Farah Al Wafai
Financial Planning & Analysis Controller
Abu Dhabi
Summary
Skilled Financial Controller bringing 14 years of experience working with multinational organizations. Proven leadership and successful in leading teams in achieving financial goals. Accomplished in working with executive leaders to develop business, financial and growth strategies.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
5
5
Languages
Work History
Group Financial Controller and Compliance Manager
SLB
08.2020 - Current
- Provided strategic financial guidance to senior management, supporting informed decision-making processes across the organization.
- Enhanced financial transparency for stakeholders by streamlining communication channels and providing detailed reports.
- Trained finance team members on best practices and new regulations, fostering a culture of continuous professional development within the department.
- Improved cost efficiency through meticulous analysis of financial data and identification of areas for potential savings.
- Optimized cash flow management with effective forecasting, budgeting, and reporting systems.
- Collaborated with external auditors during annual audit processes, ensuring timely completion and accurate representation of the company''s financial position.
- Reviewed documents and data to give accurate presentations and forecasts to upper management.
- Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
- Analyzed business processes to identify cost savings and operational efficiencies.
Financial Controller
SLB
03.2015 - 07.2020
- Improved financial reporting accuracy by streamlining processes and implementing efficient financial controls.
- Oversaw all aspects of the month-end close process, ensuring timely completion of accurate financial statements for executive review.
- Planned budgets, authorized expenditures, monitored accounting processes, established service rates and coordinated financial reporting to oversee all fiscal procedures.
- Maintained strong relationships with external auditors, facilitating smooth annual audit processes and addressing any concerns promptly.
- Conducted regular variance analyses between actual results and budget projections to identify trends or issues requiring further investigation or action by management staff.
- Prepared accurate financial reports and monthly statements for accounts receivable.
- Identified areas for operational improvement through detailed financial analysis, leading to increased profitability and reduced expenses.
Receivable Accountant
SLB
10.2013 - 02.2015
- Managed invoice disputes professionally, working closely with clients to achieve resolution in a timely manner.
- Reduced outstanding debt by diligently pursuing overdue payments and negotiating payment plans with clients.
- Monitored industry trends relating to accounts receivables practices, adopting best practices into organizational workflows.
- Streamlined month-end closing process, reducing time needed for completing tasks such as account reconciliations and financial reporting.
- Assisted auditors during annual reviews, providing necessary documentation and answering inquiries promptly.
- Supported company cash flow by ensuring timely collection of outstanding invoices and monitoring aged accounts.
External Auditor
KPMG
12.2010 - 09.2013
- Trained junior auditors in best practices, improving overall team performance and skill sets.
- Conducted thorough reviews of financial statements, ensuring compliance with GAAP and other regulatory requirements.
- Built strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and open communication to facilitate accurate audits.
- Presented clear, concise audit findings reports to management, detailing observations and recommended corrective actions for identified issues.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of internal controls, recommending improvements to enhance operational efficiency and mitigate risks.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices and emerging trends, ensuring the provision of high-quality audit services to clients.
Education
CPA - Accounting
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
New Hampshire07.2014
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
New York Institute of Technology
Abu Dhabi 04.2001 -
Skills
Cash Flow Management
Internal Controls
Cost accounting
IFRS Knowledge
Financial software
Stakeholder Management
Financial statement review
Accounts receivable management
Financial Planning
Financial Forecasting
Problem-solving abilities
Willing to Learn
Timeline
Group Financial Controller and Compliance Manager
SLB
08.2020 - Current
Financial Controller
SLB
03.2015 - 07.2020
Receivable Accountant
SLB
10.2013 - 02.2015
External Auditor
KPMG
12.2010 - 09.2013
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
New York Institute of Technology
04.2001 -
CPA - Accounting
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
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