Fakhra Asghar
Wakefield
Summary
Highly motivated finance professional with over 26 years of experience in accounting and financial analysis. Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling. Demonstrated success in enhancing operational performance and fostering strong interdepartmental relationships to communicate financial needs. Provides mentorship to managers on budget forecasting and cost-reduction strategies.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work history
Finance Manager
Calderdale Council
Halifax, West Yorkshire
2021.08 - Current
- Led finance team, delivering impactful financial advice that enhanced service operations.
- Provided timely and constructive financial advice while identifying innovative solutions.
- Developed and implemented effective finance strategies in collaboration with senior management.
- Managed comprehensive account processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance across all finance activities.
- Proactively identified key financial risks and collaborated with managers to resolve issues.
- Managed financial modelling of new services, assessing legislative impacts on Council.
- Engaged with government departments to optimise funding allocations for Council.
Senior Finance Officer
Calderdale Council
Halifax, West Yorkshire
2002.05 - 2021.08
- Coordinated annual budgeting process, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Supported Budget Managers during budget preparation, monitoring, and year-end account closures.
- Implemented best practices in treasury management, minimising operational risks.
- Analysed and interpreted financial performance data to guide managerial decision-making.
- Conducted service analysis to assist in year-end position and account closures.
- Supervised finance officers and trainees as required, fostering professional development.
Assistant Treasury Accountant
HBOS plc
Halifax, Calderdale
2001.09 - 2002.05
- Performed high-volume daily reconciliations, including intercompany postings and futures reconciliations.
- Completed monthly reporting with general ledger adjustments and accruals.
- Assisted in preparing monthly and quarterly forecasts for group treasury.
- Participated in year-end reporting and integration processes.
Assistant Management Accountant
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Leeds, West Yorkshire
1999.09 - 2001.09
- Provided assistance to management team by generating financial reports as needed.
- Attended meetings with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment.
- Supported month-end and year-end account processes.
- Facilitated general ledger adjustments along with accruals and prepayments.
- Aided in audits and preparation of government returns.
- Contributed to preparation of annual budgets and forecasts, analysing variances against actuals.
- Reconciled bank statements meticulously, leading to error-free records and transparency in transactions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting & Financial Management and Diploma in Professional Studies
Loughborough University
Loughborough /1995 - /1999
CIMA -
CIMA
Skills
- Verbal and written communication
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Financial modelling and analysis
- Microsoft 365 proficiency
- Cross-departmental collaboration
- Strategic planning and oversight
- Attention to detail
- Organisational and time management skills
Timeline
Finance Manager
Calderdale Council
2021.08 - Current
Senior Finance Officer
Calderdale Council
2002.05 - 2021.08
Assistant Treasury Accountant
HBOS plc
2001.09 - 2002.05
Assistant Management Accountant
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
1999.09 - 2001.09
Bachelor of Science - Accounting & Financial Management and Diploma in Professional Studies
Loughborough University
/1995 - /1999
CIMA -
CIMA