Taher Al Mani’s extensive career, spanning over 25 years across various industries, has provided him with a wealth of knowledge and experience in finance and leadership. His journey through construction, manufacturing investments and services has equipped him with unique insights into the challenges and opportunities within each sector. This diverse background has shaped his approach to financial management and leadership, emphasizing adaptability, financial discipline, and the importance of investing in people.
Throughout his career, Al Mani has consistently demonstrated the ability to navigate complex business landscapes, driving both growth and resilience. His commitment to continuous learning and improvement has enabled him to stay ahead of industry trends and implement innovative strategies that benefit his organizations. By sharing his key lessons and experiences, Al Mani offers valuable guidance for aspiring finance professionals and leaders.
In this comprehensive discussion, Al Mani addresses several critical aspects of finance and leadership, including the importance of adaptability, financial discipline, investing in people, risk management, and data-driven decision-making. He also delves into his primary focus areas as a Senior Finance Manager in a construction company within a holding group, his approach to aligning financial leadership with organizational strategic goals, and the impact of ERP implementation and digital transformation on financial planning and decision-making.
Key Lessons in Finance and Leadership
Adaptability is Crucial
Al Mani emphasizes that adaptability is essential in navigating the unique challenges of different industries. “Whether in construction, manufacturing investments or services, the ability to tailor strategies to meet the specific needs of each business is fundamental. This adaptability has allowed me to effectively manage diverse financial landscapes and drive success across various sectors.”
Financial Discipline and Long-Term Vision
One of the most significant lessons Al Mani has learned is the importance of balancing short-term gains with long term stability. Maintaining financial discipline while keeping an eye on the broader strategic vision for the organization is crucial. By prioritizing sustainable growth and financial prudence, Al Mani ensures that his organizations remain resilient and competitive in the long run.
Investing in People is Key
Great leadership, according to Al Mani, goes beyond numbers. It involves developing and supporting the people who drive the success of the organization. “Mentoring, investing in professional development, and fostering a culture of growth are critical in achieving financial results and building strong and motivated teams. My commitment to investing in people has been a cornerstone of leadership approach.”
Risk Management is an Ongoing Process Throughout his career, Al Mani has recognized the importance of continuously assessing and managing risks. Identifying potential challenges early and mitigating them is essential for both financial stability and leadership effectiveness. This proactive approach to risk management has enabled him to navigate uncertainties and maintain the financial health of his organizations.
The Importance of Data-Driven Decision Making
In the early stages of his career, Al Mani realized the value of embracing data analytics and financial forecasting tools. “These tools have become integral to his strategic decision-making process, allowing him to make informed choices that drive growth and resilience. By leveraging data-driven insights, I ensure that my financial strategies are both effective and forward-looking.”
Driving Financial Stability and Growth
Cash Flow Management and Cost Control
As a Senior Finance Manager in a construction company within a holding group, Al Mani focuses on maintaining healthy liquidity to ensure smooth operations, avoid delays, and mitigate financial risks. “Construction projects often involve significant upfront costs and long payment cycles, making cash flow management and cost control critical. My approach ensures that projects stay within budget and financial stability is maintained.”
Financial Reporting and Transparency
Providing accurate, timely, and transparent financial reports are essential for decision-making. Al Mani ensures that the holding group management is regularly updated on the financial health of the business. This transparency fosters trust and enables informed decisions that drive growth and stability.
Capital Allocation and Investment Decisions
Al Mani plays a crucial part in determining how best to allocate capital for long-term growth. Whether evaluating new construction projects, potential acquisitions, or investments in technology, he ensures that capital is used efficiently to generate maximum returns while balancing the need for sustainable growth. His strategic approach to capital allocation supports the organization’s long-term objectives.
Strategic Forecasting and Long-Term Planning
Financial stability and growth require forward-looking strategies. Al Mani collaborates with other senior leaders to build comprehensive forecasts and financial models that help the company remain competitive, identify growth areas, and allocate resources effectively. This strategic forecasting enables the organization to navigate the dynamic and often unpredictable construction industry.
Aligning Financial Leadership with Strategic Goals
Understanding Long-Term Objectives
The first step in aligning financial leadership with the organization’s strategic goals is to fully understand its long-term objectives and vision. Al Mani ensures that financial planning is integrated with the overall business strategy, creating a cohesive approach that drives success.
Fostering Collaboration Across Departments
Financial leadership goes beyond managing numbers; it involves fostering collaboration across departments to ensure alignment on financial targets, resource allocation, and performance. Al Mani’s approach promotes a unified effort towards achieving the organization’s strategic goals.
Proactively Identifying and Mitigating Risks
Al Mani emphasizes the importance of proactively identifying and mitigating risks that could derail the organization’s strategic goals. By assessing potential financial and operational risks, he ensures that the organization remains on track to achieve its objectives.
