Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Technical Tools
Key Competencies And Skills
Timeline
Generic

Jakir Hussain

Finance Director
London,ENG

Summary

Articulate, self-motivated Finance Director with 15+ years of experience in accounting and financial management for SMEs. Recognized for exceptional communication skills, strategic planning, and optimizing financial performance in fast-paced environments. Proven leader in enhancing operational efficiency, driving cost reductions, and delivering actionable insights for organizational growth. Adept at fostering relationships across all levels of the organization and managing multiple priorities with professionalism and focus.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Finance Director

The Squad Management Ltd
London , England
03.2015 - Current
  • Company Overview: (Creative Talent Agency)
  • Prepare and deliver accurate and timely financial reports, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, for both internal management and external stakeholders.
  • Lead the development, preparation, and monitoring of the company’s annual operating budget and financial forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and compliance with relevant financial and statutory requirements.
  • Coordinate the preparation of financial documents and data for external audits, working closely with auditors to facilitate a smooth and efficient audit process.
  • Ensure full compliance with accounting standards and tax regulations, including the preparation and submission of tax returns, VAT filings, and other regulatory reports.
  • Identify and implement process improvements across both finance and non-finance functions to enhance operational efficiency and financial accuracy.
  • Manage the company’s cash flow and liquidity to ensure sufficient funding for ongoing business operations.
  • Oversee core accounting functions, including general ledger maintenance, payroll processing, accounts payable and receivable, and fixed asset management.
  • Oversee and evaluate accounting transactions to ensure compliance with established accounting standards and regulatory guidelines.
  • Provide strategic and financial support to the Board of Directors, contributing to high-level business decisions as a key partner.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with internal departments, senior management, investors, contractors, and external partners on financial and operational matters.
  • Contribute to broader business operations, including HR processes, IT support, and administrative functions as needed.
  • Lead and manage a small team responsible for transactional accounting and administrative tasks, fostering a productive and collaborative work environment.
  • (Creative Talent Agency)
  • Developed and implemented a customized financial system aligned with business objectives, enhancing strategic decision-making and significantly reducing manual administrative work.
  • Automated key internal processes including expense compliance, absence tracking, and HR submissions, streamlining operations for non-finance teams and improving user experience.
  • Strengthening risk management by proactively identifying potential business risks and establishing effective mitigation strategies through continuous assessment and review.
  • Built and led a high-performing finance team, while mentoring non-finance staff to promote cross-functional collaboration and increase overall organizational effectiveness.
  • Improved cash flow and working capital by streamlining accounts receivable and payable, resulting in a measurable reduction in Days Sales Outstanding (DSO).
  • Implemented strong financial controls and reporting frameworks, ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting company assets—now actively used by 10+ team members.
  • Secured funding to support strategic initiatives and business growth through active involvement in investor relations and financing efforts.
  • Led financial due diligence and acquisition support for expansion into new business opportunities.
  • Negotiated favorable commercial lease terms, driving cost savings and enabling scalable operational growth.

Head of Finance

cer Recruitment Group
London
10.2008 - 02.2015
  • Company Overview: (Financial Recruitment agency)
  • Independently managed the finance function for two companies with a combined annual turnover exceeding £6 million, ensuring robust financial governance and operational efficiency.
  • Provided senior management with strategic financial insights for informed decision making.
  • Managed budgeting process, ensuring accurate forecasting and timely adjustments to meet business needs.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align financial goals with overall company objectives.
  • Strengthened communication between finance department and other business units, fostering an environment of collaboration across the organization.
  • Oversaw annual audit process, ensuring accurate representation of financial position in accordance with GAAP standards.
  • Reduced overhead costs by identifying inefficiencies and implementing cost-saving measures.
  • Developed finance team talent through targeted training programs and regular performance evaluations.
  • Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements by staying abreast of industry changes and updating policies accordingly.
  • Streamlined vendor payment processes, improving relationships while reducing processing time and errors.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers for more favorable terms, resulting in significant cost savings.
  • Managed debt financing activities, negotiating favorable terms to minimize borrowing costs.
  • Enhanced financial reporting accuracy through the development of comprehensive internal controls.
  • Drove revenue growth by identifying key performance indicators and optimizing pricing strategies.
  • Led implementation of new ERP system, increasing efficiency within the finance department while enhancing data visibility.
  • Optimized cash flow management through efficient working capital strategies and investment decisions.
  • Improved financial operations by streamlining processes and implementing new accounting systems.
  • Implemented a robust budget variance analysis process to identify discrepancies early on and improve future planning initiatives.
  • Implemented risk management practices to mitigate potential losses and safeguard company assets.
  • Prepared monthly reconciliation of bank accounts and took corrective actions on deviations.
  • Assisted with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new department employees.
  • Checked payroll, vendor payments, commissions and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
  • Spearheaded merger and acquisition activities, successfully integrating acquired companies into existing financial structures.
  • Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
  • Established and checked coding procedures, monitored reports and updated internal files.

