Fractional CFO · UAE & Remote
Vladimir Khovanov
A Fractional CFO for companies navigating growth, turnaround, and change.
18+ years building finance functions and driving measurable results across aviation MRO, construction, FinTech, manufacturing, chemicals, and steel & mining — from a $6M audio manufacturer to a $1B construction group. MBA · PhD in Economics · ACCA Diploma in IFRS.
- 18+
- Years in senior finance leadership
- 8
- Companies across 7 industries
- $120M+
- CAPEX evaluated for investment
About
A finance executive who builds the systems companies need before they know they need them.
Vladimir is a Fractional CFO and financial strategy advisor based in the United Arab Emirates, with over 18 years of senior finance leadership across aviation MRO, construction, FinTech, manufacturing, chemicals, and steel & mining. He currently serves as Finance Director & Investment Director at Gulf Aircraft and Engineering Services (GAES), a leading independent aircraft MRO provider based at Sharjah International Airport.
His track record spans building managerial accounting systems from scratch for fast-growing groups, leading business turnarounds as Interim CEO, consolidating multinational finance functions across continents, and structuring feasibility studies for CAPEX programs exceeding $120M. He combines hands-on financial control with strategic business partnering — turning financial complexity into decisions leadership teams can act on.
Services
How I can help
Fractional CFO support for companies that need senior finance leadership — without a full-time hire.
Financial Strategy & Planning
Business plans, financial modelling, and scenario analysis that support confident board and investor decisions.
IFRS & GAAP Reporting
Financial statements, group consolidation, and compliance frameworks built for accuracy and audit-readiness.
Cost & Working Capital Optimization
Identifying and capturing savings in direct costs, overheads, and net working capital — results measured, not assumed.
Turnaround & Interim Leadership
Hands-on interim CFO/CEO leadership for businesses that need to stabilize, restructure, or reset direction fast.
Fundraising & Investment Cases
Feasibility studies, CAPEX business cases, and credit facility negotiations for growth and infrastructure investment.
Finance Systems & Digital Transformation
Management reporting automation, ERP/BI implementation, and finance function design that scales with the business.
Experience
Career experience
-
Finance Director, Investment Director
Gulf Aircraft and Engineering Services (GAES)
- Cut full labor cost by 7% through automated cost-control procedures for direct costs and overheads.
- Split the business into 10 independent P&L services, helping avoid an estimated $3M/year in managerial mistakes.
- Developed feasibility studies and business plans for CAPEX initiatives exceeding $120M.
-
Finance Business Partner
Malinka Capital
- Built business plans, financial strategy, and investor pitches directly with the Founder.
- Led financial reporting to the Board and supported the successful launch of the company's MVP.
-
Head of Financial Control (Construction); Finance Business Partner (IT)
Amethyst Group
- Built a managerial accounting system from scratch across 25+ construction projects as the group scaled from $0.2B to $1B in revenue.
- Digitalized the finance function, designing an internal ERP module for budgeting and reporting.
-
Chief Financial Officer, Interim CEO
Oktava
- As Interim CEO and later CFO, led a turnaround that improved EBITDA margin from -5% to +1%.
- Restructured a $1.1M credit portfolio, repaid $0.3M in overdue debt, and launched an $8M investment program.
-
Deputy CFO, Head of Treasury
MIDURAL Group
- Consolidated 6 finance departments across Russia, Germany, and Uruguay, cutting intragroup transaction time from 5+ hours to under 3.
- Improved operating cash inflows by 5% and cut bank commissions by 12%.
-
Head of Cost Optimization Team
United Metallurgical Company (OMK)
- Led a strategy consulting project delivering $12M/year in audited savings (78% of target).
- Provided economic expertise on group investment projects exceeding $500M.
-
Operational Financial Director
Legrand Russia & CIS
- Cut production costs by 7% and G&A expenses by 5% through a group-wide margin protection plan.
- Scaled the finance team at less than a third of the rate of production growth (30% vs. 110%) through lean-office design.
-
Chief Financial Officer
Ductil Steel SA (Mechel Group)
- Led a 24-person finance team through post-merger integration into Mechel Group.
- Delivered a $49M investment program and secured $20M in credit facilities.
Impact
Selected achievements
Results across engagements — measured in dollars, margin points, and time saved.
$120M+
CAPEX evaluated for investment
GAES
70%
Reduction in reporting turnaround time
GAES
$1B
Revenue covered by a managerial accounting system built from scratch
Amethyst Group
-5% → +1%
EBITDA margin turnaround as Interim CEO / CFO
Oktava
$12M/yr
Audited cost savings delivered
OMK
$49M
Investment program delivered post-merger
Ductil Steel (Mechel Group)
Contact
Let's talk
Available for fractional, interim, and project-based CFO engagements — UAE and remote.