Ahmed Gulamali

A privately held company managing over $3 billion in diverse businesses and assets

As Finance Manager, I oversee the financial operations of the Family Office and Investments Group within Spotlight Group Holdings (SGH), a privately held company managing over $3 billion in diverse businesses and assets

Reporting directly to the Head of Group Finance & Tax, I play a pivotal role in managing all finance-related matters, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of key financial insights to stakeholders, including the Chairman, Group MD, Group CFO, and external fund managers

• Team Management: Lead and mentor a team consisting of the Family Office/Investments Accountant and Bookkeeper, fostering professional growth and promoting effective collaboration across the team
• Financial Reporting: Manage the preparation, analysis, and forecasting of internal management reports and statutory financial reports for the Family Office, the Spotlight Charitable Foundation, and investment entities, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements
• Cash Flow Oversight: Oversee cash flow management, including forecasting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and reconciliations, while ensuring effective communication with the broader finance and treasury teams
• Process Improvement: Drive enhancements in the efficiency of financial and non-financial information preparation, collaborating closely with finance, family office, and investment teams to streamline processes
• Business Partnering: Serve as a proactive business partner to family members and investment teams, providing financial insights and supporting strategic decision-making

Specific duties include;

• Manage day-to-day accounting and finance operations for the Family Office and associated investment entities
• Prepare Group Monthly and Quarterly Management Reports for investment entities, including comprehensive board packs with detailed analysis of variances, risks, and opportunities
• Ensure compliance with statutory reporting obligations, bank reporting, year-end audit preparations, and Division 7A requirements
• Oversee all income tax and incidental tax obligations for the Family Office and Investment Group, including annual reconciliations, BAS, and FBT
• Liaise with internal stakeholders to provide ad hoc financial analysis and information as needed
• Manage all accounts payable and receivable for the Family Office and investment entities
• Ensure compliance with financial requirements for the Spotlight Charitable Foundation
• Provide financial leadership and analytical support to the Senior Leadership Team
• Collaborate with external contacts and service providers, including tax agents, auditors, fund managers, and legal advisors

One of Australia's largest Family Offices

As Senior Group Accountant within one of Australia's largest Family Offices, I lead a team of two direct reports, providing tailored financial management for Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) families

I work closely with senior leadership, including the Group CFO, Managing Director, and General Manager of Investments, to ensure accurate financial oversight and compliance across a diverse investment portfolio

• Comprehensive Reporting: Directed monthly and quarterly financial reporting for multiple family investment entities, covering listed equities, private equity, venture capital, and managed funds
• Worked directly with directors to ensure timely and precise reporting
• Entity Consolidation: Managed the primary group investment entity, delivering quarterly consolidated management reports, bank covenant reports, and aggregated financials across seven entities
• Presented reports to the Group CFO, Managing Director, and General Manager of Investments for review and approval
• Superannuation Management: Produced detailed management reports for second and third-generation Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs), collaborating with board members to prepare board packs for bi-annual meetings
• Main Super Fund Oversight: Compiled comprehensive reporting for the main group superannuation fund (approx $300M net assets) and related unit trusts, presenting findings to the board for decision-making
• Board-Level Financial Reporting: Delivered consolidated Cash Flow, Profit & Loss, and Balance Sheet reports for Spotlight Investments Group, working closely with directors to provide insights for SGH Board meetings
• Compliance and Taxation: Ensured compliance across ~170 entities, including trusts, companies, partnerships, SMSFs, and individuals
• Collaborated with senior leadership to prepare financial accounts and tax reconciliations, and engage with external advisors on foreign tax compliance
• Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) Advisory: Led FBT compliance efforts for various entities (Spotlight, Anaconda, Harris Scarfe), reporting directly to directors on potential exposures and recommending risk mitigation strategies
• Aviation Entity Integration: Transitioned the group’s aviation entity into the Family Office portfolio, working with directors on budgeting, reporting, and banking covenant compliance
• Asset Class Expertise: Developed a strong understanding of SGI’s asset classes, including listed equities, venture capital, private equity, and property finance, regularly advising directors on the accounting implications of these investments
• Group-Wide Initiatives: A key member of project teams tasked with implementing the Group Tax Governance Framework and developing a group-wide reporting platform, working alongside directors and external legal advisors
• Div7A & UPE Management: Addressed Div7A, UPEs, and 10-year interest-only sub-trust loan issues, consulting with directors to ensure compliance and streamline fund flows across the business
• Foreign Tax & Structuring: Collaborated with directors and legal counsel on complex foreign tax issues, particularly regarding US and Israeli investments, ensuring appropriate structuring for future investments
• Charitable Foundation Reporting: Managed financial reporting and the annual audit for the Spotlight Charitable Foundation, coordinating closely with directors to ensure accurate representation of the foundation's financials

Recognised as one of AFR's Top 100 Firms, in Melbourne’s western suburbs

Worked at a 4-partner tax and audit firm, recognized as one of AFR's Top 100 Firms, in Melbourne’s western suburbs

Managed a diverse client portfolio and collaborated closely with partners to ensure high-quality service and compliance.

• Client Management: Oversaw clients with turnovers up to $50 million and managed large client groups consisting of up to 20 entities, ensuring compliance with lodgment deadlines and financial requirements
• Liaison with Partners: Regularly engaged with firm partners on key client matters, ensuring alignment with strategic tax and financial outcomes
• Collaborative Reporting: Worked closely with internal accountants, audit teams, and external accountants to reconcile financial information, with a focus on NFP clients and tax-related audit outcomes
• Tax and Financial Preparation: Prepared financial accounts and tax returns for a variety of entities, including trusts, companies, partnerships, and individuals, with exposure to tax effect accounting
• Team Management: Managed workflow for employees, supervised junior staff, and reviewed work to ensure timely and accurate completion of client deliverables
• Client Relations: Built and maintained strong, long-lasting relationships with clients, understanding their business needs and providing tailored advice to support their objectives
• Advisory Services: Delivered sound business and tax advice to clients, assisting them in achieving desired financial outcomes and compliance

As a Tax Accountant, I provided comprehensive tax advisory services, working closely with clients across various business structures to minimize tax liabilities and ensure compliance

My role also involved offering business and financial consultancy and preparing tax returns for a wide range of entities

• Client Consultation: Advised clients on resolving complex tax issues and provided strategies to minimize tax liabilities across multiple structures
• Tax Advisory: Delivered tailored taxation consulting to clients operating through discretionary trusts, unit trusts, testamentary trusts, companies, and sole traders
• Financial Preparation: Prepared financial statements and income tax returns for various entities, ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations
• Business Consultancy: Provided clients with general business and financial advice, supporting them in achieving financial growth and operational efficiency