Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic
MUHAMMAD HASSAN KOTHARI

MUHAMMAD HASSAN KOTHARI

Riyadh,KSA

Summary

Strategic Operations Leader with over 15 years of internaltional experience in financial services industry across KSA, UAE, and Pakistan. Proven track record in leading high-performing teams through complex regulatory audits, tax reporting, and large-scale system implementations, including Advent system. Expert in managing multi-national offshore teams and driving business development through technical excellence and robust stakeholder relationships. Proficient in Bloomberg, SWIFT, and overall project management, with a proven track record of successful strategic implementations.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work history

Head of Fund Admin, Business Transformation Lead

SAB Invest
Riyadh, KSA
2024.09 - 2026.04

Results-driven finance professional with extensive leadership experience in overseeing operational efficiency of DPMs and Mutual Fund operations. Currently leading a high-performing team, I manage end-to-end fund accounting lifecycle, including unit/NAV pricing, performance calculations, and tax reporting, while ensuring seamless execution from audit process through to final financial statement sign-off. I serve as a key advisor to Asset Management department on budgeting and cash flow forecasting, driving innovative reporting strategies that ensure optimal performance and strict regulatory compliance.

Key Achievements & Core Responsibilities:

  • System Transformation: Successfully spearheaded implementation of Advent system for DPMs and orchestrated complex data migrations from legacy fund administrators.
  • Operational Excellence: Lead delivery of comprehensive fund accounting services, including quarterly/monthly management reporting and review of property manager reports, consistently meeting strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
  • Audit & Compliance: Successfully lead teams through rigorous regulatory audits and manage all external engagements with sub-fund managers, fund administrators, custodians, and auditors.
  • Leadership & Mentorship: Provide technical and functional direction to fund accounting team, acting as a firm-wide mentor and lead on design and launch of several new strategic initiatives.
  • Stakeholder Management: Cultivate and maintain high-level client relationships to ensure satisfaction and secure new business opportunities through tailored financial insights.

Audit Associate to Senior Manager

PwC & EY
, UAE, Pakistan and KSA
2010.04 - 2024.09

Audit Leader specializing in IFRS/ISA compliance for high-profile engagements across multiple sectors including Banking and Asset Management sector. Proven track record of presenting to Audit Committees and Governance Boards, resolving complex technical accounting issues, and leading Regional Centers of Excellence (CoE).

  • IFRS & ISA Governance: Orchestrated high-profile audit engagements in strict accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and International Standards on Auditing (ISA), ensuring peak technical accuracy for Tier-1 clients.
  • Regional Technical Consultation: Served as a key technical resource for IFRS Desk, providing expert consultation and resolving complex accounting matters raised by regional offices across Pakistan.
  • Strategic Leadership (CoE): Acted as Project Lead for Center of Excellence (CoE), specifically overseeing Wealth and Asset Management (WAM) audits for EY KSA, standardizing quality across the sector.
  • Board & Committee Engagement: Represented firm alongside Lead Partners in Audit Committees, Governance Boards, and Management Committees, delivering strategic presentations on risk landscapes and efficacy of audit mitigation approaches.
  • Senior Regulatory Liaison: Delegated directly to Country Professional Practice Director (PPD) and regional desk leadership, acting as a critical bridge between practice standards and operational execution.
  • Commercial Strategy & Business Cases: Developed and presented robust business cases to CEOs and CFOs, successfully negotiating auditor remuneration to ensure fair margins and sustainable engagement profitability.
  • Learning & Development (L&D): Selected as a core member of EY L&D Group, designing and facilitating professional workshops for staff ranging from associates to management, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
  • Regulatory Excellence: Gained significant experience navigating Audit Quality Reviews (AQRs) conducted by global desks and local regulators, ensuring 100% compliance with international standards.
  • Risk Management & Methodology: Actively served on Risk Management desk at EY Karachi, where I designed new audit testing templates and communication frameworks for governance reporting, while providing technical support to wider firm.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Enhanced audit quality by applying automated techniques and data analytics, providing sophisticated insights and recommendations to Audit Committees.
  • People Leadership & Mentoring: Recognized by Senior Partners for strong upward management and leading by example; focused on coaching high-performing teams with an emphasis on fair work allocation and professional well-being.

Education

Chartered Accountant -

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan

Bachelor's in Commerce -

University of Karachi

Skills

  • Strategic Board Reporting
  • Multi-National Team Lead
  • Change Management
  • Business transformation
  • Mentorship & L&D

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

  • Fund Accounting and Governance
  • International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
  • International Standards on Auditing (ISA)
  • Risk Management
  • Business Development
  • Zakat & Tax
  • Audit Quality Reviews (AQR)

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • Hafiz-e-Quran
  • Merit Holder, Scholarship
  • Employee of the year 2025

Languages

English
Fluent
Urdu
Native
Arabic
Intermediate

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Head of Fund Admin, Business Transformation Lead

SAB Invest
2024.09 - 2026.04

Audit Associate to Senior Manager

PwC & EY
2010.04 - 2024.09

Chartered Accountant -

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan

Bachelor's in Commerce -

University of Karachi
MUHAMMAD HASSAN KOTHARI