Syed Usman Ali

Strategic finance leader with 15+ years driving FP&A, budgeting, and financial operations across F&B, market research, and engineering sectors in Saudi Arabia. Proven track record of delivering measurable impact — 15% improvement in forecast and budgeting accuracy, 20% reduction in operational overhead, 7% increase in project margins across 70+ engagements, and 100% operational liquidity maintained through disciplined cash flow management. Combines deep technical fluency in Oracle JD Edwards, SAP, Hyperion HFM, IFRS, and ZATCA compliance with the executive presence to translate complex financial data into clear, boardroom-ready strategy.

SOCPA qualified | FPAP certified.

Finance Manager at Sushiah Fine Dine F&B Chain (2024-08 – Present)

• Lead annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, variance analysis, and long-range financial planning for multi-unit's restaurant business.
• Develop financial models, rolling forecasts, and scenario analysis for senior management, aiding in decision-making, and improving forecast accuracy by 15%.
• Optimize cash flow management across the chain, maintaining 100% operational liquidity through strategic banking partnerships and proactive monitoring of working capital.
• Drive food cost improvement and inventory control initiatives, consistently achieving and sustaining an 80% gross margin.
• Partner with operational and senior management teams to provide financial insights, profitability analysis, and data-driven recommendations.
• Deliver executive-level management reports, performance dashboard to support strategic decision making.
• Evaluate cost structures, operational expenses, and revenue trends to identify cost optimization opportunities resulting in a 20% reduction in operational overhead costs.
• Strengthen internal controls and financial procedures aligned with IFRS and regulatory requirements.

Financial Analyst (Consultant) at iControl (2024-08 – 2026-03)

• Executed financial planning and profitability analysis for 15+ engineering projects.
• Developed robust financial forecasts and cost models that improved project budgeting accuracy by 20% enabling better financial strategy and resource allocation.
• Supported senior management with financial insights, risk analysis, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Standardized financial reporting practices and improved financial governance and compliances.
• Analyzed revenue trends, cost structures, and working capital requirements to improve financial efficiency and operational profitability.

Senior Accountant at Paxocean (2024-02 – 2024-08)

• Prepared financial reports, ratio analysis, budgets, and projections for management review.
• Coordinated with audit preparation and compliance activities with internal and external auditors.
• Liaised with ZATCA authorities to process quarterly filings and successfully obtain VAT refunds.
• Initiated financial closing and audit schedules 100% on time, ensuring readiness for periodic reviews.
• Built relationships with banks, auditors, and regulatory authorities, supporting financial transparency and compliance.

Financial Analyst at Ipsos Saudi Arabia (2019-05 – 2023-09)

• Conducted project profitability analysis and cost control reviews for 70+ projects, identifying saving opportunities that increased average project margins by 7%.
• Developed accurate budget forecasts and cash flow projections.
• Managed financial reporting, AR/AP processes and monthly closing activities.
• Partnered with management to identify and implement cost optimization strategies, reducing departmental overhead by 10%.
• Trained and mentored 15 junior staff on ERP system and financial reporting processes.

Senior Accountant at Ipsos Saudi Arabia (2008-05 – 2018-04)

• Developed and documented accounting procedures that standardized operations across departments, improving accuracy and reducing processing time by 20%.
• Oversee full-cycle general ledger accounting and month-end closings for 8 consecutive years, ensuring 100% accuracy in financial reporting and zero post-close adjustments.
• Monitored project profitability, ensuring accurate cost and revenue recognition periodically.
• Coordinated with internal and external auditors by preparing audit schedules, support documentation.
• Leveraged Oracle JD Edwards and Hyperion HFM to automate reporting processes, reducing manual effort by 30% and improving data accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations, VAT reporting, and regulatory requirements, successfully coordinating with authorities and avoiding penalties throughout tenure.

B.B.A in Finance – Bahria University, Pakistan (2006-06)

MBA in Financial management – Bahria University, Pakistan (2007-07)