Ishaq Ali Shah

ISHAQ ALI SHAH Name Permanent Home Address Present Home Address Contact Number Email & Skype Contact Details Ishaq Ali Shah Village Zargarandeh, P/O, Tehsil & District Lower Chitral House No 2841, Mohalah Fatumandi, Jogan Shah, Dabgari Mundaberi, Peshawar +92 -, WhatsApp /Mobile+ 92 --, Skype: ishaaaque Profile Highly accomplished finance professional with 16 years of experience in the development sector, managing multimillion-dollar projects funded by notable donors. Expertise in grant management, financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and donor reporting. Proficient in overseeing financial operations, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Experienced in project close-out processes, liquidity managements, and financial documentation. Assisted senior officials in making strategic decisions while improving administrative and financial processes, with a solid understanding of donor regulations to boost organizational success. Professional Experience 2020 - 2021 – Grant & Budget Consultant 2017 - 2020 – Admin & Finance Manager 2016 - 2017 – Finance Manager 2014 - 2016 – Senior Finance Officer 2008 - 2014 – Asst. Manager Finance & Admin 2005 - 2008 – Finance & Admin Officer Academic Qualifications o Master of Commerce (M. Com), University of the Peshawar, Pakistan (with Distinction) Professional Experience Oct 2020 - Sep 2021 Grant & Budget Consultant, Wildlife Conservation Society, Asia Program (Remote) Executed vital responsibilities to support efficient financial, budget, and grant management as well as personnel development in accordance with the organization's policies. Specific Tasks; o Reviewed donor financial reports to check for accuracy and ensure compliance with regulations before submission. o Examined budget proposals, facilitated development of budget vs. actual reports, and other budgets and provided financial analysis insights. o Guided personnel on WCS procedures, including grant code requests, sub-award agreements, and compliance protocols, enhancing understanding through feedback. o Developed analyses to support country and regional programs for effective financial management. o Identified training needs for staff, leading to improved productivity and performance. July 2017 - July 2020 Administration and Finance Manager, WCS Pakistan Country Program Office, Jutial, Gilgit Accountable for overseeing administration, human resources, financial operations, purchasing, logistics, and inventory to guarantee efficiency, effectiveness, precision, timely procedures, and adherence to regulations of the organization. Specific Tasks; Financial Management and Accounting; o Managed program finances and accounting, ensuring accurate expense tracking, timely disbursements, and compliance with regulations. o Collaboration with the head office on financial aspects ensured the timely resolution of issues and the production of accurate donor financial reports that met donor and organizational standards. o Ensured budgetary control by delivering accurate spending records regularly to prevent overspending and keep stakeholders informed on fund availability and the state of finances. o Executed bank transfers, managed banking operations and petty cash, ensured transparency, maintained records, and reduced discrepancies, preventing payment delays. o Effective financial oversight of project infrastructure and non-expandable assets ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, highlighting the importance of timely registration of vehicles, housing, and office spaces. o Ensured compliance with customs, labor laws, and taxation as the representative for program communications and audits, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing risks. Administration and Human Resources Management; o Improved operational efficiency through internal procedures and office policies. o Oversaw employment contracts, termination notices, final settlements, and managed staff holidays, yearly leave, and schedules, as per program regulations and labor laws. o Stay updated on WCS policies, guidelines, and local regulations for compliance. o Secure storage and organization of office records for easy audit access. o Supervision and guidance improved support staff efficiency significantly. o Managed office, stationery, supplies and equipment to ensure essential items were always available. Asset Procurement and Logistics; o Acquired services and equipment in compliance with procurement guidelines. P a g e | 1/3 Helped organize logistics for visits, meetings, workshops, and events on time. Maintained an inventory of non-expendable equipment through systematic cataloging and labeling, enhancing precision and tracking efficiency. o Donated and sold all non-expandable equipment