Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
IT Skills
Timeline
Generic

ARWA ALIASGHAR

Houston

Summary

Finance professional with 15 years of experience in audit, taxation, treasury, and financial management at leading firms such as PwC, Unilever, and Ernst & Young. Currently serves as Finance Business Partner at DM Clinical Research, focusing on financial strategy and clinical operations support. Proven track record in optimizing financial processes and enhancing compliance, significantly contributing to strategic decision-making. Strong analytical skills and expertise in both local and international finance practices, dedicated to delivering high-quality results in fast-paced environments.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Finance Business Partner

DM Clinical Research
Houston
06.2024 - Current
  • Developed and optimized randomization strategies to meet study protocols and enrollment targets.
  • Collaborated with finance team to align goals with revenue forecasts, mitigating potential challenges.
  • Coordinated with stakeholders to present insights on randomization goals and financial projections.
  • Acted as liaison, translating financial data into actionable strategies for decision-making.
  • Led ongoing development and implementation of in-house software solutions, enhancing efficiency through automation.
  • Monitored progress of randomization strategies while addressing risks proactively.
  • Ensured operational feasibility by aligning project goals with financial objectives.
  • Streamlined work processes through effective utilization of software solutions.

Manager Taxation

EY Ford Rhodes
Karachi
02.2023 - 11.2023
  • Developed tailored tax strategies for diverse clients, promoting growth and ensuring compliance.
  • Spearheaded timely, accurate tax returns to maintain statutory adherence.
  • Managed audits and appeals, demonstrating strong advocacy skills and legal expertise.
  • Delivered high-quality tax services while mitigating risks through effective oversight.

Senior Manager Academics

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan
Karachi
11.2019 - 01.2023
  • Formulated precise exam papers aligned with syllabus and learning objectives.
  • Orchestrated marker teams to ensure uniform evaluation and compliance.
  • Elevated candidate performance through detailed feedback, enhancing exam effectiveness.
  • Provided strategic insights to technical committees, influencing key decisions.

Assistant Manager Taxation

Unilever Pakistan Limited
Karachi
03.2016 - 01.2019
  • Collaborated on tax planning for Unilever's 2018 global divestment project, achieving optimized strategies and savings.
  • Identified significant tax credits on investments, reducing tax liability and enhancing financial standing.
  • Orchestrated tax compliance and managed regional reporting for all Unilever entities in Pakistan.
  • Streamlined Treasury processes through effective SOP maintenance, driving operational excellence.
  • Delivered comprehensive performance reports on retirement funds, facilitating informed decisions by trustees.
  • Led cash out and winding up of a retirement benefit fund with unanimous beneficiary consent, minimizing costs and liabilities.
  • Utilized Microsoft Office to enhance productivity in daily tasks.

Supervisory Senior

A.F. Fergusons & Co. Chartered Accountants
Karachi
04.2010 - 03.2015
  • Prepared and finalized clients' statutory tax returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Assisted with appeals, rectifications, and daily compliance matters, delivering effective guidance.
  • Created comprehensive tax position summaries to support strategic decision-making for clients.
  • Provided expert guidance on complex taxation matters, interpreting relevant rules and procedures.
  • Conducted thorough audits of financial statements and controls to guarantee regulatory compliance.
  • Maintained high-quality standards in audit documentation at PwC.
  • Developed detailed audit reports, highlighting key observations and recommendations for timely submission.
  • Collaborated with major clients including BP Pakistan Exploration & Production Inc. and Engro Fertilizers Limited.

Education

Master of Commerce -

HEC Pakistan
Karachi, Pakistan
01.2018

Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) -

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan
Karachi, Pakistan
02-2016

GCE Advanced Levels Equivalent - Accounts, Economics and Math

Cambridge International Examinations
Karachi, Pakistan
01.2008

GCE Ordinary Levels Equivalent - Math, Additional Math, Economics and Account

Cambridge International Examinations
Karachi, Pakistan
01.2007

Skills

  • Financial analysis and budgeting
  • Revenue forecasting
  • Strategic planning
  • International taxation
  • Data analytics
  • Audit and assurance
  • Budget modeling
  • Problem solving

IT Skills

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office
  • User level experience of SAP and Oracle
  • E-filing of tax returns
  • User level experience of Ernst and Young's software Mercury

Timeline

Finance Business Partner

DM Clinical Research
06.2024 - Current

Manager Taxation

EY Ford Rhodes
02.2023 - 11.2023

Senior Manager Academics

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan
11.2019 - 01.2023

Assistant Manager Taxation

Unilever Pakistan Limited
03.2016 - 01.2019

Supervisory Senior

A.F. Fergusons & Co. Chartered Accountants
04.2010 - 03.2015

Master of Commerce -

HEC Pakistan

Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) -

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan

GCE Advanced Levels Equivalent - Accounts, Economics and Math

Cambridge International Examinations

GCE Ordinary Levels Equivalent - Math, Additional Math, Economics and Account

Cambridge International Examinations
ARWA ALIASGHAR