SAYAH SABIRA
Toronto,Canada
Summary
Results-oriented professional with 12 years of experience in internal control programs. Adept at implementing strategies and innovative financial compliance initiatives to streamline organizational processes. Known for creative thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. Possesses strong communication, interpersonal relations, and organizational skills.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Global Lead Internal E&BI and Medical
Sanofi Aventis
11.2023 - Current
- Consistent application of Internal Control methodology in alignment with COSO Standards for effective control and risk management
- Contributed to the implementation and leadership of new methodologies in internal control, promoting a culture that values continuous improvement and adaptability in our processes.
- Scoped internal control campaigns including control self-assessment and quarterly internal control testing
- Led reporting of Internal Control activities, including campaigns results and monthly dashboard in PowerBI.
- Took charge of the Digital Roadmap to drive the digital transformation within Internal Control and E&BI controls.
- Performed the risks assessment with global process owners.
North America, Internal Control Head Support Function
Sanofi Pasteur
11.2022 - 10.2023
- Provided leadership and acted as the primary liaison between senior executives and multiple departments including SBS, Procurement, Controlling/CFOs, HR, Legal, Medical, Quality & Ethics and Business Integrity.
- Demonstrated responsibility for ensuring compliance with the entire Internal Control Manual, encompassing Mandatory, Severe Impact Controls and FCF controls
- Led Internal Control Campaigns for Self-Assessments, Design Effectiveness, Updates of process documentation and Operational effectiveness testing / SOX as required.
- Managed relationship with external auditors and coordinated follow-ups/interactions with business stakeholders
- Supported business updates to policies, controls, and process improvement projects including system implementations and exception requests
- Delivered simplifications aligned with Group and Local CFO expectations, while also managing other special projects.
- Effectively managed control gaps and developed associated action plans, demonstrating strong coordination and leadership skills.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Internal Control Head Sanofi
Sanofi Aventis
02.2018 - 10.2022
- Actively supported process owner in formalizing and designing local procedures
- Streamlined Local Procedures to increase efficiency
- Conducted regular user access conflict reviews with system super users.
- Implemented follow-up procedures for Internal & External Audit recommendations
- Ensured accurate execution of SOX Testing and suggested improvements
- Facilitated ongoing dialogue with the Country Council regarding Internal Control topics
- Streamlined operations and eliminated unnecessary bureaucracy.
- Played a key role in achieving successful audits.
Country Financial Control & Compliance Lead North Africa
Sandoz
10.2017 - 01.2018
- Streamlined operations in Morocco Division by implementing effective cleaning strategies
- Established effective communication channels across all levels of the organization to foster transparency regarding compliance expectations and performance results.
- Implemented Internal Control strategy for Morocco and Tunisia.
- Supported internal audit process by providing subject matter expertise on compliance-related matters.
- Advised senior leadership on key compliance risks, providing strategic guidance and actionable recommendations to address potential concerns.
Country Financial Control & Compliance Lead
Sandoz
05.2016 - 10.2017
- Strengthened understanding and awareness of requirements for standard processes and controls
- Conducted internal control self-assessment
- Delivering Internal Control results to both local country council and regional management.
- Consistently reported performance metrics
- Facilitated effective communication and collaboration between stakeholders such as CFOs, Internal Audit
- Addressing risks with adequate controls for internal customers
- Proactively supporting implementation of standard processes as defined in the global, escalating any exceptions to the standards.
- Provided ongoing training for employees on compliance requirements, fostering a culture of ethical conduct within the organization.
- Advised senior leadership on key compliance risks, providing strategic guidance and actionable recommendations to address potential concerns.
- Trained and supervised junior financial Controller, explaining procedures and Internal control Framework
Business Process & Control Manager at NPhS
Novartis
06.2012 - 05.2016
- Conducted annual self-assessment of NFCM/In-Control framework, documenting processes in the Representation office and implementing necessary remediation actions.
- Ensured proper preparation and coordination of Novartis Internal Audit
- Supervised the remediation process for Internal Audit findings
- Solved SOD transactional conflicts promptly and performed periodic evaluations of critical transactions by utilizing E-care reports.
- Ensuring compliance, accurate reporting of SOX 302 & 404 confirmations, and promptly communicating any exceptions to Headquarter
Chief Accountant – at MSD
MSD
03.2010 - 05.2012
- Recorded and maintained accurate monthly transaction and entry records
- Ensured accuracy and completeness of financial records through regular account reviews
- Designed and implemented efficient processes for internal control procedures
- Implemented coaching techniques to develop the capabilities of employees.
- Handled month-end and year-end end finances by managing and reporting fixed assets and other data.
- Analyzed financial audit information and made recommendations to improve efficiencies.
- Prepared monthly journal entries and reconciliations.
Senior Accountant – North & West Africa at General Electric
01.2009 - 11.2009
- Primary focus has been on the financial, legal, and administrative restructuring and set up for new business
- Prepare and complete implementation of accounting package
- Develop & prepare overall internal control procedures for the accounts receivable, account payable, inventory issuance & additions, issuance & follow up bank transactions.
Senior Auditor
KPMG
05.2005 - 12.2008
- Evaluated the internal control environment by thoroughly assessing and testing for weaknesses in customer management.
- Managed multiple audits, effectively prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines without compromising quality.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
- Mentored junior auditors, contributing to their professional development and enhancing team performance.
- Enhanced audit efficiency by implementing risk-based audit strategies and streamlining processes.
Education
Bachlor in Business - Business
High Business School (Haute Ecole De Commerce “ Business School”)
Algeria 07.2005
Skills
- Microsoft office
- Critical thinking
- Excellent communication skills
- Transversal cooperation
- Leadership and project Management
- Business Partnering and service orientation
- SOX Competency
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Intercultural Communication
- Creative and Resourceful
- Creativity and Innovation
- Audit reporting
- Issue Research
- Process Improvement
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Adaptability
- Self Motivation
Languages
Arabic
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Coursework
- Training with HENKEL (Financial department): Training course for the drafting of study report “Direct foreign investments in Algeria”
- Attended several in-house training courses with GE and KPMG in controllership, Oracle applications, EHS courses with GE and audit approach with KPMG
- Communication skills (Dale Carnegie)
- Participating to FCCR for Egypte devision
Certification
- Certified Building Your Leadership Skills. HEC Paris ( Coursera)
- Certified Effective Compliance Programs. University of Pennsylvania ( Coursera)
Timeline
Global Lead Internal E&BI and Medical
Sanofi Aventis
11.2023 - Current
North America, Internal Control Head Support Function
Sanofi Pasteur
11.2022 - 10.2023
Internal Control Head Sanofi
Sanofi Aventis
02.2018 - 10.2022
Country Financial Control & Compliance Lead North Africa
Sandoz
10.2017 - 01.2018
Country Financial Control & Compliance Lead
Sandoz
05.2016 - 10.2017
Business Process & Control Manager at NPhS
Novartis
06.2012 - 05.2016
Chief Accountant – at MSD
MSD
03.2010 - 05.2012
Senior Accountant – North & West Africa at General Electric
01.2009 - 11.2009
Senior Auditor
KPMG
05.2005 - 12.2008
Bachlor in Business - Business
High Business School (Haute Ecole De Commerce “ Business School”)
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