Seasoned Financial Controller with over 30 years of diverse industry experience, including office automation and beverage manufacturing. Expertise in optimising financial processes and enhancing operational efficiency. Currently focused on finance and digital transformation, with an emphasis on AI-driven financial strategies in the GCC region.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Controller
Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group Company
Riyadh
01.2007 - Current
Lead finance operations for pharmacy segment within HMG group, overseeing budgeting and reporting.
Oversaw financial and operational aspects of an acquired subsidiary, implementing necessary changes to align with group policies during transition.
Facilitated transition to profit-making entity through strategic financial oversight and operational improvements.
Implemented Oracle system following data cleansing and completed financial audits for prior years, facilitating timely reporting to management.
Centralised accounts payable processes across HMG group, enhancing consistency and streamlining operations.
Assisted in managing daily operations of corporate finance department.
Supported payroll and accounts payable processes in collaboration with corporate HR and branch HR.
Reviewed activities related to foreign branch accounts payable and payroll.
Executed special assignments approved by management.
Established financial facility to support independent operations and cash flow management.
Group Finance Manager
New Universe Clothing Group of Companies (Private) Limited.
Colombo
01.2005 - 01.2007
Headed the Finance & Administration divisions in the Group level including Buying office, Garment Manufacturing Plant & Swimming Pool Construction & Maintenance segments.
Planning and Preparation of the Annual Budget (segment-wise) of the Group.
Secured Board of Investment approval for manufacturing plant by standardising premises to meet benchmark and industry norms.
Liaised with Board of Investment, Inland Revenue, external auditors, and financial institutions to ensure compliance and facilitate operational needs.
Implemented product/process costing mechanism across segments to minimise wastage and address unforeseen issues.
CIMA-UK: The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants-UK
Finance & Administration Manager
E Fashion Lanka (Private) Limited
Colombo
01.2002 - 01.2005
Headed the Finance & Administration (Including HR) Divisions.
Liaised with Financial Institutions, Inland Revenue, Board of Investment, Local Government Authorities etc.
Introduced product pre/post costing mechanism and production floor manufacturing line loading plans.
Liaised with buying offices, buyers, and foreign & local fabric and accessory suppliers to ensure timely procurement and supply chain efficiency.
Aligned manufacturing plant with industry benchmark norms and implemented worker safety protocols to enhance operational compliance.
Collaborated with work study executives and production manager on manufacturing line efficiency study, introducing process flow costing to minimise wastage and achieve consistent shipment rate.
Management Accountant
Macrowear (Private) Limited - Lanka Equities Group
Colombo
01.1999 - 01.2002
Developed and managed budgets, cash flows, future projections, pre/post costings, and variance analysis to ensure financial accuracy.
Prepared and finalised monthly management reports detailing financial performance.
Led Finance Division as Acting Finance Manager, overseeing financial operations and strategic planning.
Collaborated with Internal Auditors to enhance internal controls and reduce wastage.
Liaised with the External Auditors on finalising the Year end Audited Financials.
Corresponded with all Financial Institutions, Auditors, Board of Investment & Inland Revenue Department.
Forecasted a 5-year project proposal for the new factory wing.
Headed the Commercial/Procurement Divisions jointly with the respective Executives & was involved in the daily operations.
Accounts Executive
The Ceylon Brewery Limited (Lion Brewery Ceylon Limited)
Colombo
01.1995 - 01.1999
Produced management information reports on product costing, cash flows, and profitability.
Liaised with financial institutions to enhance treasury management processes.
Preparation of Published Accounts to Shareholders & the Colombo Stock Exchange.
Reviewed and compiled annual reports for distribution to shareholders and stakeholders.
Managed inventory counting teams in manufacturing plant, coordinating with auditors for accuracy.
Accounts Assistant
Gestetner of Ceylon Limited
Colombo
01.1993 - 01.1995
Prepared product costing and variance analysis reports to support financial decision-making.
Liaised with banks to facilitate timely processing of Letters of Credit and import documents.
Monitored and managed stock levels in collaboration with Store Keeper to ensure optimal inventory for ROL and expiry management.
Education
MSc - Finance & Investments
London School of Business & Finance
London
01-2023
FIPA - Accounting & Finance
Institute of Public Accountants-Australia
01-2021
FIFA - Accounting & Finance
Institute of Financial Accountants-UK
01-2021
MAAT-UK -
Association of Accounting Technicians-UK
01-1993
High School Diploma -
Wesley College
Colombo
01-1992
Skills
Financial reporting
Oracle ERP System
Excel
MS Office
PowerPoint
Word
Communication
Collaboration
Problem solving
Natural leader
Presentation
Hobbies and Interests
Rearing Ornamental Fish and maintenance of Aquarium
Karate as Physical Fitness and Self Defense
References
References available on request.
Timeline
Financial Controller
Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group Company
01.2007 - Current
Group Finance Manager
New Universe Clothing Group of Companies (Private) Limited.
01.2005 - 01.2007
Finance & Administration Manager
E Fashion Lanka (Private) Limited
01.2002 - 01.2005
Management Accountant
Macrowear (Private) Limited - Lanka Equities Group
01.1999 - 01.2002
Accounts Executive
The Ceylon Brewery Limited (Lion Brewery Ceylon Limited)