according to policies and regulations. Other Tasks; o WCS-Pakistan's documents are archived systematically under policies and legal obligations. o Tasks related to HR, administration, and finance as assigned. Mar 2016 - Jun 2017 Finance Manager, WCS Pakistan Country Program Office, Jutial, Gilgit Supervise operational services and coordinate human resources for program efficiency and financial results. Specific Tasks; o Financial management of country program office, ensuring budget compliance, timely reporting, cost optimization, and effective cash flow management. o Guidelines and HR policies were developed, managing staff contracts, compensation, benefits, vacation, and schedules per labor laws. o Ensured compliance with laws to mitigate risks in program activities. o Prompt accounting and reporting of project expenditures improved accuracy and efficiency in financial and donor reports. o Developed bylaws, agreements, audit reports, and registration documents to ensure compliance with legal and donor requirements. o Regularly sharing spending reports and finances along with creating project specific and annual budgets improved forecasting, kept funds available, and cut unnecessary costs. o Supervised bank transfers and operations and expenditures and aided in accurate budgeting for potential funding sources, resulting in swift reconciliations, and fund distribution. o Effective financial supervision of project infrastructure focuses on prompt payments and cost control through leases or rentals, insurance, and registration. o Managed domestic revenue sources and logistics for expatriates, improving visa processing and travel arrangements, leading to increased revenue. o Training modules and sessions were developed to enhance office and financial management skills for community-based organizations (CBOs). o Any additional responsibilities jointly designated by the WCS Country Program and the head office. o o Mar 2014 - Feb 2016 Senior Finance Officer - WWF Pakistan, Regional Office, Karachi Managed financial activities, emphasizing cost efficiency, minimization of errors, management of liquidity, budgeting, and adherence to regulations. o The voucher review improved record accuracy by correcting errors from regional and field offices. o New accounts were established in ACCPAC, streamlining cross-charging and enhancing timeliness. o Effective oversight of correspondence, communication, and coordination with head and site offices has improved timeliness, issue resolution, and operational efficiency. o Prepared and reconciled financial reports through detailed analysis and discrimination, enhancing decision-making support. o Financial oversight, compliance, and operational efficiency improved through the analysis of staff and third-party advance analysis and budget line adjustments. o Resolved document deficiencies, addressed observations, and prepared liquidity requests, improving compliance and cash flow supervision. o Established quarterly and annual budgets, created project financial proposals and an annual budget, and improved financial planning efficiency. o Collaborated with project managers to analyze, process, and consolidate Financial Reports, resulting in improved financial precision, operational efficiency, and enhanced project administration. o Started financial close-out, helped with audits, and strengthened organizational compliance. o Identified training, and staffing, reviewed agreements, contracts, and MoUs, enhancing skill development and effective contract administration. Feb 2008 - Feb 2014 Assistant Manager Finance and Administration, WWF Pakistan, Regional Office, Peshawar Supervised the operational activities of six field offices along with a regional office, improving operational efficiency, optimizing resources, enhancing coordination, addressing issues, ensuring compliance, and fulfilling organizational goals. o Receipts, payments, and journal vouchers reviewed for accuracy and compliance. o Prepared and analyzed accounting records and financial statements for compliance. o Compiled tax returns and calculated owed taxes to ensure legal compliance. o Assisted auditors in ensuring compliance with policies, donor requirements, and regulations. o Budgets and financial proposals were formulated for projects, ensuring alignment with objectives and funding standards, while emphasizing control and monitoring of financial allocations. o Maintained budgets, identified variances, and provided financial information. o Evaluating project operations and finances resulted in recommendations that enhanced teamwork, increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved planning and risk management. o Set up project tables of accounts and improved financial tracking and analysis. o Created and