Vice President of Finance Resume
Contact information
Ahmed S. Awan
13 Street
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Career objective
Looking for a challenging position of the Vice President of Finance Resume the reputed University with a view to use my wide experience for the benefit of the organization.
Dear Sir/Madam,
My Name is Ahmed S. Awan, Egyptian, accruing 18 years of professional experience working for some of the Middle East well known organizations in diversified industries. I was the Vice President Finance for one of the largest groups in the Middle East and Europe which is “Orascom Development Holding AG”. I was managing their Joint Ventures in Oman which are developing four tourism destinations including real estate projects with an initial investment cost exceeding USD One Billion at the first phase, whereas also managing more than 50 staff with 6 direct senior reports within 9 companies.
Furthermore, I previously worked with one of the largest retail groups in Kuwait which is “The Sultan Center TSC” where I was working as theFinance Manager for TSC Subsidiary in Sultanate of Oman, and then I was relocated to handle its Subsidiary “Safeway” in Jordan after its acquisition, and was later relocated to Egypt, as their Regional Finance & Business Development Manager, to oversee and implement its aggressive expansion plans in Egypt and North Africa. Also, I used to work in one of the largest manufacturing heavy industry business in Egypt which is “AL EZZ STEEL REBARS CO. ESR” member of “EZZ GROUP EGYPT", where my real professional experience was developed under professional mentors.
Recently, I have got a qualification as a Certified Board Director from the Institutional Shareholder Services in the United States in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation and the Egyptian Institute of Directors. This certification is accredited by The National Association for Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington DC. Accordingly, I became a co founder of the newly established Certified Directors Forum of Egypt which will be responsible for promoting and implementing the Corporate Governance worldwide best practices in the MENA region.
Additionally, I have 10 years of solid experience with ERP accounting packages, specially “Oracle Financials”, and I was part of the implementation team of 2 successful implementations (one in ESR & one in TSC Oman) and was the Champion of full implementation of five financial modules (GL, AP, AR, FA, CM) in addition to the Online Inventory Management & Merchandising system in Safeway Jordan.
Moreover, my contributions have been mainly achieved by implementing the Budgetary Control Systems and integrating it with Oracle Financials. This resulted in improving the quality of financial information and its flow within all business stakeholders through regular Financial Performance Reviews workshops and monthly presentations.
I am a self motivated person, able to work under pressure, and usually meet very tight deadlines with full informative and quality of deliverables. Combine strong analytical skills and creative thinking with consistent high performance. One of my most achievements is the Consolidated Financial Statements Closing Process (CFSCP) where I studied, reduced and restructured the accounting cycles, functions, and staff performance which resulted in achieving substantial improvement and efficient operations that exceeded the whole management team’s expectations.
Senior managers and my colleagues talk a lot about my negotiation skills. Also, they say I am a MS Excel Guru, and have very good presentation skills. In addition, I have a talent in communicating with internal/external parties, with a very good friendly influence that make things happen with a professional "Follow Through" approach.
If you are seeking a Strategic Executive Director, at board levels, who stays abreast of his field, who understands technology, who earns 100% staff support, and who is as career-committed as it takes to achieve total success, then please consider what I have to offer.
I would be happy to have a preliminary discussion with you or members of your committee to see if we can establish a mutual employment interest. Further, I would be glad to answer any question you may have, and to hear about your hiring process.
Thank you, in advance, for taking the time to review my attached résumé and this cover letter, and looking forward to hearing from you at your convenience.
Kind regards,
CAREER OBEJCTIVE
Seeking a Senior Executive Finance role in a challenging and dynamic organization where my professional experiences and transferable skills can be utilized and applied while capturing more experiences, opportunities, responsibilities, and building long-term career growth with professional development.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
A seasoned result oriented, solution-focused Vice President Finance with 16 years experience of working for some of the Middle East well known organizations, demonstrating expertise in establishing state of the art finance departments, building top-performing teams, consistently exceeding organizational objectives within challenging and competitive corporate levels. Reinvigorating organizational workflows, technologies, policies & procedures, processes and financial systems. Delivering strong & sustainable financial decision support, internal controls, and efficient workflow yet with equal expertise in maximizing profits & capturing cost reduction opportunities through processes redesign, performance management, & corporate governance best practices.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Financial Competencies: Managerial Competencies:
• Corporate Finance & Corporate Governance. • Problem Solving & Conflict Resolution.
