FIRAS AL ATTILI
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Mobile: +962-***-***-***
Mobile: +971-***-***-***
Email: *********@*****.***
Healthcare/Real Estate/Banking/Conglomerates
A Chief Finance Officer with over 20 years financial strategy, operations management and revenue generation expertise gained across the healthcare, real estate and banking sectors. Delivered cost reductions exceeding USD 2 million and revenues of over AED 40 million for the American Hospital Dubai whilst also facilitating new business development in Africa and the Gulf. Skilled in delivering complex projects requiring high level negotiation, tact and diplomacy, such as finalising banking facilities agreements totalling AED 200 million on behalf of the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank. Strong business analysis, process improvement and stakeholder engagement capabilities were utilised in modifying the organisational structure, authority matrix and high level business processes of the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Group, as well as in the strategic rescheduling of liabilities, review of portfolios and rationalisation of costs within Burooj Properties. Valued by senior management for presenting data driven business cases that enable more informed decision making; being decisive in challenging or ambiguous circumstances such as the global financial crisis and for professional project delivery.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Accounting and Finance Management Strategic Financial Planning Financial Operations Management Process Development Continuous Improvement Business Partnering Business Development Revenue Growth Financial Analysis/Reporting Capital Markets Real Estate Transactions Due Diligence Corporate Governance GAAP/IFRS Budgeting/Forecasting Risk Management Internal Audit Taxation ERP/CRM Oracle/MS Dynamics Key Stakeholder Engagement Contract Negotiations High Level Influencing Solution Focused Thinking Cross Cultural Leadership Team Development
KEY SKILLS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Commercial Acumen, Business Development, Revenue Generation - the American Hospital Dubai sought to maximise it revenues. Completed a business review identifying cost savings worth USD2.5 million. Also identified and capitalised upon new business opportunities in Africa and the Gulf yielding revenues of more than USD8 million.
Process Improvement, Organisational Restructuring - instigated a financial systems and processes review within the American Hospital Dubai aimed at identifying ways to improve efficiency, performance and customer service. Through collaboration with senior management and business unit heads successfully redesigned the budgeting and planning process; modified Manual of Financial Authorities and the internal cost allocation system and designed contract review and approval process to prevent cost overruns.
Leadership, Crisis Management, Decision Making - the global financial crisis of 2008/2009 placed unprecedented financial demands on Tanmiyat Real Estate Development’s business. The situation necessitated the rapid formulation of new financial infrastructure. Led the reorganisation of the finance and operations division, the management reporting system overhaul, cost rationalisation implementation, and portfolio review. Also initiated a yielding assets fund worth RS250 million with Saudi Bank These actions reduced the company’s risks and financial exposure.
M&A, IPO - expertise in the preparation of mergers and acquisitions, as well as IPOs includes completion of the full M&A cycle starting from due diligence, stock issuance, post-merger harmonisation and restructuring, and exit sale, alongside the IPO for Tanmiyat Real Estate Company (listed on the KSA Stock Exchange).
WORK EXPERIENCE
Care + pharmaceutical Group - Amman, Jordan April 2018 – Dec 2018
CFO/CAO
Oversaw preparation of consolidated financial statements for the group in Jordan
Reorganized finance and operations division, overhauled management reporting system, implemented cost rationalization, and led portfolio review to reduce exposure during financial crisis
Manage the implementation of the business plan; in addition to owning and enhancing the existing range of products, services and all related marketing and business development activities.
Leads the business development activities for the group and its network to include the analysis, negotiations, and implementation of plans for growing the base of business and overall market share
Decision-making by providing an analysis of options regarding which payers will contract with that will allow for maximum revenue realization
Structures, negotiates, and oversees the analysis for major business transactions related to acquisitions, strategic initiatives, partnerships, ventures, and contractual commitments.
Drives alignment of resource allocation, financial goals, and financial reporting processes overall strategy, business model, and risk management
Plays a critical role in developing and implementing Group financial strategy as well as providing tactical input to CEO
Account manager for all the KY accounts customers
American Hospital Dubai (AHD) - Dubai, UAE
Dec 2016 - Mar 2018
Chief Administrative Officer/ CFO
The American Hospital Dubai is a 254-bed private hospital providing healthcare to the highest US standards and is the leader and pioneer in international accreditation and recognition. The hospital serves patients across the region and includes several specialist centres - Comprehensive Cancer Center, Orthopaedics and Total Joint Replacement Center for adults, The Heart Center, Diabetes Program, and Cochlear Implant Center. All physicians are Western Board Certified. The American Hospital Clinics - Dubai Media City Clinic now offers the same quality of care within the community. The hospital is the first Middle East member of the prestigious Mayo Clinic Care Network.
Led AHD’s Financial Operations and managed Chief Information Officer, Directors of Revenue Management, Public Relations, Marketing and the Chief Human Resources Officer
Worked in conjunction with the CEO, Board and Chief Medical Officer in developing a strategic marketing and business plan.
