Managed the entire import process for used vehicles from Japan, ensuring compliance with local regulations and customs laws.  Coordinated customs clearance procedures, working closely with customs brokers and shipping agents to expedite the delivery of vehicles.  Oversaw the preparation and submission of import documentation, including invoices, packing lists, and customs declarations.  Developed and implemented efficient logistics strategies to optimize shipping routes and reduce transportation costs.  Negotiated contracts and freight rates with shipping companies to secure competitive pricing and service terms.  Maintained accurate records of import transactions, customs duties, and freight expenses, ensuring all financial obligations were met.  Liaised with suppliers in Japan to ensure timely shipments and resolved any discrepancies in orders or documentation.  Monitored and evaluated import processes, identifying areas for improvement to enhance efficiency and reduce lead times.  Trained and supervised a team of logistics and customs staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment

Compiled, prepared, and analyzed reports, budgets, accounts, financial statements, and commentaries.Conducted strategic analysis and supported strategic planning efforts.Developed long-term business plans.Managed income, cash flow, and expenditures.Oversaw budget management and financial systems development.Supervised staff and coordinated with management and other departments.Calculated and submitted quarterly VAT returns to HMRC-UK.Managed corporate tax calculations and deferred tax liabilities.Monitored payroll and employee count.Calculated monthly National Insurance contributions and processed payments to HMRC (Shipley).Prepared management accounts.Ensured timely audits with Menzies Limited (UK) and KPMG (Qatar)

Pre-Opening:As a key founding member of Retail & Beyond, I played a pivotal role in the start-up process, contributing to the conceptualization, launch, and management of several award-winning restaurant concepts, including Pantry Café Wasl Square Dubai, Pantry Café Bay Square Dubai, BU! WTC Abu Dhabi, and Aji Palm Jumeirah Dubai.Financial, Accounting & Reporting:Managed the company's accounting system, applying relevant IFRS standards for recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosures. Met stringent deadlines for monthly closing and reporting, ensuring full compliance with legal requirements and the company's internal controls, policies, and procedures. Coordinated with external and internal auditors.HR & Administration:Defined the company’s legal structure and established entities including a BVI company, Jafza Offshore company, LLC, and branches across various Emirates in the UAE. Worked with authorities to register trademarks and logos. Established recruitment needs by analyzing organizational goals and collaborating with managers. Built recruitment pipelines through engagement with community services, colleges, employment agencies, and media. Trained front-of-house staff on Micros and back-of-house staff on FMC. Successfully implemented HR and payroll software integrated with the Virdi 4000 Attendance System.IT Administration:Designed and implemented the Oracle HRMS system, integrating it with the Virdi 4000 Attendance System. Additionally, I implemented Oracle E-Business Financial R12, with comprehensive knowledge of GL, AR, AP, and CM modules. Deployed and managed hospitality and food & beverage systems such as MICROS 3700, MICROS 9700, My MICROS, MICROS EM & SIMPHONY, and FIDELIO MATERIAL CONTROL. Also implemented low-current systems, including CCTV, BMS, and Cisco Meraki network. Managed HP Servers, Microsoft Server 2008 and 2012, Linux Server, Outlook Server, website development, and data center management.

Accounting Functions:Led and organized the department's activities to ensure alignment with the company’s financial management plans, procedures, and programs.Ensured financial and accounting operations adhered to company policies, procedures, and guidelines.Supervised overall accounting functions, including Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), General Ledger (GL), and Cash Management. Provided approvals based on the Delegated Level of Authority.Conducted detailed analysis of changes in receivables/payables and assessed their financial impact, recommending initiatives for continuous improvement in these areas.Admin & HR:Managed recruitment processes, including pre-screening, competency-based interviews, tracking, and overall candidate management for specific assignments.Oversaw international recruitment assignments, from graduate campaigns to client-specific recruitment events.Ensured recruitment assignments met budget and client expectations, while maintaining client and candidate communication throughout the process.Supported business development by assisting in growing key accounts and identifying high-potential candidates through database management and networking.Collaborated with the Talent Acquisition team to design and execute recruitment strategies for each assignment.IT Skills:Acted as coordinator for Oracle ERP E-Business Suite R12, managing modules such as Accounts Receivable (AR), Accounts Payable (AP), Cash Management (CM), General Ledger (GL), and Inventory.Skills:Revenue & Profit Growth, Financial Analysis, Recruitment, Client Management

Compiled and tracked pre-opening expenses, regularly updating the Sage Line Financial Controller.Successfully completed the audit of financial records with Ernst & Young and submitted the results to Brian O'Driscoll.Single-handedly implemented Fidelio Materials Control, managing the full cycle from purchasing to cost control and inventory management.Configured Micros POS, including adding new menu items, setting up discounts, designing touch screens, and linking menu items to FMC articles for inventory management.Handled staff visas, leave forms, onboarding/rejoining processes, gratuity calculations, and final settlements.Managed staff attendance and salary processing through the WPS (Wage Protection System).Oversaw renewals for trade licenses, car registrations, Ejari, and insurance policies, ensuring all deadlines were met.Calculated service charges and Dubai Municipality fees.

Monitored daily invoicing for existing customers.Managed contracts and ensured timely renewals.Oversaw Letters of Credit (LC) and supervised the logistics department.Supervised daily Accounts Payable (A/P) and Accounts Receivable (A/R) reports.Maintained the daily cash flow flash report.Monitored various accounting systems, including Tally ERP, Sage Line, and POS systems.Prepared daily reports, monthly financial statements, and quarterly audits.Acted as the primary liaison with bankers on a daily basis.Coordinated with external auditors for audit processes.Managed communication and follow-ups with international customers and suppliers through emails and correspondence.Handled administrative tasks such as trade license renewals, insurance, and vehicle registrations.Managed staff onboarding, rejoining, salary processing, and staff insurance.

Contributes to the accomplishment of Human Resources practices and objectives that will provide an employee-oriented, high performance and the recruitment and ongoing development of an engaged workforce under the supervision of the Human Resources Business partner and is responsible for thefollowing HR related areas:• Processing Performance Reviews• Interpreting Performance Standards• Job Descriptions• Recruitment/Posting Open Positions• Personnel Records• General HR Administration• Training/Onboarding