Yusra Khaliq Shaikh

Yusra Khaliq Shaikh

Director Business Planning and Reporting

Nürnberg, Germany

#OpenToWork

About

I am a Finance & Business Controlling professional with multinational experience supporting operational and leadership teams through financial steering, forecasting, and performance analysis. Most recently at August Leadership, I have been working in this field since at least 2014, accumulating nearly a decade of experience. My work spans budgeting, variance analysis, KPI reporting, and cross-functional collaboration across global teams. I have built and enhanced BI dashboards using Power BI, improved forecast accuracy and reporting processes, and worked extensively with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, and Quickbooks. I have also developed advanced Excel financial models and delivered data-driven insights to support decision-making.

What I'm looking for

Financial Analyst, Finance Manager, Buisness Planning & Analysis, Accounting Manager

Experience

August Leadership

Director Business Planning and Reporting

August Leadership

Feb 2023 – Jan 2024

Finance & Business Controlling professional with multinational experience supporting operational and leadership teams through financial steering, forecasting, and performance analysis. Proven track record in improving forecast accuracy, optimizing reporting processes, and delivering data-driven insights that support decision-making. Strong background in budgeting, variance analysis, KPI reporting, and cross- functional collaboration across global teams. Skilled in ERP and BI tools with a focus on process improvement and digital reporting solutions.

Financial SteeringForecastingERP Systems

Associate Director Reporting and Budgeting

GroupM WPP Group

Mar 2018 – Feb 2023

Led forecasting and budgeting cycles, improving forecast accuracy by 25% through enhanced financial models and scenario analysis. Supported monthly and quarterly reporting and planning processes with high data accuracy and on- time delivery. Reduced month-end closing timeline by two days by streamlining reporting workflows. Performed detailed Actual vs Forecast variance analysis and provided management commentary to support decision-making. Identified and implemented cost optimization initiatives, reducing operational expenses by 20%. Delivered profitability and margin analysis across client portfolios, improving margins by 10%. Led business planning, forecasting, and performance reporting activities across functions. Improved forecast reliability by 30% through structured planning and variance tracking. Built and enhanced BI dashboards to strengthen KPI visibility and operational performance tracking. Analyzed Actuals vs Forecast and identified financial risks and opportunities. Supported leadership with forward-looking financial insights and scenario evaluations. Improved reporting processes and data quality controls. Collaborated with senior stakeholders to translate financial data into strategic actions.

Financial ModelingForecastingPower BI

Senior Audit Associate

Grant Thorthon

Jul 2014 – Jan 2016

Reviewed audit processes, recommending enhancements to control deficiencies. Managed audit planning and reporting, delivering actionable insights to client management. Improved audit programs to align with global best practices and regulatory standards. Prepared detailed monthly reports, summarizing financial performance and variance analysis. Investigated variances, ensuring adjustments aligned with company procedures. Supported service cost analysis and provided financial insights for budget adjustments.

Audit PlanningVariance AnalysisFinancial Reporting

Assistant Manger Reporting

Thal Limited Habib Group

ReportingFinancial AnalysisBudgeting

Education

Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes University

Bachelor’s · Applied Sciences

2019 – 2020
University of Karachi

University of Karachi

Bachelor’s · commerce

2012 – 2014

Certifications

Association of Chartered Certified Accountant

ACCA

2016 – No expiry

Skills

KPI AnalysisBusiness PlanningManagement ReportingFinancial ReportingBudegting and ForecastingFinancial Analysis

Languages

English (Full professional proficiency)German (Limited working proficiency)