Managed financial operations for Regent in Dubai & India, driving strategic decisions and ensuring compliance. • Implemented cost-saving measures resulting in a 15% increase in profit margins.• Led cross-functional teams to streamline financial processes and improve efficiency.

Successfully led the global finance function across five countries (Dubai, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, USA), fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders like bankers, auditors, and local authorities. Spearheaded a diverse team (Finance, Student Finance, UKVI Compliance) to achieve short-term goals and empower career development. My strategic leadership resulted in a 5-year revenue surge from £60m to £150m. Furthermore, I implemented a streamlined budgeting and forecasting process, leading to increased stakeholder engagement and data-driven decision-making.Impact Highlights:Boosted EBITDA by 50% (20% to 30%) through strategic planning and cost optimization.Delivered annual savings of £2.5 million by establishing cost-effective support teams in India, Dubai, and Sri Lanka.Ensured global payroll compliance (900+ staff) for HMRC and local government audits.Empowered a culture of continuous improvement, achieving year-on-year KPI advancements.

As Finance Director, I spearheaded financial operations, leading high-performing Financial Reporting & Student Finance teams. I fostered a culture of strong internal controls & operational efficiency, ensuring accurate reporting & alignment with business goals.Key Achievements:Partnered with C-suite to align financial strategy with business objectives.Secured favorable financing terms for growth (loans & equipment).Streamlined reporting for timely submissions to regulators.Implemented Sage Intacct for enhanced data integrity & accessibility.Automated processes to boost efficiency & reduce errors.

As Head of Finance, I led overall finance operations, ensuring robust, efficient, and effective financial processes. I evaluated monthly and quarterly management reports for directors and division managers, providing valuable insights on budget expenditures and projections. I set up sales incentives and targets for the sales team, driving performance and aligning with company goals. I managed relationships with external auditors and tax advisors, ensuring compliance and optimising tax strategies. Additionally, I handled procurement by investigating, renegotiating, and comparing costs for various orders and lease contracts.Key Achievements:Evaluated financial reports, providing key budget insights and projections.Established sales targets, boosting team performance and goal alignment.Managed auditors and tax advisors, enhancing compliance and strategies.Achieved 15% cost savings through improved procurement processes.Implemented Sage Financial system, enhancing overall financial management.

As Finance Manager, I managed cost budgets and cash flow, overseeing daily income and expenditure processing, and controlling bad debts. I provided monthly reports to division heads, dealt with external legal teams, and prepared annual accounts, internal financial reports, and monthly management accounts. Additionally, I monitored cash by tracking monthly bank and credit card transactions, managed VAT returns to HMRC, conducted internal audits for higher education student admission files, and oversaw payroll processes.Key Achievements:Streamlined cost budgets and controlled bad debts effectively.Enhanced financial accuracy through comprehensive reporting.Ensured compliance and optimized tax strategies with VAT returns.Scaled the team from 50 to 250+ staff in ten years.Secured 634 new students annually with the first HEAPES Survey.

Managed credit control, bank reconciliation, and fixed asset register maintenance.Coordinated with advertising channels and processed monthly supplier invoice payments.Conducted weekly health and safety checks to ensure compliance and safety standards.

Directed phone calls, managed appointments, and handled basic accounting data entries.Developed and maintained a Mortgage client filing system and updated office policies.Ordered supplies, researched deals, and liaised with senior administrative assistants.