Mustaq Ahammed
Summary
Highly collaborative Head of Financial operations with a steadfast track record of the end-to-end process, reporting, strategic financial planning, budget forecasting, and overall financial management in large organizations like local government and public sector universities in Australia; and enterprise risk management, corporate governance, audit, compliance, process re-engineering, in the banking industry and Big4 accounting firm. A trusted business partner to the stakeholders with a proven record of providing insightful solutions through qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of Finance & IT
Uralla Shire Council
11.2022 - Current
- Oversee overall financial administration including timely preparations of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements with analytical comments.
- Strategic financial planning, review of budget, quarterly budget review, and rolling forecast.
- Overview of the treasury function and investments.
- Present report to the executive committee and the elected members of the Council.
- Developed the financial and operational strategy and procedure to easily handle the external and internal audit process.
- Implemented risk management practices to mitigate potential losses and safeguard company assets.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align financial goals with overall organizations objectives.
Team Leader - Financial Accounting
University Of New England
12.2018 - 11.2022
- Managed annual reports, monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements, and audits.
- Managed the reporting and forecasts of revenue from international and local students.
- Worked on the strategy to attract more international students to the University, as well as international collaboration for attracting more research grants.
- Ensure that the budget is effectively managed through monthly variance analysis of actuals with budget and provide a rolling forecast of research revenue and expenses to the management accounting team and faculty heads.
- Developed the reporting tool for non-finance professionals primarily focused on university researchers and teachers.
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
- Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
- Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
Coporate Accountant
Uralla Shire Council
03.2016 - 12.2018
- Enhanced financial reporting accuracy by streamlining data collection and analysis processes.
- Developed user-friendly financial models for forecasting, budgeting, and long-term strategic planning purposes.
- Conducted thorough variance analyses to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve budgeting accuracy.
- Increased interdepartmental communication and collaboration through regular financial meetings and presentations.
- Cooperated with senior leaders to create operating budgets and initiate financial planning.
- Streamlined audit preparation process, resulting in reduced external audit fees and improved relationships with auditors.
- Strengthened internal controls, reducing the risk of errors and fraud in financial transactions.
Relocation
08.2015 - 02.2016
Due to my migration from Bangladesh to Australia, I took a six-month break from my career.
Head of Internal Auditing & Compliance
IDLC Finance Limited
05.2010 - 07.2015
- Developed comprehensive annual audit plans to address key areas of risk within the organization.
- Enhanced internal audit processes by implementing risk-based auditing strategies and methodologies.
- Reduced audit cycle time by streamlining documentation processes and leveraging technology solutions for greater efficiency in data collection and analysis.
- Managed a team of auditors, providing guidance, development opportunities, and performance feedback for continuous improvement.
- Streamlined audit reporting for improved efficiency and clarity, ensuring timely communication of findings to stakeholders.
- Presented audit findings and recommendations to the Board of Directors, demonstrating clear communication skills and ability to influence decision-making at the highest levels of the organization.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the internal audit function by regularly reviewing methodologies, tools, and approaches for potential enhancements.
- Identified cost-saving opportunities through detailed analysis of financial statements, leading to increased profitability for the company.
- Established strong relationships with senior management, promoting open communication and collaboration on audit findings and recommendations.
- Collaborated with external auditors during annual reviews, ensuring a smooth audit process with minimal disruptions to business operations.
- Improved internal controls by identifying gaps in existing policies and procedures and recommending corrective actions.
- Conducted thorough investigations into reported instances of fraud or misconduct, maintaining high ethical standards throughout the process.
Manager, Budget, and Budgetary Control
Eastern Bank Limited
05.2007 - 05.2010
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
Assistant Manager - External Audit
KPMG
03.2003 - 04.2007
- Performed thorough risk assessments to identify areas of focus during each audit engagement, prioritizing resources effectively.
- Managed successful completion of complex audits within tight deadlines, maintaining high-quality results.
- Enhanced audit efficiency by streamlining audit processes and implementing advanced auditing software.
- Evaluated financial statements for accuracy and compliance, identifying discrepancies and recommending corrective actions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop more effective audit strategies and procedures.
- Conducted comprehensive external audits to ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.
- Effectively communicated audit findings with stakeholders, presenting clear and concise reports tailored to different audiences.
- Worked closely with clients'' internal audit teams to ensure a seamless transition from internal control reviews to external examinations.
- Mentored junior auditors, contributing to their professional growth and development in the field.
Education
MBA - Accounting & Information Systems
University of Dhaka
Dhaka, Bangladesh06.2003
BBA -
University of Dhaka
Dhaka, Bangladesh12.2001
Skills
- Financial analysis and reporting
- Strategic financial planning
- Financial Operations Streamlining
- Financial reporting and analysis
- Budget Planning
- Team Collaboration
- Financial Technology Adoption
- Interpersonal Skills
- Relationship building and management
- Decision-Making
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Certification
Chartered Accountant of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
CPA Australia.
Fellow Chartered Accountant of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh.
Timeline
Head of Finance & IT
Uralla Shire Council
11.2022 - Current
Team Leader - Financial Accounting
University Of New England
12.2018 - 11.2022
Coporate Accountant
Uralla Shire Council
03.2016 - 12.2018
Relocation
08.2015 - 02.2016
Head of Internal Auditing & Compliance
IDLC Finance Limited
05.2010 - 07.2015
Manager, Budget, and Budgetary Control
Eastern Bank Limited
05.2007 - 05.2010
Assistant Manager - External Audit
KPMG
03.2003 - 04.2007
MBA - Accounting & Information Systems
University of Dhaka
BBA -
University of Dhaka
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