Sharif Latif

Innovative problem solver with proven success in introducing efficient business solutions. Demonstrate achievement in exceeding management expectations rapidly improving accuracy levels. Highly effective data management proficiency utilized in enhancing and improving reporting tools and measures.

Expertise in compiling and analyzing expense and revenue data for variance analysis along with determining key factors (KPIs) for progression and identifying discrepancies to advance objectives. Intuitive work ethic presenting a step ahead analysis of future account developments allowing timely organization to obtain proposed objectives. High level competency implementing and transitioning of various finance and business software.

Strong proven business acumen adhering to specific strategic initiatives and goals set by client. Strategy consulting experience along with working knowledge of financial modeling. Compliance and regulatory reporting experience.

Analysis of financial statements identifying, escalating, managing, and reporting control issues with transparency.

Lead Investment Accountant - Global Atlantic Financial Group - Remote

(2023-02)

Support Investment Accounting with various insurance subsidiaries, which entails preparing the monthly ledger reconciliations to validate the accuracy of the investment results in subledgers on a STAT basis.

• Prepare the required quarterly and annual NAIC Investment schedules and STAT audited financials
• Support process enhancements related to achieving an accelerated close that produces timely, accurate and complete investment accounting results in an efficient manner
• Collaborate with management and the IT department building out robust analytics and reporting to support all business needs
• Responsible for performing monthly investment reconciliation between the ledger and subledger for various insurance subsidiaries on a GAAP and STAT basis, primarily for fixed maturity securities, including preparing journal entries and other investment accounting activities
• Perform month end closing procedures, including analytical reviews of income earned, unsettled trades, suspense accounts, and other financial statement items
• Responsible for the preparation of annual rating agency surveys for investments
• Prepare management reports that provide analysis of investment results
• Perform frequent ad hoc analysis and assist with special projects, as requested
• Assist with recording Limited Partnership detail on a quarterly basis
• Programs Used – Clearwater, Oracle, Wings, Wdesk

Lead Investment Accountant - AIG - New York, NY

(2017-11 - 2023-01)

• Provided high level management financial reporting and analysis
• Collaborated on the implementation process from PAM to Clearwater systems, additionally preform a pre-close check to ensure all data is accurate or updated accordingly
• Scrutinized GL system data to direct entry data and rectify any discrepancies accordingly
• Analyzed retagging of securities to ensure proper maintenance
• Partnered on the preparation of the reconciliation of ledger to investment system (GAAP & STAT)
• Prepared investment related adjustments to ensure the appropriate data is recorded in the ledger and reflected in the quarterly and annual financial results (GAAP & STAT)
• Compiled and review the monthly/quarterly/annual investment analysis of Holdings and Income report data
• Determined the variables for variances (variance analysis) and prepare reports for management
• Reviewed Investment Schedules/Regulatory Reports (Schedules B, BA, D, DA and E) for Quarterly and Annual Statutory Financial Statements (Yellow and Blue Books)
• Prepared notes and general interrogatories to the financial statements quarterly and annually
• Collected sales and purchases data to analyze and prepare Board of Directors reports
• Evaluated and update quarterly Interest Maintenance Reserve and Asset Valuation Reserve data and record findings
• Gathered OPR and Suspense account reports for analysis and make adjusting entries as necessary
• Provided Cash-Non Cash analysis and report results to management
• Reviewed and confirm accurate Blackline reconciliation data and submit certifications
• Assisted with development and improvement of investment accounting procedures and processes
• Prepared journal entries monthly for GAAP & STAT in order to reconcile general ledger and subsidiary ledger for investment assets on both a GAAP & STAT basis
• Programs used – SAP, Clearwater, Microstrategy, Infopoint, PAM, Wings, TCP, MDG, Blackline, Sharepoint

Senior Financial Analyst - Time Warner - New York, NY

(2015-07 - 2017-11)

• Prepared and presented of the annual budget and monthly forecast for the market, including business planning, variance analysis
• Collected, analyzed, and consolidated key financial information and operational metrics
• Created and analyzed P&L schedules that support outlook and budget
• Monthly P&L review, analysis, research, and variance explanations
• Coordinated with Operations functional areas for financial and workforce planning
• Performed operational and financial analysis of factors impacting regional Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
• Acted as liaison with support teams in developing strategies and plans to improve financial and statistical reporting processes
• Structured monthly financial packages and reports
• Developed and maintained financial models that enhance operational efficiencies and effectiveness
• Financial reporting and analysis
• Programs used – SAP, Oracle, Hyperion Essbase

Senior Accountant - Live Nation - San Francisco, CA

(2012-04 - 2015-07)

• Performed all accounting duties for VIP ticketing services
• Determined VIP package pricing for 30+ artists tours
• Developed and maintained VIP budgets and forecasts for artists tours
• Initiated and standardized a comprehensive KPI analysis to accurately determine ticket pricing considering related criteria to maximize profitability
• Organized and authorized all VIP services for all shows
• Approved all purchase orders and A/P expenses relevant to artist shows
• Introduced an analysis to determine major revenue driving components
• Implemented VIP show analysis to ensure concise pricing considering all demographic data
• Reviewed and analyzed general ledger daily to ensure accuracy and attended to discrepancies
• Scrutinized financial statements for inconsistencies and made adjustments accordingly
• Programs used – QuickBooks, Netsuite, SAP

Senior Accountant - Verizon Business - Basking Ridge, NJ

(2007-10 - 2012-02)

• Performed account/expense analysis for all of GNI
• Reviewed monthly budget, forecast and variance analysis
• Analyzed P&L and balance sheet for all GNI accounts daily
• Completed monthly, quarterly and year end close for GNI by preparing journal entries (recurring, accruals, reclasses and adjusting)
• Produced and reviewed trend reports and provided to upper level management throughout close to ensure accurate operation of close
• Reviewed data to complete balance sheet flux provided to consolidations group and upper level management
• Transmitted PeopleSoft database to update management information systems (Biz Frame, DAT)
• Prepared control submission for review by consolidations group
• Gathered, analyzed and consolidated supplemental data and uploaded figures into Hyperion for consolidations group and upper level management
• Updated cash flow worksheets from several data sources and inputted into Hyperion for consolidations group and upper level management
• Compiled and reviewed account reconciliations from inter-company departments
• Analyzed general ledger daily to locate and resolve any discrepancies, advised of fluctuations from month to month and year to year
• Compiled data necessary to evaluate and update budgets and forecasts for upcoming fiscal year by account and analyzed using various excel formulas to capture desired figures
• Settled accounts between GNI and other entities monthly
• Partnered in the implementation of SAP
• Programs used – PeopleSoft, SAP, Hyperion Essbase, Sharepoint

B.S. - Accounting - Kean University

Data Science & Python Certifications - IBM