• Strategic Planning, Execution & Management. • Project Management & Development.
• Treasury & Cash Flow Optimization. • Efficiency Management and Appraisal.
• Banking/Finance Liaison/Negotiations. • Leadership Development.
• Budgeting, Forecasting, Reporting & Analysis. • Relationship and Team Building
• IFRS/US GAAP & Tax Planning. • Training and Mentoring.
• Financial & Operational KPIs Analysis. • Time Management.
• Oracle Financials Applications/ERP. • Power Negotiation.
• Policy & Procedures Development & Compliance. • Customer Retention Strategies.
MAJOR ACHEIVEMENTS
• Establishing 3 shareholding companies in Egypt. • Identified M&A and acquisitions opportunities in Egypt.
• Minimize Financial Statements Closing Process. • Maximizing Profits & Other Operating Income.
• Implementing Budgetary Control Project. • Implementing highly Cost Efficiency Plans.
• Member & champion of 3 successful implementations of Oracle Financials
• Safeway Jordan Acquisition (Due Diligence – Share Purchase Agreement preparations)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
1) Muriya Tourism & Development Co. SAOC (Oman) March, 2008 – July, 2010
Last Designation: Vice President Finance Website: http://www.muriya.om/ & http://www.orascomdh.com
Muriya Tourism Development Company (MTDC) was established in Oman in March 2006, as a JV between Egypt’s Orascom Hotels & Development (70%) & Omran (30%), representing the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Oman. Muriya’s vision is to develop & invest in tourism & all its related activities & facilities. The aim is to create tourism destinations which have the branding and flavour of the diversified nature & culture of the Sultanate of Oman. MTDC currently has four major projects on hand in Oman each one is represented in a joint stock company as Salalah Beach, Jebel Al Sifah, Al Sodah Island and City Complex, in addition to various SPVs for hotels & other activities.
Summary of major responsibilities:
• Report to the Group Chief Financial Officer, and the CEO.
• Restructured the group finance department into Real Estate, Construction, and Corporate Sectors.
• Prepared projects’ feasibility studies and cash flow projections on the short & long term.
• Conducted a high level strategic business plan for all of our tourism development projects in Oman.
• Budgeting process and budgetary control procedures to monitor the construction costs across the group.
• Negotiating financial institutions for granting loans to finance our hotels across our tourism projects.
• Restructured the group financial reporting and financial statements to conform to the latest IFRS.
• Active involvement in the due diligence and evaluation of proposed development opportunities.
• Optimized the group treasury, cash flow forecasts and corporate income tax exposure.
2) The Sultan Center Food Products KSC (Kuwait) September, 2006 – March, 2008
Last Designation: Regional Development Manager Website: http://www.sultan-center.com/
The Sultan Center, or TSC, is a dynamic organization based in Kuwait that incorporates a diverse portfolio of successful companies. TSC is publicly listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange under the ticker “SULTAN”, and employs approximately 3,500 staff. TSC is Kuwait’s largest independent retailer and a leading supplier of supermarket items, perishables, and general merchandise in the Middle East. TSC operations also encompass restaurants and catering, trading, fashion, telecommunications, security, and investments. TSC has embarked on a successful expansion program throughout the Middle East and also operates successful retail stores and restaurants in Oman and Jordan. TSC has ambitious expansion plans in Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and North Africa.
Summary of major responsibilities:
• Relocated to Egypt to head our expansion plans in Egypt, Sudan and North Africa.
• Report to the Group Managing Director, Retail Managing Director.
• Conducting entry strategies, market researches and economic social indicators for the region.
• Establishing legal entities for all our operations in the region.
• Responsible for identifying strategic mergers, acquisions, and joint venture opportunities within the region.
• Conducting feasibility studies on targeted real estate properties and sites for our operations.
• Building real estate properties and locations data bank that meet our operational expansions.
• Establishing high contacts with all governmental bodies related to our projects in the region.
• Establishing contacts with banks, financial institutions, investment banking firms, audit firms, corporate law firms, real estate firms and real estate developers to support our expansion projects in the region.
