MALIHA SHAMS
***-** ****** ****, *** *-W, Forest Hills, NY 11375 +1-405-***-**** ***********@*******.***
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLC, New York
Management Consultant - Advisory Finance Transformation Apr 2014 – Jun 2015
Supported CFOs of Fortune 500 companies on streamlining financial close process, reporting and intercompany eliminations.
Optimized reconciliation process & streamlined reporting by proposing structural changes to 200+ account reconciliations.
Created ‘Reporting Landscape’ of a leading talent agency by analyzing finance, sales and HR reports to standardize reporting.
Reduced the GRNI account of Fortune 500 Company by 40% by recommending adjustments and optimizing the process.
Trained 30+ finance consultants of PwC on ‘FP&A trends’, ‘Policies & Procedures’ and ‘Issue Based Problem Solving’.
Kansai Paint Co. Ltd.
Regional Financial Controller - Middle East, Africa & Central Asia Nov 2010 – Jun 2011
Managed finance function for the entire region with revenue of $32 million, including overseeing financial statements, financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting.
Contributed in strategic business planning for diverse markets with different KPIs & demographics such as Pakistan, Dubai, and Morocco with unit volume growth of 380% in 2 years.
Managed and presented consolidated budgets to Headquarters (HQ) in Japan.
Effectively analyzed financial results against targets and collaborated with cross-functional teams to take corrective actions.
Streamlined business processes for the regional markets to increase productivity and improve operational controls.
Reviewed and revamped budgeting and reporting process to improve quality of information.
Finance Manager Nov 2007 – Oct 2010
Pioneered Kansai’s operations in the region and contributed in rapid growth of 250%+ increase in sales to $21million in 2 FY.
Contributed in increasing GP margin by 50% through collaborating with different teams on managing inventory & overhead costs.
Initiated and developed the accounting infrastructure at the startup phase of the company.
Decreased raw material inventory days by over 40% from 108 to 64 days.
Improved cash flow by decreasing days sale outstanding (DSO) from 93 to 63 days by collaborating with the collection team.
Took a leadership role in the achievement of budget objectives that led to 184% increase in operating profits in 2 years.
Effectively arranged $4 million running finance and finance lease facility from financial institutions.
Projected and analyzed the financial implications of new business initiatives such as launching a new product category.
Efficiently managed external audit and Kansai HQ Japan’s internal audit for 3 years with clean audit reports.
Established policies and procedures for major business processes.
Warid Telecom International
Assistant Manager Finance Mar 2005 – Mar 2007
Leveraged cash collection services from various banks for domestic and international monthly collections of $33million.
Forecasted financing requirements by preparing monthly cash flow projections.
Facilitated in arranging loans from financial institutions such as a $500 million credit facility.
Effectively arranged and managed lease facilities of $2.5 million.
Established the process for timely bill payments and collaborated with banks for monthly payments of $850k.
Supervised daily funds to ensure optimum utilization of cash and reviewed reconciliations of 20 bank accounts.
Developed Financial Accounting Manual of the company in close liaison with PwC.
Ernst & Young
Manager Audit Nov 2003 – Feb 2005
Effectively managed external audits of large companies in banking, manufacturing, and service industries.
Developed and strengthened working relationships with the firm’s clients, partners, and audit teams of up to 20 staff.
Successfully identified key performance drivers, accounting and industry changes to enhance clients’ performance.
Junior Auditor Apr 2000 – Oct 2003
Planned and participated in audit assignments of national/multinational organizations in manufacturing and financial sector.
Performed internal audits and non-audit assurance engagements.
EDUCATION
CPA (passed CPA examination) - 2013 • ACA, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan - 2003 • ACCA, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, UK - 2000 • Bachelor of Science, Kinnaird College, Pakistan - 1996
OTHER
Honors/Achievements: Awarded 2nd position in BS, 1996.
Technical skills: Strong proficiency with data manipulation, analysis, and MS Office.
Hobbies: Traveling and volunteer work.