Financial Analyst - SAP FICO & FP&A

SAFYAN ASHRAF

CPA Canada Student ACCA Member MSc Accounting and Finance

*** *** **** **, ***** York, ON M3C 1T1 647-***-**** **.************@*****.*** PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Finance professional with over three years of UK experience in financial analysis, forecasting, and business partnering, plus credit and risk assessment experience in banking audits. ACCA Member and MSc in Accounting and Finance (Merit) (University of Northampton), WES-assessed as equivalent to Canadian Bachelor's and Master's degrees respectively. Currently pursuing the CPA Canada (Ontario) designation (Core 1 in progress), alongside a postgraduate certification in Applied AI & Financial Analytics (expected 2028). Skilled in financial modeling, variance and cash-flow analysis, forecasting, and Excel/Power BI reporting, with a track record of improving forecast accuracy and supporting data-driven business decisions. CORE COMPETENCIES

• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) & Business Partnering

• Financial Modeling & Forecasting

• Budgeting, Variance & Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Credit, Cash Flow & Risk Analysis

• Financial Reporting & IFRS Compliance

• Microsoft Excel — Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Power BI — Data Visualization & Dashboarding

• ERP & Financial Systems (SAP FICO, Oracle NetSuite) PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Financial Analyst Nov 2022 – Jun 2026

Ross McKinley Accountants — London, UK

• Delivered budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis across manufacturing and operational business units, improving forecast accuracy and reducing budget variances by 10% through data-driven resource allocation.

• Partnered with operational leaders as a finance business partner, translating financial data into actionable insights that informed strategic decision-making and departmental budget planning.

• Built financial models and supported month-end/quarter-end close for UK entities, preparing IFRS-compliant management accounts and variance reporting for senior stakeholders.

• Monitored cash flow and credit exposure through reconciliation of accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and intercompany balances, strengthening internal controls and working-capital visibility.

• Supported statutory IFRS/ISA audits by preparing schedules and analysis for external auditors, contributing to timely, accurate completion.

• Applied SAP FICO, Oracle NetSuite, Sage, QuickBooks, and Xero to streamline financial analysis and reporting, improving data accuracy and turnaround time.

Audit Associate Jul 2021 – Jan 2022

Crowe Global — Lahore, Pakistan

• Assessed credit and operational risk across banking and corporate client portfolios, including a 21,000-loan-file audit spanning 17 branches, ensuring thorough risk evaluation and on-time completion while reducing audit time by 15%.

• Analyzed financial statements for banking and corporate clients for compliance with IFRS, ISA, and GAAP, guiding junior team members to accurate, complete reporting.

• Evaluated internal control processes across client sites, identifying cost-saving opportunities that contributed to a 5% reduction in operating expenses for clients.

• Delivered a 20% reduction in audit turnaround time and improved reporting accuracy through stronger analytical coordination and process improvements.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

• CPA Canada Student (Ontario) — pursuing the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, Core 1 in progress

• ACCA Member (since December 2025) — WES-assessed as equivalent to a 4-year Canadian Bachelor's degree

• MSc in Accounting and Finance (Merit) — University of Northampton (2022–2024) — WES-assessed as equivalent to a Canadian Master's degree

• Postgraduate Certificate, Applied Artificial Intelligence & Financial Analytics — Expected 2028 — Canada TECHNICAL & PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• Software: Microsoft Excel, Power BI, SAP FICO, Oracle NetSuite, Sage, QuickBooks, Xero

• Professional Skills: Communication, Problem-Solving, Attention to Detail, Time Management, Analytical Thinking

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