3) Jordanian Investments & Supply Co. SAFEWAY (Jordan) Dec, 2003 – Sep, 2006
Last Designation: Finance Manager Website: http://www.safeway.com.jo/
Safeway is a multi-million dollar pioneer retail company in Jordan, supplying the best quality of local and foreign imported products with high range of varieties. Safeway is specialized in Supermarket, Perishables and Home Center products with high and effective customer service. Safeway is 100% owned by The Sultan Center.
Summary of major responsibilities:
• Relocated from “The Sultan Center” – Sultanate of Oman.
• Report to the Group CFO & Safeway Jordan COO.
• Strategic development & improvement: identifying, analyzing, interpreting and preparing evaluations on wide ranges of business scenarios and opportunities, & preparing financial & operational feasibility study models.
• Develop & implement a vision and strategy for Finance, which is in line with the overall Company’s strategy and supports objectives of the business.
• Review viability of new investment projects, potential acquisitions and divestments.
• Participate in company negotiations, and in particular oversee all financial aspects of significant commercial real estate transactions including funding, structuring and financial modelling/feasibility analysis.
• Full financial presentations and analysis for the whole company divisions’ performance with full measurement to the company’s standard KPI’s and industry benchmarks using exception reports for management review.
• Establish banks’ facilities as overdrafts, short, and long term loans, with project and working capital financing facilities.
• Implement efficient & effective financial accounting policies and procedures.
• Maintain strong yet smooth financial internal control environment.
• Treasury, Cash flow management & optimization, and financial statements projections.
• Legal and non legal contracts’ negotiations.
• Tax Planning; supervise sales tax (VAT) and income tax calculations and filing periodical returns.
4) The Sultan Center L.L.C. (Oman) April 6th, 1999 – December 14th, 2003
Last Designation: Finance Manager Website: http://www.sultan-center.com/
The Sultan Center (TSC) is the most successful retailer & FMCG Company in Oman that started its operations in May 1999. The Sultan Center Oman is fully 100% owned by “The Sultan Center Food Products Co. KSC” in Kuwait.
Summary of major responsibilities:
• Report to the Group CFO & TSC Oman COO.
• Prepare and analyze periodically Financial Statements.
• Anticipate in preparing the company business plans & its compilation with the company budgets.
• Anticipate in preparing and analysing the company annual budget.
• Establish banks facilities with excellent communication skills with bank officers.
• Review all legal contracts with corporate lawyers.
• Ensure that all financial transactions are complying with the company policies and procedures.
• Report any non-compliance of any transaction with company budget to the CFO & the Managing Director.
• Initiate all kinds of Insurance Policies.
• Update fixed assets maintain its computerized register and process periodically depreciation.
• Review & reconcile MIS Reports.
• Develop different types of Management reports for management review.
Special Assignments:
• Acting Human Resources Manager.
• Acting Administration & Governmental Affairs Manager.
5) Al Ezz Steel Rebars CO. SAE (Egypt) June, 1996 – March, 1999
Last Designation: Financial Accountant Website: http://www.ezzindustries.com/
AL EZZ STEEL REBARS CO. S.A.E. member of “Ezz Group Egypt” is one of the largest & leading companies in Middle East in the field ofmanufacturing Steel Rebars, Steel Raw Billets, and other Steel products.
Summary of major responsibilities:
• Report to the Accounting Manager, and Treasury Manager.
• Prepare & follow up Banks’ Daily Cash Flow Positions.
• Follow up banks’ maturities & loans’ instalments in due dates.
• Prepare letter of credits & Letters of guarantees with a master file for it to follow up its expiration.
• Reconcile trial balance accounts and prepare various financial and accounting analyses.
• Prepare monthly cost center analysis by project.
• Handling strategic foreign suppliers’ payable accounts.
• Prepare sales tax documents and filing returns.
• Prepare costing and pricing sheets for main raw materials (Billets & Scrap) and finished products.
6) Diamant Boart Middle East (Egypt) April, 1995 – June, 1996
Last Designation: Accountant
Website: http://www.diamant-boart.com/
Website: http://www.snig-me.com/
Diamant Boart Middle East (DBME) member of “Souheil Najjar Investment Group (SNIG)” is a multinational establishment located in Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Iran. SNIG is a trader/supplier of inputs of the construction industry at different stages of the supply chain. These inputs range from cutting tools for the stone cutting and quarrying sub sector, Hard Rock Saw Blades, marble trading, construction chemicals, and concrete dismantling contracting services.