Key aspects of the role included Finance Business Development & Public Relations incorporating financial strategy development and delivery; and resource management
Collaborated with the leadership team on planning and implementing the annual capital and operating budgets and strategic planning initiatives
Led the business development activities for AHD and its network including the analysis, negotiation, and implementation of plans for growing the base of the business and overall market share
Achievements:
Generated AED 42 million in revenue from business in the Gulf and Africa. Secured cost reductions of over USD 2.5 million
Created new/additions to hospital tariffs, improving market competitiveness
Managed the successful restructuring of the business
Modified Manual of Financial Authorities, as well as the internal cost allocation system
Reengineered internal processes and redesigned the budgeting and planning process
Designed contract review and approval process to prevent cost overruns
Project managed the implementation of Front-end HIS and Back-end ERP
Developed a clear outline of requirements by insurance plan as per DHA regulatory needs
Worked collaboratively with key stakeholders to ensure the alignment of chargeable versus non-chargeable procedures, supplies, DRGs, CPT’s
Completed GAP analysis, mapping and maintenance of /Charge list & Fee schedule of the hospital
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank - Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mar 2014 - Nov 2016
Head of Business Financial Planning and Operations Support
Headed Business Operation Support unit under the Business Banking Division with 33,000 business customers and a 1470 workforce. Mandated to drive the division’s operational strategy covering operations risk control, processes efficiency and compliance.
Achievements:
Completed Sharia Audit attaining a ‘satisfactory’ rating for two years. Reviewed, modified and improved internal audit within two years
Established subsidiaries in Qatar, UK and Dubai. Finalised bank facilities agreements with three banks of AED 200 million
Modified Group organisational structure, authority matrix and high-level business processes enhancing performance, communication and controls
Finalised a comprehensive three-year forecast including financing requirements for both equity and leverage finance.
Designed a cost control system thereby preventing cost overruns
Mediated a settlement with a major developer to resume a troubled project, turning it from a loss to profit situation
Ensured the Division Control Centre (DCC) met its service and business objectives
Aligned Risk Control, and Compliance with bank policy in terms of legal, sharia, and operational risk requirements
Managed a central MIS team that delivered Business performance dashboards and all related MIS that contributed to improved performance monitoring, management reporting and executive decision making across the organisation
MP, Burooj Properties - Abu Dhabi, UAE
wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
Oct 2011 - Feb 2014
Finance and Operations Director
Established in 2005 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank. It has a strong reputation for developing fully integrated communities, offering premium real estate and delivering investor value. The company currently has assets under management exceeding USD 1 billion and has grown to build a diverse portfolio of projects that includes hospitality, residential, commercial and retail sector developments. Provided vision and operational direction for 6 direct reports and 21 staff managing financial accounting, budgeting, human resources, administration, legal, IT, and business support covering 2,500 properties worth AED 800,000 million across three regional locations.
Achievements:
Developed and implemented policies and controls that ensured compliance with internal and external audit procedures including International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
Led budget committee, oversaw budget preparation, and monitored financial performance to effectively forecast costs and revenues, and to identify and resolve unsatisfactory issues
Provided expertise for the development of divisional, departmental, and section budgets; facilitated senior management review and approval
Established principles of corporate governance and standards, company policies and procedures
Conducted asset lifecycle management covering Asset Acquisition, Registration, Maintenance and upkeep, alongside Amortisation and disposal
Initiated Triple R strategy (Reschedule liabilities, Review portfolios, Rationalise costs). Redesigned management reporting system
Restructured the financial control department, moving it from serving one legal entity to a shared service centre covering 10 subsidiaries
ARCOO GROUP - Abu Dhabi, UAE
(Primary subcontractor for Samsung and Hyundai)
Aug 2010 - Sep 2011
CFO
Achievements:
Orchestrated accounting, budgeting, administration, and business support, directing activities of 8 managers and 35 staff.
Reduced overtime 30% by implementing strategy to reschedule liabilities, review portfolio, and rationalize costs (“triple-R strategy”).
Implemented JD Edwards Oracle System; launched management reporting system; restructured finance and corporate services divisions; and established budgeting procedures to better control cash flow against inventory
Conducted robust portfolio review to mitigate risk during international financial crisis
Tanmiyat Real Estate Development LLC - Dubai, UAE
Apr 2008 - Jun 2010
CFO
Cultivated working relationships with regulators and major audit firms. Served as a member of the Investment Committee and Assets and Liabilities Committee. Conducted budget preparation and management. Undertook Financial reconciliations including: Insurance; Retail Leasing; Office Leasing; Service providers & suppliers. Carried out Financial, Service Charge and Facility Management modelling and analysis. Directed 25 accountants and oversaw preparation of consolidated financial statements for 5 offices in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore managing 500 units worth USD 42 million.
Achievements:
Reorganised finance and operations division, overhauled management reporting system, implemented cost rationalisation, and led portfolio review to reduce exposure during financial crisis.
Initiated yielding assets fund worth RS 250 million with Saudi Bank
Completed full M&A cycle starting from due diligence, stock issuance, post-merger harmonisation, restructuring, and exit sale
Conducted an IPO for Tanmiyat Company (listed in KSA Stock Exchange)
EARLY CAREER
ASGCO Group - Dubai, UAE
US, Canadian & Japanese franchises Joint Venture
Jul 1998 - Feb 2008
Group Finance and Administration Director
Gulf Securities & Brokerage Center - Dubai, UAE
Aug 1997 - Jun 1998
Banker /Chief Accountant
Price Waterhouse (Pw) - Amman, Jordan
Feb 1996 - Jun 1997
Auditor
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Chartered Accountant
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
BA (Hons) Accounting Al Isra University, Amman, Jordan
PERSONAL DETAILS
Languages: English - Fluent; Arabic - Native speaker
Nationality: Jordanian ( American Green Card holder )
Marital Status: Married