Instilling a Culture of Financial Responsibility
One of Al Mani’s primary focuses as a financial leader is instilling a culture of financial responsibility across the organization. Ensuring that all departments understand the financial implications of their actions and the importance of aligning with strategic goals fosters a collective effort towards success. This culture of financial responsibility drives growth, efficiency, and long-term value.
Impact of ERP Implementation and Digital Transformation
Real-Time Access to Data
One of the most significant advantages of ERP systems is the ability to access real-time financial data across all departments. This has greatly enhanced Al Mani’s ability to make informed and timely decisions, allowing for more agile and responsive financial planning.
Improved Internal Control and Processes
With ERP systems, the automation of routine financial processes has drastically reduced the likelihood of human interference. In UCCH, the use of SAP has enhanced the company’s internal processes and control, leading to more efficient operations.
Enhanced Financial Reporting and Forecasting
Digital transformation has made financial reporting more dynamic. ERP systems enable advanced reporting capabilities, allowing Al Mani to create detailed financial statements, trend analyses, and scenario forecasts in minutes. This capability enables more accurate budgeting, performance tracking, and quick identification of areas requiring management intervention.
In UCCH, Al Mani leads the continuous enhancement of the SAP system to serve operations, internal control, and group consolidated financial reporting.
Passion for Finance and Strategic Management
Problem-Solving and Impact
Al Mani’s passion for finance and strategic management is driven by the intersection of problem-solving, impact, and the opportunity to guide organizations toward sustainable growth. He finds great satisfaction in identifying financial inefficiencies, implementing solutions, and witnessing the positive impact on the company’s bottom line.
Driving Organizational Growth
Finance plays a critical role in shaping a company’s future, and Al Mani takes pride in guiding financial strategies that contribute to long-term success. His ability to address complex challenges and drive meaningful changes is what keeps him fulfilled.
Continuous Learning and Mentorship
Nurturing talent and sharing knowledge with aspiring finance professionals keeps Al Mani motivated and engaged. His enthusiasm for strategic financial management continues to drive his commitment to excellence and innovation in the field.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
Setting Boundaries
Balancing professional and personal life, especially in the dynamic fields of finance and project management, requires clear boundaries and prioritizing what truly matters. Al Mani emphasizes the importance of family and tries to set boundaries between work and personal time, although he acknowledges the challenges in doing so.
Importance of Family
Despite professional demands, Al Mani prioritizes spending quality time with family, recognizing their support as a cornerstone of his success. Though achieving a perfect balance is difficult, he remains mindful of the importance of personal well-being alongside professional responsibilities.
Staying Updated and Adapting to Industry Changes
Continuous Learning and Professional Development
Al Mani prioritizes ongoing education by regularly attending industry conferences, webinars, and workshops. He pursues relevant certifications and courses to deepen his expertise, such as ACCA, CMA, FMVA, and IFRS Dip.
Networking and Peer Collaboration
Engaging with a network of industry peers is crucial. Al Mani participates in professional institutions, forums, and communities like IMA, ACCA, and IFAC, where experts discuss the latest challenges and trends. He also volunteers in the IMA Doha chapter board as vice president.
Leveraging Technology and Tools
Al Mani stays updated by familiarizing himself with the latest tools and software that can improve processes, increase efficiency, or ensure compliance with changing regulations.
Advice for Aspiring Finance Leaders
“Aspiring finance leaders must develop a strong strategic vision, moving beyond a fundamental understanding of numbers to consider how finance aligns with broader business objectives. A strategic mindset enables leaders to drive long-term growth and contribute meaningfully to organizational success.” Advises Al Mani. Equally important is the cultivation of emotional intelligence, as leadership requires the ability to guide, inspire, and support teams. Developing empathy, managing conflicts effectively, and motivating others are essential skills that enhance team dynamics and performance.
Additionally, proactive and solution-oriented leadership is critical in identifying potential challenges, proposing innovative solutions, and taking the initiative to optimize processes. A commitment to personal development is also vital, as continual learning through courses, reading, and leadership coaching strengthens both technical and managerial capabilities. Finally, leading with integrity is fundamental to earning trust and respect. Upholding the highest ethical standards fosters credibility and reinforces the foundation of strong and effective leadership.
Key Financial Strategies for Future Success
Al Mani is committed to strengthening financial resilience by implementing comprehensive risk management practices that ensure stability and long-term sustainability. By proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks, he aims to enhance the organization’s ability to navigate economic uncertainties. Additionally, he plans to leverage advanced technologies to drive automation within the finance function. By embracing innovations such as artificial intelligence for predictive forecasting and blockchain for secure financial transactions, he seeks to improve efficiency, accuracy, and security in financial operations.
Furthermore, Al Mani is dedicated to integrating sustainability and ESG considerations into the financial strategy. His approach emphasizes social responsibility and environmental stewardship, aligning financial decision making with broader sustainability goals to create long term value for stakeholders.
Read more: Taher Al Mani: Key Lessons in Finance and Leadership