Summary of major responsibilities:
• Report to the Financial Controller.
• Prepare monthly P&L, and balance sheet.
• Responsible for costing & inventory control.
• Prepare monthly payroll.
• Auditing country’s monthly expenses.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations.
• Prepare monthly analysis for all P&L accounts.
• Record and update sales & accounts receivable.
• Prepare weekly report for sales aging & clients Exposure.
• Record all the general ledger transactions for Jordan branch.
• Control fixed assets register & preparing monthly depreciation.
7) The Cabinet, Information & Decision Support Center (Egypt) September, 1993 – March, 1995
Website: http://www.idsc.gov.eg/ ÑÆÇÓÉ ãÌáÓ ÇáæÒÑÇÁ - ãÑßÒ ÇáãÚáæãÇÊ æ ÏÚã ÇÊÎÇÐ ÇáÞÑÇÑ
Last Designation: Assistant Planning & Following Up Director for Documentation
IDSC is one of the most reputable Governmental Organization in Egypt, specialized in Information Technology Services and Decision Support for the Cabinet (Ministers’ Council).
Summary of major responsibilities:
• Report to the Planning & Following Up Director.
• Responsible for the documentation of all IDSC’s historical and daily documents and information.
• Assist the P&F Director in following up the IDSC’s projects progress against set & budgeted targets.
EDUCATION BACKGROUND & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Degree: Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) from Faculty of Commerce, Cairo University.
• Major: Accounting • Graduation: May 1993 • Grade: Good
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
• Qualification: Certified Board Director from the Institutional Shareholder Services in the United States in collaboration with the InternationalFinance Corporation and the Egyptian Institute of Directors. This certification is accredited by The National Association for Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington DC.
• Website: http://www.riskmetrics.com/ http://www.issproxy.com/ http://www.nacdonline.org/
• My published profile: http://www.eiodqa.eiod.org/pdf/members/english/1_en.pdf
OTHER EDUCATION COURSES
• Corporate Governance (Certified Board Director by Institute of Shareholder Services ISS and International Finance Corporation and Egyptian Institute of Directors)
• Business Administration Diploma (with Grad A). American University in Cairo
• Documentary Credits Collections & LG’s. American University in Cairo
• International & Egyptian Accounting Standards. Arab Business Admin. Association
• Course in Supervisory & Leadership Skills. American University in Cairo
• TOEFL Test Preparation Course (Score 557). American University in Cairo
• Full English Courses (18 Levels). American University in Cairo
• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT Score 470). Fulbright and Cairo University.
FINANCIALS APPLICATIONS
Intensive experience & training Courses on Oracle Financials Modules & other systems as Follows:
• Oracle General Ledger • Oracle Accounts Payable
• Oracle Accounts Receivable • Oracle Fixed Assets
• Oracle Cash Management • Oracle OLAP
• Oracle Discoverer • SUN Systems Applications
COMPUTER SKILLS
• Excellent & professional in MS Excel. • Very good experience with MS Power Point.
• Very good experience with MS Word. • Visual Basic for Applications (Excel Macros)
BIO DATA
• Nationality: Egyptian • Marital Status: Married
• DOB: 01/08/1971 • No. Of Dependants: 2 Kids
OTHERS
• English: Read/Write/Speak (Fluent)
• Arabic: Read/Write/Speak (Excellent-Native Tongue)
• Driving License: Holding Valid Omani (GCC)/Egyptian/Jordanian Driving Licenses.
PREFERED JOB LOCATIONS
• Egypt • Kuwait • Oman • Saudi Arabia • Jordan
• United Arab Emirates • Bahrain • Qatar
NOTICE PERIOD
• One Month
COUNTRIES & CITIES VISITED
• London • Kuwait • Oman • Bahrain • Jordan
• Dubai • Libya • Tunisia • Abu Dhabi • KSA
DEALING WITH BIG 4 AUDIT FIRMS
• KPMG (Egypt – Oman - Jordan) • Arthur Andersen (Oman)
• Ernst & Young (Oman – Jordan) • Deloitte & Touch (Oman)
HOBBIES
• Reading a lot of financial and management books.
• Swimming.
• Fishing.
APPROPRIATE REFERENCES & REFEREES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
References
Ahmed S. Awan
Manager
Wap Company.
Ahmed_Awan@gmail.com