reviewed budgets and prepared BVA reports to improve spending and resource use. P a g e | 2/3 Guidance was provided to management on resource allocation, taxation, and budget forecast assumptions to improve decisions. o Strategies are proposed to optimize compensation, contracting, leasing, outsourcing, and fund management for better financial oversight and returns. o Analyzed financial issues and proposed control measures for improvement. o Organized meetings, coordinated logistics, arranged travel, and supported regional offices, improved collaboration and efficiency, reducing bottlenecks. July 2005 - Jan 2008 Finance & Administration Officer WWF Pakistan, Field Office, Chitral Accountable for overseeing financial resources and administrative operations while improving human resource support services in project and field locations. o Evaluated and processed vendor and staff invoices to ensure timely payments, minimize errors, comply with regulations, and prevent fraud. o Implemented financial discipline, enhancing compliance and reducing disparities. o Managed bank ledgers and petty cash, ensuring accurate monthly statements. o Developed and managed project budget, financial proposals and quarterly budgets aligned with annual budgets, producing financial reports and variance analyses for enhanced decision-making. o Managed payroll and reconciled ledger accounts for timely and accurate payments. o Managed asset mobility and fleet operations, ensuring insurance coverage, for complete tracking, increased utilization, reduced costs, and mitigated financial risks. o Coordinated staff travel, including accommodations and transportation, ensuring policy adherence. o Supporting internal audits across multiple projects led to improved compliance, minimized risks, and increased accuracy in record-keeping. o Areas of Expertise o Accounting and Financial Management o Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting o Grant Oversight and Project Execution o Financial and Donor Reporting and Analysis o Procurement, Logistics, and Inventory Supervision o Software proficiency (SAP & ACCPAC) and Advanced Excel o Documentation, HRM and INGO registration o Compliance and Audit Support o Project & Program Close-Out Procedures Manuals/Documents Developed/Trainings Delivered & Achievements o Prepared “Annual Plans of Action” and “Assets Disposition Plan” for WCS Pakistan. o Developed “Financial Management Manual” for CBOs of WCS Pakistan. o Developed an “Office Management Manual” for community organizations (COs) of WCS Pakistan. o COs representatives of Nanga Parbat Conservancy Diamer were trained in "Accounting & Office Management." o Received Long Service Award from WWF Pakistan on 12th August 2014. o Prepared “Guidelines for the Operation & Maintenance of Biogas Plants.” o Assisted Internal Audit of Pakistan Wetlands Program from 06th December - 24th December 2010. o Organized “Exhibition on Renewable Energy Technologies” at Nathiagali (June 18 - 19, 2010). o Trained CBO representatives of Nathiagali in “Accounting & Office Management” (Nov 24, 2009). Trainings/ Workshops/Conferences Attended o Attended FY2020 Financial Conference in Bali Indonesia from October 17 – October 26, 2019. o Participated in the Asia Finance Conference from January 7–January 13, 2018, at Hua Hin, Thailand. o Attended four-day SAP training from June 16 to June 20, 2016, in Nonthaburi, Thailand. o Received training on Personal Effectiveness organized by Carnelian on December 15, 2015. o Participated in the Financial Planning Workshop for IPs organized by ASF on 15th April 2013. o Attended three days of SAGE ACCPAC 500 ERP training from June 17 to June 19, 2008, at WWFPakistan Lahore, covering System Manager, General Ledger, Financial Reporter, Installation/Technical Training, and Multicurrency from Hussain Chaudhury Consulting. o Received training in Participatory Planning, Leadership Skills, and Organizational Behavior from March 12-14, 2007, at Protected Areas Management Project office, Chitral. o Received five days of training from WWF-Pakistan Lahore Office on Administration, Human Resource Management, and Accpac (Data Restoration, Budgeting and Financial Reporting). o Participated in HR Fundamental Workshop at WWF-Pakistan Lahore office on 3rd April 2006. References o Monica Tyler, Ex-Director, Asia Conservation Operations, WCS NY, USA, Email:-o Dr. Stephane Ostrowki, Sr. Technical Advisor, WCS Inner Asia Region, Email:-o Dr. Amjad Tahir Virk, Ex-County Representative, WCS Pakistan, Email:-o Sajid Ullah Jan, Manager Operations, WRAP Project, WWF-Pakistan, Email:-o Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, Director Forests, WWF-Pakistan, Email:-o Dr. Masood Arshad, Senior Director Programs, WWF-Pakistan, Email:- P a g e | 3/3