08 - 2003-09)

• Built and led the entire Finance & Accounts function from pre-Commercial Operations Date (COD) through full operations.
• Designed and implemented internal controls, computerized accounting systems, costing frameworks, and five-year financial plans.
• Directed procurement and logistics of raw materials; managed Board secretarial functions and stakeholder relations.

Finance Manager - Sitara Group - Faisalabad, Pakistan

(1990-08 - 1992-08)

• Managed financial operations, banking relationships, budgeting systems, and statutory compliance.
• Implemented computerized accounting, payroll, and inventory management systems.

Manager, Audit & Advisory - KPMG Chartered Accountants - Lahore, Pakistan

(1987-08 - 1990-08)

• Critically examined audit files for Partner's review and approval.
• Led statutory audits, tax management, and advisory engagements for publicly listed companies across diverse sectors.
• Conducted internal audits for major public sector and corporate clients; led IPO assignments and business analysis for major conglomerates.
• Managed corporate affairs and secretarial functions for a multinational client.

Chartered Accountant - Accounting - Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP)

Bachelor of Commerce - Commerce - Hailey College of Commerce, University of the Punjab