Esma Akkus
Winnersh,United Kingdom
Summary
A dedicated leader with over two decades of experience, adept at delivering high-profile audit and assurance engagements, developing talent, and driving quality. Embracing a continuous growth mindset, thrives under pressure and adapts to challenges with ingenuity and resilience.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Director, Audit & Assurance
Deloitte
Reading, UK
2018.01 - 2026.03
- Led complex audit engagements for multinational technology clients.
- Oversaw large audit teams, consistently delivering high-quality audits with a strong focus on client service.
- Directed PCAOB audits, IPO preparation, and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) control audits.
- Secured a new PCAOB engagement through business development efforts within the last two years.
- Directed continuous improvement initiatives, enhancing project management and audit transformation processes.
Chief Financial Officer
Health and Education Foundation Group (SEV)
2012.01 - 2017.01
- Reported directly to the General Manager, assuming accountability for the Group's financial, compliance, and risk management operations.
- Led the finance teams across ten Group entities, comprising over 30 professionals.
- Directed financial reporting and budgeting activities, enhancing transparency and accountability.
- Coordinated and reported financial performance and forecasts to the Board of Directors.
- Monitored and guided the Group`s five-year strategic business plans
Senior Manager, Corporate Finance
Deloitte
Istanbul
2008.01 - 2012.01
- Conducted due diligences on behalf of multinational investors and publicly traded companies, operating primarily in the manufacturing, energy and resources and life sciences & healthcare sectors
- Managed valuation and feasibility analysis projects
- Build relationships and established credibility with senior target personnel, company owners and investors, receiving positive feedback on project management performance from both key contacts within target companies and investors
- Managed engagements on a day-to-day basis, supervising staff, coordinating communication with target management, and providing regular feedback to investors.
- Developed project proposals, defining the scope, budget, and timeline for due diligence engagements aimed at business enhancement.
- Lectured on due diligence courses to business administration students at Bosphorus University
Senior Associate to Manager, Audit
Deloitte
Istanbul
2006.01 - 2008.01
- Responsible from audit engagements primarily in the manufacturing and service sector in accordance with US GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
- Led audit teams by preparation of audit strategy and business plans, developing work plans and goals, setting and monitoring budgets, scheduling audits and managing the analysis of client control processes and proper presentation of financial statements
- Facilitated and coordinated client meetings for the audit engagements and sustained relationship with senior level client personnel through executive briefings and discussions
- Mentored and trained staff and team members about technical issues
- Managed Initial Public Offering engagements
Assistant Manager, Audit
Deloitte
Southampton, UK
2005.01 - 2006.01
- Directed staff, planned and performed audit of financial statements on a day-to-day basis
- Ran audit engagements of companies in the manufacturing sector in accordance with IFRS and performed internal controls testing in accordance to Sarbanes Oxley procedures
- Being awarded for outstanding performance for FY2005
Education
Bachelor of Science - Economics
Bogazici (Bosphorus) University
Istanbul 1997.01 - 2001.01
Executive MBA -
Koc University
Istanbul 2007.01 - 2008.01
Skills
- MS Office Tools (advanced level)
- Turkish (Native), English (Fluent), German (Beginner)
- Decision-Making competency
- High-value project management
Certification
- Certified Public Accountant (Turkish Certification) since 2005
- ACCA Student – 4 courses remaining
Timeline
Director, Audit & Assurance
Deloitte
2018.01 - 2026.03
Chief Financial Officer
Health and Education Foundation Group (SEV)
2012.01 - 2017.01
Senior Manager, Corporate Finance
Deloitte
2008.01 - 2012.01
Executive MBA -
Koc University
2007.01 - 2008.01
Senior Associate to Manager, Audit
Deloitte
2006.01 - 2008.01
Assistant Manager, Audit
Deloitte
2005.01 - 2006.01
Bachelor of Science - Economics
Bogazici (Bosphorus) University
1997.01 - 2001.01