Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
SELECTED STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS
Accomplishments
Languages
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic
Muhammad Jawad Yaqoob ACCA, SOCPA

Muhammad Jawad Yaqoob ACCA, SOCPA

Jeddah,Saudi Arabia

Summary

Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA, UK) and SOCPA member with 17+ years of experience across corporate finance, debt restructuring, financial risk management, capital markets, M&A, IPO readiness, IFRS reporting, governance and internal audit. Currently serving as the CFO of Al Safwa Cement Company, a Saudi industrial company with approximately SAR 3.0 billion in total assets and SAR 1.4+ billion in banking facilities. Experienced in lender negotiations, refinancing, covenant management, liquidity planning, financial due diligence, strategic transactions and board-level reporting. Worked with leading banks, investment banks and advisors including Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, Rajhi Capital, KPMG, Freshfields, SAB, ANB, Al Rajhi Bank and SIDF.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work history

CFO

Al Safwa Cement Company
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
2025.06 - Current
  • Lead the finance function of Al Safwa Cement Company, overseeing financial reporting, treasury, budgeting, banking relationships, risk management, internal controls and strategic finance initiatives.
  • Manage financing strategy and lender relationships for banking facilities exceeding SAR 1.4 billion across SAB, ANB, Al Rajhi Bank and SIDF.
  • Led debt restructuring, refinancing discussions, covenant waiver negotiations and liquidity planning to support business continuity and financial stability.
  • Represented Al Safwa Cement Company in financial due diligence conducted by Goldman Sachs in connection with the potential acquisition by Anhui Conch Group.
  • Led financial due diligence workstreams for a potential merger with another Saudi cement producer, working alongside McKinsey & Company.
  • Directed IPO readiness efforts with Rajhi Capital, KPMG and Freshfields, supporting financial reporting, governance, disclosure and CMA submission requirements.
  • Present financial performance, liquidity position, strategic analysis and risk matters to the CEO, Board of Directors and Audit Committee.
  • Lead profitability analysis, pricing reviews, contribution margin assessments and cash margin reporting across grey cement, white cement, clinker and export markets.
  • Oversee IFRS and SOCPA-compliant financial statements, external audit coordination and key accounting judgments.

Internal Audit Manager

Al Safwa Cement Company
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
2019.01 - 2025.05

  • Led the Internal Audit function reporting directly to the Chairman of the Audit Committee and regularly presented audit results, risk assessments and governance matters to the Audit Committee and Board of Directors.
  • Developed and executed enterprise-wide risk-based audit plans covering financial, operational, compliance, strategic and regulatory risks across the organization.
  • Evaluated treasury operations, cash management processes, liquidity controls, financing arrangements and debt covenant monitoring frameworks to strengthen financial risk management practices.
  • Assessed working capital management processes, including receivables, inventory and payables, identifying opportunities to improve liquidity, cash flow management and operational efficiency.
  • Reviewed annual and interim financial statements to ensure compliance with IFRS, SOCPA requirements and Corporate Governance Regulations.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, safeguarding of assets and regulatory compliance.
  • Performed governance and financial control reviews of major capital expenditure projects, including white cement expansion initiatives, plant modernization projects and infrastructure investments.
  • Provided advisory services to executive management on risk management, internal controls, corporate governance, taxation matters and business process optimization.
  • Led investigations into control deficiencies, process inefficiencies and compliance violations, recommending corrective actions and monitoring implementation.
  • Utilized data analytics and ERP-based audit techniques to identify risks, anomalies and control weaknesses, resulting in improved operational and financial controls.
  • Coordinated with external auditors, consultants and regulators on matters relating to financial reporting, governance and internal control effectiveness.

Key Audits and Strategic Reviews

  • Treasury and Cash Management Review
  • Working Capital Optimization Review
  • Credit Risk and Receivables Management Review
  • Capital Expenditure Governance Review
  • Financial Reporting and IFRS Compliance Review
  • Procurement and Contract Management Review
  • Corporate Governance Compliance Review
  • ERP Controls and Data Analytics Review

Internal Audit Supervisor

Al Safwa Cement Company (Lafarge)
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
2013.07 - 2018.12
  • Assisted the Internal Audit Director in developing and executing risk-based audit plans across finance, treasury, procurement, inventory, production, maintenance and sales functions.
  • Conducted reviews of treasury controls, working capital management processes and financial reporting controls to strengthen risk management and governance frameworks.
  • Evaluated internal controls surrounding capital expenditure projects, procurement activities and inventory management processes.
  • Participated in ERP governance and control assessments following the implementation of JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, ensuring system controls aligned with business and financial reporting requirements.
  • Assessed compliance with company policies, corporate governance standards and regulatory requirements, reporting findings and recommendations to senior management.
  • Performed financial and operational audits aimed at improving profitability, cost control, asset utilization and business performance.
  • Assisted management in identifying business risks and implementing mitigation strategies to strengthen the overall control environment.
  • Monitored implementation of audit recommendations and reported progress to management and internal audit leadership.

