Ali Raza

Senior Finance Manager and CBB/DFSA-Approved Financial Controller with 10+ years of progressive experience leading finance functions across fintech, logistics, automotive distribution, real estate, and diversified investment groups in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UK. Proven expertise in IAS/IFRS compliance, ZATCA, and multi-jurisdictional tax management (VAT, corporate tax, Zakat), group-level FP&A, cash flow optimisation, treasury, and board-level reporting across complex, multi-entity environments. Regulatory-approved by both the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) — an uncommon dual designation reflecting the highest standards of GCC financial governance.

Track record of building finance functions from the ground up, managing cross-border audits, and delivering financial leadership across Vision 2030-aligned sectors, including financial services, logistics infrastructure, real estate, and investment management. Currently based in Al Khobar with a fully transferable Iqama and immediate availability for senior finance leadership roles across Saudi Arabia.

Finance Manager at Barri Logistics Solution Services (2024-03 – Present)

• Lead a team of five finance professionals across AP, AR, payroll, and month-end close; direct all FP&A activities including budgeting, rolling forecasts, and management reporting across multiple business units.
• Prepare monthly financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) in full IAS/IFRS compliance; manage ZATCA VAT filings, corporate tax, and Zakat obligations ensuring zero regulatory exposure.
• Structure and manage company debt: negotiate bank credit facilities and working capital lines; develop financial models to support strategic planning and capital-raising initiatives.
• Implement accounting policies, chart of accounts, and internal control frameworks; coordinate external audits and drive operational efficiency across logistics and supply chain functions.

Financial Controller (CBB-Approved) at Tarabut W.L.L (2022-01 – 2024-03)

• CBB-approved Financial Controller following direct regulatory interview with the Central Bank of Bahrain; subsequently received DFSA approval for expanded oversight across Dubai operations.
• Led group-level finance across four jurisdictions, managing a team of six; delivered IAS/IFRS-compliant financial statements and regulatory filings with CBB, DFSA, SAMA, and UK bodies.
• Managed year-end audits across five countries, VAT returns for Bahrain and KSA, UK VAT, corporate tax, and Zakat; supervised end-of-service payroll settlements across all markets.
• Monitored cash flow, liquidity, and FX exposure; developed and enforced group-wide accounting policies and internal controls significantly strengthening audit readiness.

Senior Accountant & FP&A at Al Zayani Investments (2021-06 – 2022-01)

• Managed FP&A and financial reporting across automotive brand portfolios, international and local real estate (USA, UK, Europe), and multi-market financial investments; prepared group-wide budgets and cash flow forecasts.
• Produced management accounts for major automotive business units including Lexus, BMW, Kia, Hyundai, and Geely; tracked equity portfolios on the Bahrain Bourse alongside international bonds, debentures, and forex instruments.
• Coordinated directly with overseas property managers for income recognition, valuations, and capex reporting; supported CFO and board presentations with financial narratives and scenario analysis.

Accountant at Almoayed Holdings W.L.L (2017-06 – 2021-04)

• Managed GL accounting, reconciliations, and consolidated financial statements across seven entities; maintained IFRS-9 compliance on financial instruments including equities, bonds, and forex; liaised with Credit Suisse and UBS on offshore investment reporting.
• Prepared annual budgets, capital allocation models, coordinated internal and external audits, filed VAT returns, and ensured ESR compliance across all group entities.

Audit Assistant at Crowe Horwath (Hussain Chaudhary & Co) (2014-08 – 2016-07)

• Conducted statutory audits across manufacturing, trading, Islamic banking, and charitable sectors; executed P&L, balance sheet, cash, inventory, and vouching procedures under senior supervision.
• Prepared audit testing documentation and contributed to findings reports and client deliverables across multiple concurrent engagement teams.

Master of Commerce in M.Com – Baha-ud-Din Zakariya University (2012-11)