Alaiha Ashraf, ACA
Karachi,Pakistan
Summary
Experienced audit professional with a strong track record in leading and managing audits across various industries, including financial services, manufacturing, stock exchanges, NPOs, and staff retirement benefit funds. Proficient in using Leap Software for audit execution, data analysis, and report generation. Skilled in IFRS, US GAAP, ISAs, and audit technologies. Known for delivering audits within budgeted hours and managing time and costs effectively. Experienced in designing audit procedures, conducting risk assessments, and presenting findings to senior management. Proven ability to mentor junior auditors, lead teams, and collaborate with international clients on cross-border engagements.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Audit Senior
Grant Thornton
Karachi, Pakistan
12.2020 - 10.2024
- Took accountability for researching and understanding key facts on client industry information before engagement begins.
- Communicated with Manager/Partner on engagement progress – risks, issues, variances from time and budget plans.
- Took full ownership of external file completion.
- Independently performed audit of listed and public entity under critical deadline, directly involved in engagement quality control review with senior manager.
- Analyzed engagement economics for self and field staff, explaining variances from budget.
- Reviewed work of associates, providing on-job training, coaching, and constructive feedback for career growth.
- Ensured compliance with risk, quality, and independence matters.
- Assisted in business development by identifying and researching opportunities for new/existing clients, building and maintaining strong client relationships.
- Engaged effectively with diverse teams from planning to completion phase, following up on task progress to meet timelines and internal KPIs.
- Identified potential risks through internal audits.
- Managed daily task distribution for team to ensure even workload.
- Liaised with team members to ensure assignments met agreed terms.
- Assisted in completing audit jobs from planning to finalization.
Audit Senior
Grant Thornton Cayman Islands (remote secondment)
Karachi, Pakistan
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Used analytical skills to analyze client financial statements, ensuring adherence to financial regulations.
- Examined financial and accounting records, documents, and tangible items.
- Supported senior auditing teams with risk-based audit planning and delivery.
- Liaised with senior staff to investigate and resolve complex transactions and discrepancies.
- Optimized financial reporting by completing accurate disclosure checklists, documenting in company databases, and working on Pentana checklist for multiple Cayman Islands clients.
- Assisted senior auditors in the comprehensive investigation of financial irregularities.
- Reviewed financial statements, gathering and analyzing data to verify accurate representation of transactions.
- Understood internal and industry requirements to achieve compliant, quality audits.
- Ensured compliance with regulations and laws through thorough review of financial statements.
Education
INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF PAKISTAN (ICAP)
ASSOCIATION OF CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS
Skills
- Proficient in using Leap and Voyager Software for efficient audit execution, data analysis, and report generation
- In-depth knowledge of IFRS, ISAs, and audit technologies, with experience working on US GAAP, ensuring high-quality, compliant audits
- Led audits as Team Lead and Audit Incharge, managing end-to-end audit processes, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and coordinating cross-functional teams
- Skilled in designing audit procedures, conducting risk assessments, and determining materiality thresholds
- Audited clients across financial services, manufacturing, retail, technology, and healthcare, demonstrating versatility and adaptability
- Managed audits for diverse clients, showcasing extensive experience in client servicing
- Delivered audits within budgeted hours, recognized for effective time management and cost control
- Delivered audits on time, within budget, receiving positive appraisals for performance
- Collaborated with international clients, worked on cross-border engagements, navigating complex regulatory environments
- Mentored and coached junior auditors, leading teams to achieve client objectives while ensuring adherence to auditing standards
- Strong communication skills in presenting findings, offering alternative solutions, and delivering audit conclusions to senior management and clients
- Contributed to business development efforts, expanding client portfolios and strengthening client relationships
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Affiliations
- Book reading, painting
Certification
- Attended in-house training on audit methodology, risk and assurance, and IFRS updates.
- Completed a presentation and communication skills course.
- Participated in training on professional values, ethics, and attitudes.
- Delivered training on firm methodology to staff members.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Audit Senior
Grant Thornton Cayman Islands (remote secondment)
01.2024 - 05.2024
Audit Senior
Grant Thornton
12.2020 - 10.2024
INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF PAKISTAN (ICAP)
ASSOCIATION OF CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS
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