Audit Supervisor

Parker Russell International
, Pakistan
2009.05 - 2012.11
  • Delivered risk-based external audits in accordance with IFRS and applicable auditing standards.
  • Reviewed audit working papers and financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with auditing standards.
  • Managed audit engagements for diverse clients, ensuring adherence to regulations and enhancing client trust.
  • Executed taxation, compliance, and statutory reporting assignments during tax seasons, delivering timely and accurate submissions.

Education

Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) | 2012 -

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
United Kingdom

Associate Member -

Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountant

CA Finalist -

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan | 2009

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) -

University of Punjab, Pakistan | 2010

Skills

  • Corporate Finance

  • Treasury Management

  • Liquidity Management

  • Financial Risk Management

  • Capital Markets

  • Debt Restructuring

  • Financing Strategy

  • Mergers & Acquisitions

  • IPO Readiness

  • Financial Due Diligence

  • Financial Modelling

  • Covenant Compliance

  • IFRS & SOCPA Reporting

  • Board & Audit Committee Reporting

  • Enterprise Risk Management

  • Corporate Governance

  • Islamic Finance / Murabaha Facilities

  • ERP Implementation

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Corporate Finance | Debt Restructuring | Capital Markets | Financial Risk Management

SELECTED STRATEGIC TRANSACTIONS

Debt Restructuring and Financing Strategy | Al Safwa Cement Company

  • Led financing strategy, liquidity planning and restructuring initiatives relating to banking facilities exceeding SAR 1.4 billion across SAB, ANB, Al Rajhi Bank and SIDF.
  • Managed lender negotiations, covenant compliance discussions, refinancing initiatives and waiver requests to support the Company's financial stability and business continuity.

Potential Acquisition by Anhui Conch Group (China)

  • Represented Al Safwa Cement Company in the financial due diligence process conducted by Goldman Sachs in connection with the proposed acquisition of a controlling stake by Anhui Conch Group, one of the world's largest cement producers.

Potential Merger with Saudi Cement Producer

  • Led internal financial due diligence workstreams and management presentations in connection with a proposed merger transaction involving another Saudi listed cement producer.
  • Worked alongside McKinsey & Company during the evaluation of strategic, financial and operational synergies arising from the proposed transaction.

IPO Readiness Project

  • Directed finance-related IPO readiness initiatives alongside Rajhi Capital, KPMG and Freshfields, supporting financial reporting, governance, disclosure requirements and CMA submission processes.
  • Strengthened internal controls, reporting frameworks and governance practices to align with public company requirements and investor expectations.

Oracle Fusion ERP Transformation

 Played a key leadership role in the implementation of Oracle Fusion ERP, enhancing financial reporting, internal controls, business process integration and management information systems across the organization.

Accomplishments

  • Employee of the Year – Parker Russell International (2011): Recognized as Employee of the Year for outstanding performance, leadership, client service and contribution to audit and advisory engagements.
  • Outstanding Cost Optimization Achievement – Al Safwa Cement Company (2025): Recognized with a special performance award for leading the restructuring of the Company's insurance program, reducing annual insurance premiums from SAR 5.9 million to SAR 4.1 million (approximately 30% savings) while simultaneously increasing insurance coverage to approximately SAR 2.8 billion of assets, including high-risk power generation equipment.
  • Exceptional Regulatory Resolution Achievement – Al Safwa Cement Company (2026): Recognized with an Extra Mile Award and special performance bonus for successfully securing the waiver of approximately SAR 5.5 million in VAT penalties through engagement with ZATCA and facilitating a structured settlement arrangement for the remaining VAT principal liability, significantly improving the Company's financial position and liquidity profile.

Languages

English
Proficient (C2)
Urdu
Proficient (C2)

Affiliations

  • Actively engaged in capital markets research, company valuation and long-term equity investing, with a particular focus on dividend-oriented and value investing strategies.
  • Financial Economics
  • Corporate Finance & Valuation
  • Financial Risk Management
  • Reading Investment and Business Literature

Timeline

CFO

Al Safwa Cement Company
2025.06 - Current

Internal Audit Manager

Al Safwa Cement Company
2019.01 - 2025.05

Internal Audit Supervisor

Al Safwa Cement Company (Lafarge)
2013.07 - 2018.12

Audit Supervisor

Parker Russell International
2009.05 - 2012.11

Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) | 2012 -

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

Associate Member -

Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountant

CA Finalist -

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan | 2009

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) -

University of Punjab, Pakistan | 2010
Muhammad Jawad Yaqoob ACCA, SOCPA