MOHAMMED ILYAS

Reporting to: Group CEO / Board

• Financial Reporting: Managed the periodic review and reporting of financial statements in accordance with IFRS and management reports, presenting critical insights & recommendations to the board, accelerated report cycles by 50%, Improved Transparency
• Budgeting, Financial Planning & Analysis: Spearheaded full-spectrum FP&A functions, including budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, variance analysis, and strategic planning; collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive performance, optimize costs, and deliver actionable insights to senior leadership using tools such as Excel, Odoo, and Tableau Improved Visibility
• Shared services Management: Conducted comprehensive reviews of shared services functions including Sales, HR, Maintenance, Marketing, Procurement, Legal, Public Relations, and IT, delivered value-driven recommendations that minimized costs by 8% and improved margins
• Liquidity Management: Managed liquidity and working capital efficiently, especially during critical periods like downturns (Covid-19, FIFA world cup, Seasonal impacts) without compromising operational continuity
• Banking & Treasury Management: Managed partnerships with three major banking institutions, leveraging a broad suite of financial solutions to optimize cash flow, ensure liquidity, and drive operational efficiency and business expansions
• Business Restructuring: Spearheaded the transformation from a consolidated operation to distinct Strategic Business Units (SBUs) within a short timeframe, driving operational independence, enhanced focus, and increased efficiency across business divisions
• External Audit: Directed external audit planning, execution, and stakeholder coordination for 9 companies between 2020 and 2024, partnering closely with Big Four audit firms to ensure timely completion and full regulatory compliance. Timely & Accurate financial statements
• Income Tax: Managed tax compliance and filings for 22 business entities, resolving prior-year disputes with the General Tax Authority, Nullified potential tax penalties
• Stakeholder Management & Negotiation: Successfully managed key stakeholder relationships, led complex negotiations, and navigated crises to protect and maximize organizational value
• Team Leadership & Development: Built and managed a multinational finance team of 9 professionals with defined JDs and KPIs, elevating finance from a back-office function to a strategic, value-adding partner focused on accuracy and analysis.
• Internal control & Risk management: Spearheaded the design and implementation of the company’s first robust control framework, effectively mitigating risks, preventing fraud, and securing assets against theft and misuse
• ERP & Change management: Successfully implemented a full-scale Odoo ERP system, transitioning from basic accounting to integrated business operations. Effectively managed change and resistance with a strategic rollout plan, ensuring smooth adoption
• Business Valuations: Conducted division-wise and consolidated group business valuations, preparing and presenting investment pitches to prospective investors.
• Shareholder relations: Acted as a trusted financial advisor to the founder, playing a key role in strategic initiatives including capital budgeting, capital investment appraisals, new SBU launches, business expansions and restructuring efforts

Reporting to: Finance Manager / General Manager

• Preparation and Presentation of monthly financial statements & Required analysis reports
• Managing working capital of the entity in order to operate business smoothly.
• Monitor Inter Company balance and related party transactions
• Oversee the budget preparation and execution, rolling forecasts and cost management, in alignment with the Company's plan
• Preparation of Various management reports (proposals, decisions and findings)
• Oversee all applicable financial controls and ensure mitigation of risks
• Lead all function's objectives and KPIs set by the Company in accordance with the approved plan and timelines.
• Project coordinator for several IT - ERP developments and implementation
• Guiding and monitoring the team to ensure the accuracy of financial records
• Liaise with external auditors in order to ensure that audit is completed in the required timeline, preparation and reviewing of audited financial statements and supporting reconciliations.

Reporting to: Group Chief Accountant

• Preparation of monthly financial statements and analysis reports in order to report to the parent company and management.
• Preparation of Various ad-hoc management reports (Proposals, decisions and Findings)
• Liaise with external auditors in order to ensure that audit is completed in the required timeline, preparation of audited financial statements and supporting reconciliations.
• Performing secretarial works – Solvency test, Dividend declaration, Annual general meetings and other related functions.
• Exposure in Transfer pricing
• Analyze financial information to recommend or develop efficient use of resources and procedures provide strategic recommendation and maintain solutions to business and financial issues.
• Product costing and pricing for the finished goods and Raw materials
• Participated and contributed to group strategic & operational business meetings held at Head office, Verona, Italy in 2011 and 2014
• Reporting financial statements in Oracle SAP for the consolidation purpose inclusive of intercompany matching.
• Working with business heads of the various verticals to monitor progress and recalibrate ROI and KPI's

Reporting to: Head of Accounts

• Cash budget and monthly financial statements preparation
• Stock Control & Cost of Sales detailed reconciliations
• Assets control, Accounts payable / Accounts Receivable reconciliation
• Processing Payroll accounting and conducting Expenses Analysis
• MIS Reporting
• Handling import and export procedures