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Zahrah Aftab

@zahrahaftab

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Ambitious finance professional with extensive experience in risk management.

United Kingdom

Message

What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that offers growth opportunities and a collaborative culture.

I am a Chartered Accountant with a wealth of experience in both practice and industry, dedicated to achieving my professional goals. My journey began with my education at the University of Liverpool, where I earned a first-class BSc Honors in Accounting & Finance. I qualified as an ICAS CA in 2015, passing all exams on my first attempt. My career has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for operational risk management.

In my current role as Controls & Compliance Manager at Arthur J Gallagher, I lead the Risks and Controls Self Assessment across the Insurer Broker Accounts Division. My responsibilities include senior stakeholder management, feasibility analysis on new controls, and delivering training on risk events. Previously, I served as Finance Operational Risk Director at Morgan Stanley, where I developed risk policies and procedures, and managed audit committee reporting. My experience spans various sectors, including finance, energy, and logistics, where I have consistently delivered results and driven process improvements.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Controls & Compliance Manager

Current

Arthur J Gallagher

Mar 2024 - Present (1 year 4 months)

Led Risks and Controls Self Assessment (RCSA) across the Insurer Broker Accounts (IBA) Division, managing senior key stakeholders and proposing solutions to Heads of Departments. Conducted feasibility analysis on new controls build-out and operation, while also managing projects like the IBA Process Catalogue and SoP training.

Risk Operations Process Improvement Project Management Stakeholder Management Risk Assessment

Finance Operational Risk Director

Morgan Stanley

Jan 2018 - Present (7 years 6 months)

Directed Operational Risk Framework Governance and Compliance, including developing risk policies, procedures, and delivering training. Served as SME in risk application (OpenPages), leading deep dive reviews of controls and building new risk metrics. Managed senior stakeholders and led projects to drive multi-locational efficiencies.

Risk Management Policy Development Process Improvement Stakeholder Management OpenPages Financial Reporting

Director

Advance Accountants Limited

Jan 2017 - Present (8 years 6 months)

Served as a director of a limited company, providing comprehensive accounting services to clients. Managed all aspects of company operations, including maintaining company accounts, raising invoices, and handling VAT and Corporation Tax returns. Liaised directly with Companies House and HMRC to ensure compliance.

Accounting VAT Returns Corporate Tax Financial Management Invoicing Companies House

Group Financial Reporting

ScottishPower Plc

Jan 2017 - Present (8 years 6 months)

Prepared and reviewed consolidated and subsidiary accounts, performing month-end duties such as journals, analytical reviews, and balance sheet reconciliations. Managed the preparation of group reporting packs and identified process efficiencies. Played a key role in IFRS 16 implementation, including data collection and technical assessment.

Financial Reporting GAAP IFRS SAP Analytical Skills

Audit Executive

Ernst & Young

Jan 2012 - Present (13 years 6 months)

Led audit engagements for a diverse client portfolio, including performing Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) controls testing and managing multi-location US GAAP audits. Acted as audit lead, managing risks, issues, and variances from budget while ensuring timely delivery. Audited complex technical areas such as revenue recognition and stock valuation.

Audit Sarbanes Oxley Act US GAAP IFRS Financial Reporting Risk Management Team Leadership Stakeholder Management Data Analysis

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Unknown

A Levels, General Studies

Grade: 4As 2Bs

Completed A Levels with strong academic performance, achieving 4 A's and 2 B's. This foundational education prepared for university-level studies.

Unknown

GCSEs, General Studies

Grade: 6A*s 4 As

Achieved excellent results in GCSEs, securing 6 A*s and 4 A's. This comprehensive secondary education provided a broad knowledge base.

ICAS

Chartered Accountant, Accountancy

Grade: 1st time passes on all exams

Achieved Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification through ICAS, passing all exams on the first attempt. This rigorous program provided a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and practices.

University of Liverpool

Bachelor of Science with Honors, Accounting & Finance

Grade: 1st Class

Graduated with First Class Honors in Accounting & Finance. The curriculum covered core accounting principles, financial management, and economic analysis.