ALI ZAFAR
Richmond,TX
Summary
Versatile accounting and financial management professional with wide ranging experience in financial modeling and analysis, P&L management, and external audits. Well versed in coordinating efforts with senior management to achieve strategic initiatives while maintaining integrity of the policy and professional guidelines. Highly motivated individual and team contributor with ability to work well in a cross functional setting. CPA Candidate with AUD and BEC sections passed
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
SENIOR REVENUE ANALYST
CITRIX SYSTEMS, INC
08.2022 - Current
- Developed and managed a complex and granular forecasting model for the entire organization, delivering detailed updates to senior management for informed decision-making
- Collaborated cross-functionally with various teams to collect and incorporate their input into quarterly forecasts, ensuring a holistic and accurate representation of the organization's performance outlook
- Successfully partnered with the FP&A team to provide crucial forecast adjustments, including those related to fleet deals, contract modifications, and forecasted revenue fluctuations stemming from policy adjustments
- Prepared and recorded monthly and quarterly journal entries for revenue adjustments in accordance with ASC606, ensuring compliance for accurate and transparent financial reporting
- Collaborated with Data Management team to design SQL database reports which served as an instrumental tool for enhanced revenue forecasting accuracy
- Performed monthly reconciliation by comparing forecasted revenue against actuals, proactively identifying discrepancies, and actively engaging in resolution efforts to ensure alignment and accuracy
- Partnered with the business intelligence team to design and implement a streamlined process for monthly revenue adjustments in existing contracts and led comprehensive training sessions for the wider team
- Generated quarterly flux reports, delivering concise explanations for deviations from established financial metrics, enabling informed decision-making and strategic adjustments
- Proactively improved financial close processes by enhancing information systems and streamlining manual procedures, leading to higher efficiency and accuracy.
ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL
SIEMENS ENERGY
07.2019 - 07.2022
- Efficiently prepared and recorded month-end journal entries related to advance payments, provisions, cost accruals, and reclass between intercompany product lines and component streams for accurate reporting
- Developed an effective workflow for journal entries to ensure efficient and timely submission
- Performed Balance Sheet reconciliations monthly to resolve any variances between the GL and sub-ledger
- Participated in development of forecasting models for cost centers under global headquarters to provide higher transparency and drive cost reduction
- Created effective business partnerships with business leaders across the region to forecast expenses related to cost center spend and presented those results monthly
- Lead data cleansing efforts for GL balances migrated from Oracle to SAP with key areas being Work in Process, customer advances, and manual reserves
- Conducted SAP training sessions for team members to enhance understanding of new ERP
- Participated in hiring new additions to the team and documented step by step processes for training and development of team members
- Collaborated with Internal Audit department to perform Tests of Design and Effectiveness on several key controls to ensure efficient Internal Control
- Worked closely with external auditors to provide schedules and transactional details for year-end audits
- Assisted management during audit by clients through analyzing PBC reports to calculate exposure
- Reviewed Intercompany Purchase Orders and Invoices for accuracy to facilitate asset transfer from defunct operations to operational service centers across North America.
FINANCIAL ANALYST
SIEMENS ENERGY
07.2017 - 06.2019
- Ensured timely financial close and accurate books and records through effective planning and efficient execution of closing responsibilities
- Processed projects for revenue recognition as per ASC 606 and variance analysis to provide commentary to the management
- Ensured validity and accuracy of Rotor Storage proposals for yearly invoicing and revenue recognition
- Conducted monthly Work in Process (WIP) reviews with Project Managers for precise project completion forecasting and revenue recognition
- Coordinated responses from multiple reporting units to centrally record month end journal entries
- Assisted IT team to test and develop new reports for inventory reserve calculations and provided training to personnel across the region
- Assigned employee rate allocations for new hires in Oracle and implemented quarterly burden rate updates, guaranteeing accurate project cost management
- Conducted research across the service centers to implement a uniform process for Inventory Cycle Count.
STAFF ACCOUNTANT
INTERNATIONAL FACILITY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
05.2014 - 02.2015
- Maintained general ledger accuracy through regular account reconciliations, journal entry adjustments, and transaction reviews.
- Monitored accounts receivable, accounts payable and other account balances to track transactions, avoid discrepancies and maintain accuracy.
- Provided general accounting and project management support to several multi-million-dollar projects.
- Prepared and processed journal entries to record in general ledger and maintain consistent documentation.
- Participated in internal and external audit processes to establish accurate financial records and comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and regulatory requirements.
Education
MBA -
Prairie View A & M University
Prairie View, TX05.2017
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - ACCOUNTING
University of Houston - Downtown
Houston, TX12.2013
Skills
- Forecasting & Reporting
- SalesForce
- ASC 606 Revenue Recognition
- US GAAP
- SOX
- Oracle, SAP, & Microsoft Dynamics
Timeline
SENIOR REVENUE ANALYST
CITRIX SYSTEMS, INC
08.2022 - Current
ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL
SIEMENS ENERGY
07.2019 - 07.2022
FINANCIAL ANALYST
SIEMENS ENERGY
07.2017 - 06.2019
STAFF ACCOUNTANT
INTERNATIONAL FACILITY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
05.2014 - 02.2015
MBA -
Prairie View A & M University
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - ACCOUNTING
University of Houston - Downtown
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