Irfan Sikander Bawa

Dear Sirs 

I am an accomplished senior finance professional with a wealth of experience in all areas of leadership and financial governance gained in roles of progressively increasing responsibility, aligning vision and business objectives, and translating them into actionable plans.

A strong and trusted Finance Business Partner with CA (Pakistan, England & Wales) and CIMA-UK qualifications. I have more than twenty years of experience with a Big 4 consultancy, the leading FMCG MNC in Pakistan, the biggest family-owned conglomerate in Qatar, the leading e liquid Brand in the UK and the listed cement manufacturer in Pakistan.

The following is a brief summary of my relevant skills and experience:

• Visionary Leadership Executive leadership and inspired resource allocation to achieve all deliverables
• Regulatory Compliance Ensures strict internal control (incl SOX), IFRS and regulatory / legal compliance
• Process Improvement Designs & implements smart work processes for business process optimisation
• Financial Management Extensive expertise in budgets, analysis, reporting, cost control and rolling forecasts
• ERP Implementation Proven record leading the development and implementation of ERP systems
• Strategy & Planning Defines & directs the implementation of innovative, successful finance strategies
• Tax Management Aligns reporting with local & international requirements for greatest tax efficiency

You will see from my resume that my strengths lie in the proven ability to lead from the front as a self-driven and a well-motivated individual, to inspire and create shared vision and to build, empower and motivate multi-cultural and cross-functional teams to achieve goals in a culture of continuous self-improvement. I will be an asset to any forward-thinking organisation like that of yours.

I take pride in being a true financial strategist with polished communication skills and natural authority. I would welcome the chance to discuss my abilities in more depth with you.

 Please let me know if you have any questions or need any further information.

 Yours sincerely 

 Irfan Sikander Bawa

An accomplished and highly driven Senior Finance Executive with a wealth of experience in all areas of management, strategic leadership, manufacturing, information systems, FP&A and financial governance gained in diversified business operations with progressively increasing responsibility, aligning vision, business objectives and core values, and translating them into actionable plans

With polished communication skills and natural authority, this analytical Finance Business Partner benefits from a strong background in blue chip & family-owned companies as well as a Big 4 consultancy, proven abilities in international environment, working with Board Members, Steering Committees, Banks, Auditors, Regulators, Legal & Insurance experts

Passionate and persuasive, a true resilient financial strategist who consistently hits the ground running in new roles, using excellent interpersonal skills to establish solid relationships with stakeholders, leading from the front to create shared vision, set strategic direction and to build, empower and motivate multi-cultural, cross-functional teams to achieve goals

Feb 2022- Present                                                   Power Cement Limited, Pakistan           

Chief Financial Officer

Providing strategic financial leadership for driving business growth and enhancing shareholder value for a publicly listed cement manufacturing company. Develop and execute effective financial planning, tax compliance and treasury management strategies, while strengthening internal controls, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, including board members, investors, banks, regulators, external auditors, insurers employees, customers and vendors

May 2019-February 2022                                                     Acme Vape Limited, Preston, UK           

Chief Financial Officer

As a trusted financial advisor to the CEO, managed financial reporting, audits, budgeting, forecasting, banking, treasury, and operating cash flow activities to achieve effective financial planning and deliverables. Established cross-functional strategic finance business partnerships to deliver exceptional results

• Advised management on overall strategy formulation while monitoring performance and delivery against KPIs
• Optimized commercial terms, including pricing, trade promotion, and credit monitoring, and provided guidance to sales and marketing teams on financial, commercial, and operational decisions, profitability, and ROI
• Oversaw product costing and provided in-depth analysis and advice on cost reduction opportunities
• Managed overall risk management of the company

Jan 2011 – April 2019                                              Ali Bin Ali Group, Doha, Qatar

Financial Controller – Projects                                                                        Jun 2015 – 30 April 2019

Oversaw financial management and internal control for multimillion-pound projects at the group level, including a £146 million warehouse facility, a mall management project, a 5-star hotel build, and VAT implementation across the group's regional footprint

• Led the development of finance partnerships with world-renowned brands and evaluated strategic projects to establish manufacturing facilities in Qatar as per the National Development Strategy 
• Addressed projects' liquidity, funding, covenants compliance, and risk management 
• Preparing budgets and feasibilities for the Board/Steering Committee 
• Mapped current business process designs for optimal state, re-engineered core processes for a sustainable competitive edge and reviewed embedded controls for operational effectiveness

Division Finance Manager/Head (FMCG)                                                         Jan 2011 – Jun 2015

Executed strategic financial plans to achieve short-term and long-term objectives, oversaw team growth, and tracked implementation progress. Provided customized financial solutions using financial planning and analysis to drive success

• Managed finance and treasury functions, ensured compliance, and supported operations through financial feasibility studies for new acquisitions
• Monitored financial performance, minimized variances, and oversaw pricing, costing, and A&P budget management
• Successfully executed a four-year Strategic Financial Plan, Balanced Business Strategy (BBS) Matrix, and Personnel Development Plan (PDP) for FMCG Finance Team
• Automated rebates and display contracts to increase transparency and accountability in Trade Marketing activities

Jan 2010 – Nov 2010                                                Yunus Textile Mills Limited, Pakistan

General Manager – Finance

Performed strategic financial modelling, budgeting, financial and business advisory, reviewed and prepared financial statements in compliance with IFRS and local statutes including corporate laws. Established and headed a hybrid internal audit function to develop a robust and effective risk management strategy

May 2001 – Dec 2009                                               Unilever Pakistan Limited, Pakistan 

Finance Manager (Foods)                                                                                 May 2008 – Dec 2009

Responsible for managing a fast-growing business, directed management reporting, budgeting, and rolling forecast processes. Through innovative business partnering and decision tools, provided key business insights for decision-making, in the areas of product cost, pricing, capital investments, advertising and promotions

Manager Corporate Taxation                                                                           May 2001 – Apr 2008

Led direct and indirect tax functions for Unilever Pakistan Ltd and Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited as Head of Tax. Acted as a trusted advisor, industry representative, and subject matter expert on tax regulations, policies, and international tax treaties. Conducted tax compliance reviews and workshops and provided tax training for the group and third-party business partners. Drafted company secretarial practice and corporate compliance laws manual

May 1996 – Feb 2001                                               KPMG (Taseer Hadi & Co) Pakistan 

Audit Senior

Completed mandatory Articleship under the byelaws of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan

B. Com The University of Karachi, Pakistan                                                                                                 

ACA The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)                                       

CMA The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA-UK)                                                

FCA  The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP)