MOHAMMAD ZAVIAR ARIF, ACA
Karachi,Pakistan
Summary
Chartered accountant with 6 years of external audit experience at Big 4 firms, currently serving as an Assistant Manager. Expertise in leading audits for major manufacturing and financial services entities, including the largest asset management company and mutual funds in the country. Proficient in audit planning, risk assessment, IFRS application, and complex consolidations. Demonstrated leadership in managing teams and engaging with multinational clients.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Senior Associate II | Assistant Manager – External Audit (Financial Services)
PwC – A.F. Ferguson & Co., Chartered Accountants
Karachi, Pakistan
2024.10 - 2026.07
- Manage statutory audit for largest asset management company, life insurance company, and investment holding entities, encompassing multiple Public Interest Entities (PIEs).
- Manage portfolio of ~7 clients and 18 audit engagements, leading teams of 20+ audit professionals and reporting directly to Partners and Directors.
- Manage audits involving IFRS 17 implementation exposure, IFRS 9, IFRS 16, and regulatory compliance certifications.
- Review of plan and execution of audits involving complex group structures, consolidations, and component auditors, applying revised ISA 600 and ensuring compliance with IFRS and local regulatory requirements.
- Perform and review risk assessments, materiality, audit strategies, and detailed working papers across key financial statement areas.
- Review audit documentation, cleared review notes, and finalised audit reports ensuring compliance with firm quality standards.
- Actively involved in process of external quality control reviews (QCR) for PIE clients..
- Demonstrate leadership and team coordination as Assistant Manager across multiple audit engagements, overseeing audit teams, timelines, and client communication.
- Actively mentor, coach, and formally train junior staff. Delivered firm-approved technical training sessions to 50+ associates on substantive audit procedures and audit software.
- Clearly demonstrates ongoing commitment to personal and professional development through continuing education and development.
Audit Executive / Senior Associate I / Audit Associate II
PwC – A.F. Ferguson & Co., Chartered Accountants
Karachi, Pakistan
2020.12 - 2024.09
- Led and supervised audits and reviews for insurance companies, mutual funds, asset management, listed corporates, and multinational groups.
- Managed audits for group reporting, multi-entity consolidations, foreign subsidiaries, and special purpose consolidations, ensuring comprehensive financial oversight.
- Conducted audits of insurance businesses with complex product structures, actuarial coordination, and regulatory reporting requirements.
- Executed audit procedures across financial statement areas, including revenue, investments, insurance liabilities, and financial instruments, enhancing accuracy and compliance.
- Participated in internal controls and group reporting engagements, strengthening understanding of control environments and governance.
- Supported timely completion and finalisation of statutory audit reports in accordance with regulatory deadlines and firm quality requirements.
- Developed Power BI dashboards to support analytical procedures and risk assessment during audit planning.
- Progressed rapidly through roles, including early promotion, reflecting strong technical and leadership performance.
Associate Consultant – Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting (ICFR)
PwC Middle East – Abu Dhabi (Secondment)
Abu Dhabi, UAE
2023.08 - 2024.01
- Assigned to overseas internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) engagement for large listed real estate group.
- Documented and tested entity-level and process-level controls, including preparation of Risk Control Matrices (RCMs) and SOPs.
- Collaborated with senior process owners across multiple entities in multinational environment to strengthen internal control frameworks.
- Completed 6-month overseas assignment for internal controls engagement.
Audit Associate
Deloitte – Yousuf Adil Chartered Accountants
Karachi, Pakistan
2020.07 - 2020.11
- Assisted in statutory audits for listed and large corporates, focusing on compliance and accuracy in oil and gas sector.
- Acquired hands-on experience with SAP S/4HANA within large-scale ERP environments, enhancing understanding of integrated systems.
- Managed multiple projects concurrently whilst maintaining high attention to detail.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Banking and Finance
Karachi, Pakistan06.2026
Chartered Accountant (ACA) - Accounting and Finance
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP)
Karachi07.2024
O & A-Levels - Accounting, Economics And Business Studies
Karachi, Pakistan06.2018
Skills
Audit Planning, Risk Assessment & Review
Complex Consolidations & Group Reporting (ISA 600)
IFRS 17
Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting (ICFR)
Client Management
Approved Instructor's Skills Course Trainer
Audit Analytics (Power BI)
SAP S/4HANA (audit exposure)
Budgeting oversight
Leadership excellence
Certification
- IFRS 17 – Insurance Contracts (technical exposure)
- Instructor Skills Course (ISC)
- External Shariah Audit & Governance
- Presentation and Communication Skills Course (PCSC)
KEY SECTOR EXPERIENCE
- Financial Services: Asset and Wealth Management, Mutual Funds, Life Insurance, Investment Holding Companies
- Non-financial services: Manufacturing & Steel, FMCG and consumer products, Textile, Real estate.
Timeline
Senior Associate II | Assistant Manager – External Audit (Financial Services)
PwC – A.F. Ferguson & Co., Chartered Accountants
2024.10 - 2026.07
Associate Consultant – Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting (ICFR)
PwC Middle East – Abu Dhabi (Secondment)
2023.08 - 2024.01
Audit Executive / Senior Associate I / Audit Associate II
PwC – A.F. Ferguson & Co., Chartered Accountants
2020.12 - 2024.09
Audit Associate
Deloitte – Yousuf Adil Chartered Accountants
2020.07 - 2020.11
Master of Business Administration - Banking and Finance
Chartered Accountant (ACA) - Accounting and Finance
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP)