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Gürkan Acar

@grkanacar

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Highly motivated finance professional with 20+ years of experience.

United Kingdom

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for opportunities that allow me to leverage my extensive finance experience in a dynamic environment focused on growth and innovation.

Experienced finance professional, achieved diplomas & certificates such as; MBA (Honours Degree), CertIA, CertIFR, CPA (Turkish), CICP, CertDA, MAAT, Part Qualified ACCA, with 20+ years’ experience and a proven track record in financial management, financial control, financial analysis, financial planning, independent audit, internal auditing, compliance, business valuation, business development, budgeting and forecasting, P&L ownership, project and team management. Specialized in successful turn-around projects for inefficient organizations through strategic prioritization, setting up control systems and performance measurements, establishing and encouraging an agile working culture in business units.

Currently, I serve as a Director at VALURA and If and Partners in London, where I assist companies in unlocking their potential through business analytics and valuation services. My previous roles include Director of Finance at Taksim International Group Hotels, where I led financial planning and reporting for a hospitality group generating over $20 million annually. My key achievements include achieving a 24% decrease in operating expenses by setting up tight expense control systems and increasing revenues by 32% by optimizing client portfolios.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Director

Current

VALURA

Jan 2024 - Present (1 year 5 months)

As a Director at VALURA, I prepare valuation reports for UK businesses seeking investors or planning a sale. The firm specializes in business analytics and valuation advisory, helping companies maximize their value and performance in emerging markets.

Business Valuation Data Analytics Financial Reporting Client Engagement Market Analysis

Current

Director

Current

If and Partners

Jan 2022 - Present (3 years 5 months)

At If and Partners, I engage with clients to support their growth through services like business formation, financial planning, and market research. The firm operates in both London and Istanbul, focusing on strategic business consulting.

Business Consulting Financial Planning Market Research Client Relations Strategic Development

Director of Finance

Taksim International Group Hotels

Jan 2020 - Aug 2021 (1 year 7 months)

Leading a team of finance professionals responsible for overall financial planning, budgeting and reporting as well as cash management; overseeing operating performance and advising CEO on day-to-day management and longer-term strategic planning; engaging with regulatory bodies including.

Financial Planning Budgeting Cash Management Procurement Team Leadership

Internal Audit Manager

Taksim International Group Hotels

Jan 2015 - Jan 2020 (5 years)

Managed internal audits across the Taksim Group, establishing the first Internal Audit Manual and completing over 100 audit reviews and investigations to enhance operational performance.

Internal Auditing Compliance Risk Management Performance Evaluation Report Writing

Financial Controller

Taksim International Group Hotels

Jan 2010 - Jan 2015 (5 years)

Oversaw financial controlling and analysis for Taksim International, optimizing budgeting processes and reducing costs significantly through detailed financial analysis.

Financial Analysis Budgeting Cost Reduction KPI Reporting Financial Strategy

Operations Manager

Checkup Center

Aug 2007 - Jan 2010 (2 years 5 months)

Managed finance and marketing operations at Checkup Center, enhancing customer satisfaction and increasing profits through new marketing strategies and CRM technologies.

Operations Management Marketing Strategy Customer Satisfaction CRM Technologies Team Leadership

Auditor

PriceWaterhouseCoopers

Jan 2003 - Jan 2005 (2 years)

Conducted financial audits and prepared reports in compliance with IFRS at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, providing services to various local and multinational companies.

Financial Auditing IFRS Compliance Report Preparation Advisory Services Audit Review

Marketing Associate

1to1 Magic

Jan 2001 - Jan 2006 (4 years 11 months)

Planned and designed CRM campaigns for clients at 1to1 Magic, focusing on enhancing customer relationships and engagement in the Polish market.

CRM Campaigns Customer Engagement Marketing Strategy Campaign Planning Client Relations

Marketing Associate

Woonona-Bulli RSL Club

Jan 2000 - Jan 2001 (1 year)

Conducted customer research and developed CRM action plans at Woonona-Bulli RSL Club, contributing to social sport activities and enhancing customer experience.

Customer Research CRM Action Plans Marketing Analysis Event Planning Customer Experience