Accounts Coordinator

EuroStaff Group
London
03.2008 - 10.2008
  • Responsible for maintaining and reconciling the sales and purchase ledger control accounts.
  • Entering Purchase and Sales invoices into SAGE.
  • Checking contractor time sheets and invoices.
  • Managing and recording daily payments (cash flow) into SAGE.
  • Preparing and monitoring monthly income and expenditure accounts.
  • Responsible for journal preparation for bank, payroll, accruals, salary etc.
  • In charge of Client and Supplier payments.
  • Responsible for credit Control, Complex debts & legal action procedure.
  • Resolving queries such as contractors’ payment, invoices.
  • Coordinating staff’s commission.
  • Responsible for multi-currency bank reconciliation and preparing control accounts.
  • Maintenance of the Fixed Asset register including raising assets and product numbers.

Accounts Assistant

Lismore Recruitment
01.2007 - 02.2008
  • Processed payments and documents such as invoices, journal vouchers, employee reimbursements, and statements.
  • Supported the accounting team with month-end closing procedures, ensuring timely completion and accurate reporting.
  • Prepared and mailed invoices to customers, processed payments, and documented account updates.
  • Performed administrative and clerical duties such as word processing, data entry, faxing and copying.
  • Reduced errors in data entry by implementing a system of double-checking and cross-referencing information.
  • Improved cash flow management by monitoring accounts receivable and following up on overdue invoices.
  • Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
  • Recorded deposits, reconciled monthly bank accounts and tracked expenses.
  • Inspected account books and recorded transactions.

Education

School
Sylhet

AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) - Accounting

Barking College
London, ENG
01.2004 - 01.2007

CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) - Accounting

London School of Business
London, ENG
02.2010 - 01.2013

Skills

  • Experienced with MS Office applications

  • Excel data analysis skills

  • Knowledge of UK GAAP and IFRS

  • FX market analysis

  • SAGE software knowledge

  • Xero software expertise

  • Bookkeeping expertise

  • Salesforce platform knowledge

  • Budgeting and forecasting skills

  • Financial planning

  • Cash Flow Management

  • Stakeholder Engagement

  • Foreign exchange management

Technical Tools

  • SAGE, Xero, Salesforce, Booker
  • MS Excel (Advanced), Microsoft Office Suite
  • FX Management

Key Competencies And Skills

  • MS office, Excel
  • Regulatory compliance (UK GAAP, IFRS)
  • FX (foreign exchange)
  • SAGE, XERO, Booker
  • Salesforce platform
  • SME Business with Service & Creative agency

Timeline

Finance Director

The Squad Management Ltd
03.2015 - Current

CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) - Accounting

London School of Business
02.2010 - 01.2013

Head of Finance

cer Recruitment Group
10.2008 - 02.2015

Accounts Coordinator

EuroStaff Group
03.2008 - 10.2008

Accounts Assistant

Lismore Recruitment
01.2007 - 02.2008

AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) - Accounting

Barking College
01.2004 - 01.2007

School
Jakir HussainFinance Director