AROOS ABDUL CAREEM, FCMA, CGMA, CPA, MBA

Address: P.O. Box 500067, Dubai, UAE

Phone: + 971 50 455 6383 | Email: aroos.ac@gmail.com

HEAD OF FINANCE / CFO / VP-FINANCE / DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

PROFILE SUMMARY
Senior financial executive with international experience, exhibiting dynamism when adding
value to a large, demanding organisation. CIMA(UK), CPA & MBA qualified CFO with over
25 years experience, currently more than 13 years at Info2cell (Acotel Group S.p.A, Italy)
regional headquartered in Dubai, for their Middle East and North Africa (MENA) operations.
Practicing IFRS and very familiar with US - GAAP and SOX requirements.
Expert in handling accounting and financial operations, cost and management accounting
and financial analysis, along with a gamut of business improvement and enhancement
experience. Proficient in overseeing financial management of business operations, including
development of financial and budgetary policies and procedures. Motivational leader
displaying exceptional interpersonal skills while contributing to best business practices
and corporate governance procedures.

CORE COMPETENCIES
Cost and Financial Accounting Performance Management, Evaluation and Control
Managing Budgets and Financial Control Commercial/Contractual/P&L Management
Stakeholder and Board Level Liaison Conceiving New Projects/Initiating New Ideas Project
and Working Capital Financing IFRS/ GAAP/ SOX req.

WORK EXPERIENCE
Info2cell (Acotel Group S.p.A, Italy), Dubai, UAE
Chief Financial Officer; Reporting to Group CEO and the Board
Finance and Administration Manager

Jul 2002 Present

Nov 2008 Present
Jul 2002 Oct 2008

The Company is a multinational company based in Dubai with many subsidiaries in MENA
region and the first and largest value-added services in the MENA region. Info2cell provides
access to over 42 operators in the region with over 2.5 million mobile subscribers. Info2cell
is a member of Acotel Group S.p.A, a listed company in the European markets.
The Acotel Group S.p.A is a global telecommunications company, headquartered in Rome,
Italy which operates in four areas of business mobile telecommunications, value added
services for mobile communications, mobile messaging and media solutions, and mobile
advertising managed services and security systems for large companies.
KEY SKILLS AND ACHIEVEMENTS at Info2cell and its subsidiaries

Deal Structuring/Business Process Reengineering/Cost Optimisation Actively

led the development and implementation of a self-initiated cost-saving strategy.
Since 2010, the strategy yielded net saving of US$ 2.1M and continuing annual saving of
US$ 390K.

Strategic Business Alliances and Joint Ventures/Mergers and Acquisitions

(M&As) Secured board approval for set-up of a subsidiary, selected the right partner
AROOS ABDUL CAREEM, FCMA, CGMA, CPA, MBA | Phone: + (971) 50 455 6383 | Email:
aroos.ac@gmail.com
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with support of the board, oversaw the project of company formation and steered startup business operations in Saudi Arabia in 2008.

Overall Business Strategy and Operations/Profitability Improvements Directed

a strategy whereby enabled significant changes in process/structure and transfer of
capabilities of certain activities (resources reallocation) which led to considerable
economic benefits. Consequently, it created net saving of over US $1.1M annually
since 2009.

Strategy Design, Implementation and Lead Multicultural High Calibre

Professionals Defined a robust collection strategy and implemented proper policies
and revenue assurance team, resulting the debtors reduced to below 90 days
(previously over 150 to 180 days) with exception of any specific issues.

Strategy Design and Implementation of Continuous Analysis and monitoring of

Revenue - Efficiently led business finance partnering with the commercial team
to support revenue growth. In 2009, enabled a monthly reporting format that is easily
understood by the commercial team for better analysis and comparison of performance
of over 40 telecom operators against the forecast.

KPI Establishment and Systems Implementation Successfully designed and

implemented an effective revenue assurance system which consolidated and
streamlined work of finance, billing, IT and account management teams towards
resolving billing issues and collaboratively managing most difficult cases resulted in
drastic reduction of revenue leakage to 5% 7%.

Establishing and Monitoring of Internal control function Steered better internal

controls and process improvement, , which resulted a reduction of overall overheads,
estimated around US$ 225K annually since 2009.

Stakeholder Due Diligence/Negotiations discovered a financial malpractice in one

of the subsidiary, directed a due diligence, identified its root cause and proficiently
resolved the issue. Utilised strong interpersonal and communication skills to accomplish
this major challenge.

