RAFAEL NAVAS DEL PERAL

In my current role, I lead financial oversight, and compliance across MENA network. My focus is on accurate reporting, ensuring regulatory compliance, mitigating risks, and supporting strategic initiatives that improve operational efficiency and strengthen financial integrity, audit readiness results and leadership alignment through robust controllership and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Achievements:

-Partnered with global teams and cross-functional departments to enhance financial oversight, compliance, and collaboration across 9 countries - (UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, Kuwait, Turkey), FCB Horizon (competitor of MCN in the region) & South Africa (Mccann, FCB SA & Lowe South Africa)

- Managed end-to-end financial reporting for 81 entities, ensuring adherence to US GAAP, SOX, and local regulations.

- In charge of reviewing on a monthly basis the financial closures, KPI's, monthly budget variances and revenue growth.

- Designed and executed control frameworks and SOX compliance strategy for 32 control locations across 9 countries.

- Developed a comprehensive control documentation matrix for the Dubai Shared Services center, improving audit readiness and internal control compliance.

- Conducted annual risk assessments and quarterly KPI reviews to define SOX scope and prioritize compliance efforts.

- Based on-site visit audits, identified and addressed control deficiencies, partnering with CFOs and Controllers to develop sustainable, risk-based remediation plans.

- Delivered targeted training on corporate tools, policies, and accounting standards, improving compliance adherence and operational consistency.

- Lead a regional controller finance team of 2 professionals and ensured consistency, accuracy and compliance across a multinational communication network.

- Specialized in US GAAP policies and principles.

During this period, I provided financial support across all networks in MENA region, ensuring strong internal controls, compliance with US GAAP, and adherence to corporate policies. I partnered with regional and country teams to mitigate risks, improve reporting accuracy.

Key Achievements:

- Conducted on-site visit audits to evaluate operational controls, identify improvements, and ensure alignment with corporate standards.

- Enhanced reporting reliability by directing monthly and quarterly submissions and resolving agency-level discrepancies.

- Coordination and communication with other functional groups in the Regional Controller’s Team to facilitate enhanced accounting support of the agencies in the cluster (Contract compliance, Tax Reporting and PWC).

- Specialized in US GAAP policies and principles.

During this period, I was in charge in a monthly basis of finance close of all EMEA Lowe division, supporting and being a link between all agencies and corporate division in the US.

Key achievements:

- Preparation of consolidated report (P&L, Balance and revenue) of EMEA Lowe division for decision-making by management.

- Interim Area Controller in the Asia Pacific region. Member of a 3 month rotation program in the Regional Controllers team office in Hong Kong. Performed financial audits in Mccann Beijing, Mccann Bangkok, Goling Harris Hong Kong and Mccann Guangzhou.

Assisting and supporting the Manager of Mccann, to carry out monthly close procedures (intercompany, Consolidated figures of Bs, P&L).

Working with GES CFO, I was in charge of monthly finance close of entire unit; Accounting consolidation and monthly analytical analysis (including margin by sector and activity).

Key Achievements:

- Treasury (Management of Bank accounts of the group (Cash-pooling), In addition, Management of clients in order to assess recovery (client collections).

- Participation in financial due diligence during 2006.

- Analysed complex financial reports to identify potential cost savings.

- Liaised with external auditors to ensure full regulatory compliance.

- Streamlined accounting procedures for increased operational efficiency.

- Participated in strategic planning meetings, offering valuable financial insights.

Internship at finance department of GES (Gamesa Energy and Services). functions: Accounting, Client Collections, supplier payments

• Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
• Improved efficiency and productivity by acquiring new skills.

4 months Internship at Technical Department (Technical and administrative management of different contingencies covered, economic, health and social benefits).

• Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
• Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.