Experience

Chief Financial Officer, Shandz Group of Companies | May 2025 – Present

As CFO for Shandz Group, a dynamic construction and trading conglomerate in Iraq, I provide strategic leadership to the Finance and Accounting Department, driving financial excellence and operational efficiency across all group entities.

Strategic Financial Leadership: Orchestrate comprehensive financial operations, including reporting, strategic budgeting, forecasting, and robust cash flow management. Spearhead organisational restructuring initiatives to optimise responsibilities and enhance departmental performance.
Digital Transformation & Risk Management: Lead the group’s digital transformation, including the successful implementation of a new ERP solution. Proactively identify and mitigate financial risks, ensuring unwavering adherence to evolving financial regulations and industry best practices.
Collaborative Financial Oversight: Partner with project managers to ensure rigorous adherence to budgets, providing critical financial analysis that informs strategic decision-making. Collaborate with senior leadership to formulate and execute overarching financial strategies aligned with corporate objectives.
Team Leadership & Development: Cultivate a high-performing finance team through targeted professional development programs and comprehensive performance evaluations, fostering a culture of continuous growth and excellence.

Strategic Consultant | June 2024 – Present

As a Strategic Consultant, I design and implement bespoke financial frameworks that drive significant improvements in efficiency and profitability for clients by optimising trade finance, cash management, and payment processes. I collaborate with enterprises and advisory firms to extend my expertise.

Growth & Innovation Catalyst: Leverage extensive banking acumen to navigate complex market challenges, capitalise on emerging dynamics, and cultivate sustainable, scalable growth. Drive digital innovation initiatives that strengthen competitive advantage and ensure long-term operational resilience.
Strategic Execution Assurance: Provide expert guidance and strategic oversight to project teams, guaranteeing seamless execution, timely completion, and the delivery of impactful, measurable results aligned with strategic objectives.
Advancing Economic Equity: Spearhead critical initiatives focused on broadening access to financial services, fostering equitable economic growth, and addressing significant financial disparities.

Advisor, Region Trade Bank | February 2024 – May 2024

Collaborated closely with senior leadership to refine and enhance policies and procedures, ensuring robust alignment with evolving regulatory frameworks and industry best practices. Drove the centralisation of key banking operations, streamlining processes, and significantly improving overall operational efficiency.

Consultant, Trade Bank of Iraq | 2007 – 2023

Played a pivotal role in transforming financial operations and driving digital innovation at the Trade Bank of Iraq.

Financial Control & Efficiency: Developed and implemented a best-in-class internal control and risk management framework, reducing compliance issues by 40% and ensuring 100% accuracy in financial reporting. Directed the strategic integration of Front, Middle, and Back Office operations, achieving a remarkable 60% reduction in data processing time and significantly enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Trade Finance & Payments: Oversaw and directed trade finance operations (Letters of Credit, Guarantees, Risk Participation) for a substantial portfolio exceeding USD 20 billion. Managed high-volume cross-border payment operations, averaging USD 5 billion annually, consistently ensuring compliance and maintaining exceptional operational standards.
Core Banking System Implementation: Prepared the RFP for the core banking system and digitisation process (2007-08), participating as a core member of the vendor selection team. Spearheaded the successful 18-month implementation of a globally recognised core banking system (Misys Equation & Trade Innovation) (2008-10), resulting in a 25% decrease in operational costs.
Digital Transformation & Customer Engagement: Led cross-functional teams to strategically align digital initiatives with core business objectives, significantly boosting customer engagement and satisfaction. Championed the development and launch of a customised digital banking platform, achieving a 40% increase in mobile banking adoption and a demonstrably improved user experience. Initiated and executed impactful digital strategies like online account opening and integrated trade finance, achieving 15%+ growth in customer acquisition. Collaborated closely with product development teams to launch cutting-edge digital products, including a personal finance management tool that increased user engagement by 35%.
Strategic Procurement & Talent Development: Directed critical RFI and RFP processes for the 2023 digital transformation, ensuring the successful procurement of advanced technologies. Mentored and developed staff, fostering an environment of continuous learning, professional growth, and high achievement.

Management Trainee to Senior Manager, Punjab National Bank | 1985 – 2007

Progressed through various roles, demonstrating expertise in international trade finance, corporate credit, and strategic operational improvements.

International Banking & Corporate Credit: Led international trade finance, cross-border remittances, and corporate credit, expertly managing high-value credit proposals and cultivating strategic relationships with key corporate clients. Managed critical credit proposals requiring top executive-level approvals.
Audit, Compliance & Customer Relations: Strengthened customer relationships through tailored services and community engagement. Provided strategic oversight of Audit and Compliance functions across regional and zonal operations, ensuring seamless collaboration with internal and statutory auditors to maintain the highest standards of regulatory compliance.
IPO & Core Banking Rollout: Played a vital role in the bank’s IPO and FPO processes, contributing significantly to roadshow presentations and application mobilisation efforts. Spearheaded the successful digitisation and rollout of the Infosys-Finacle core banking solution across 50+ branches, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and customer engagement.
Process Improvement & Quality Certification: Enhanced transactional efficiency and led key training programs to drive the adoption of digital banking solutions among corporate clients. Led the certification process for ISO 9002, successfully securing certification for nine offices and elevating overall organisational quality standards.
Strategic Contributions: Provided critical training and mentorship to staff across various strategic initiatives, including balance sheet decentralisation, ISO 9000 certification, and digital transformation. Was a key member in the decentralisation of the finalisation of the Bank’s accounts to the zonal level. Actively involved in the merger of the New Bank of India with Punjab National Bank in 1993.