KEY ROLES
Acting as senior strategic business finance partner to the CEO, Board of Directors and
senior management.
Administering the Groups finance functions in Dubai, Amman and Riyadh, including
identifying financial objectives and developing appropriate systems, policies and
procedures to facilitate internal financial controls.
Devising short and long term business/financial strategies and need-based strategies for
enhancing profitability revenue and meeting company goals while periodically reviewing
operational strategies.
Directly engaging with the Group and suggesting business improvements at the board
level.
Defining annual budget, enabling clear budgetary control for every department,
monitoring costs and also Finalising CAPEX & OPEX and review MIS & Variance reporting.
Providing effective leadership and guidance to more than 20 finance, HR and Admin.
staff while establishing performance goals, allocating resources and ensuring optimum
understanding of company vision and strategy.
AROOS ABDUL CAREEM, FCMA, CGMA, CPA, MBA | Phone: + (971) 50 455 6383 | Email:
aroos.ac@gmail.com
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Performing feasibility studies on identified opportunities and efficiently handling new

projects until completion.
Effectively optimising quality and frequency of the reporting of the Group to ascertain
timely and accurate decision-making.
Developed risk management strategies by introducing new internal controls and
financial policies & procedures.
Reviewing and reporting on subsidiaries in line with operation, financial performance,
assets utilisation, controls and internal and external compliance.
Undertaking analysis to evaluate prevalent financial/economic environment as well as
actual cost, including trend/expense variance analysis.

Dubex Securities LLC, Dubai, UAE

Finance and Administration Manager

Jul 2001 Jun 2002

DUBEX SECURITIES INTERNATIONAL L.L.C. (DUBEX) was one of the leading financialservices and a well reputed brokerage company in United Arab Emirates. Launched in the
year 1994 in Dubai, DUBEX was the first online broker in the GCC region and the primary
aim of this establishment was to provide its clientele with an array of investment
opportunities in the financial markets. The company was voluntarily liquidated due to the
recent international financial crises resulting huge loss on equity investment in international
financial markets.
Key Highlights:

Prepared, reviewed and analysed financial and management reports. Developed the
annual budgets and quarterly forecasts in coordination with several business units.
Evaluate financial reporting systems, accounting and collection procedures, and
investment activities, and make recommendations for changes to procedures, operating
systems, budgets, and other financial control functions.
Ensured payments / commitments for capital and revenue expenses are in accordance
with the approval limits and approved policies.
Ensured functioning of effective and efficient system of internal control.
Established and maintained relationships with individual and business investors, and
provide assistance with problems these investors may encounter.
Developed & managed effective relationships with companys bankers, auditors, lawyers
and other related parties.

PREVIOUS ENGAGEMENTS
Bin Zayed Group, Dubai, UAE
Senior Accountant

Mar 1998 Jun 2001

Ernst & Young, Sri Lanka

Assurance and Accounting Services and Tax Consultation

Sep 1995 Feb 1998

F.H. Puvimanasinghe & Co, Colombo Sri Lanka

Audit Trainee, Senior and Audit Manager

Dec 1990 Aug 1995

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Chartered Management Accountant CIMA, UK
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants , UK
1997
AROOS ABDUL CAREEM, FCMA, CGMA, CPA, MBA | Phone: + (971) 50 455 6383 | Email:
aroos.ac@gmail.com
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Master of Business Administration - MBA

1
Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura,
Sri Lanka
Certified Public Accountants CPA,
Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS)

201

2009

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA), Australia

Chartered Global Management Accountants (CGMA), powered by AICPA (USA) and CIMA
(UK)
Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA) powered by CMA
Canada

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Proficient in MS Office applications, Peachtree and QuickBooks

TRAINING AND SEMINARS

Professional Development Seminar on Integrated Thinking and Reporting: The
Leading Role Management Accountants Play, Dubai, conducted by Chartered
Institute of Management Accountants
Professional Development Seminar on Unlocking the True Value of People and
Business Relationships, Dubai, conducted by Chartered Institute of Management
Accountants
Professional Development Seminar, Turning Strategy into Action Dubai,
conducted by Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
Business Seminar, Competency Framework by CGMA, sponsored by CIMA (UK)
and AICPA (USA)
Two-Day International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Update Seminar, by
Ernst & Young Middle East, Dubai
Business Seminar, Building World-Class Businesses for the Long Term, Dubai,
conducted by Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
KPIs that Matter, Booking Request by Chartered Institute of Management
Accountants
Certification Essence of Entrepreneurship: Unfolding the Mystery 12-Week
Workshop by University of OULU, Finland

Apr
2015
Oct
2014
Jun
2014
May
2014
Jun
2013
May
2012
Sep
2010
Oct
Dec
2009

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Date of Birth: 8th Sep, 1970
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Drivers Licence: UAE
Languages: Fluent in English, Tamil and
Sinhala

References available on request

AROOS ABDUL CAREEM, FCMA, CGMA, CPA, MBA | Phone: + (971) 50 455 6383 | Email:
aroos.ac@gmail.com
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