Robert Yafalian

CEO

Yerevan, Armenia15 yrs experience

Most Likely To SwitchHighly Stable

Key Highlights

15 years of expertise in project cost control.
Led successful implementation of cost control strategies.
Strong track record in diverse industries and markets.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a Cost Control and Financial Analysis expert in the Software Development and Oil & Gas industries.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Cost ControlFinancial AnalysisAccount ManagementCustomer Success

Other Skills

Change ManagementBudgeting & ForecastingProject ManagementTrainingCost ReportingContract ManagementInterpersonal CommunicationBudgetingCash Flow ForecastingAd Hoc ReportingScenario PlanningRevenue ForecastingEarned Value ManagementProcurementDue Diligence

About

With 15 years of expertise in project cost control, financial analysis, accounts management, and change management, I have successfully contributed to organizations such as Page Europa Srl, General Dynamics Mission Systems and Synergy International Systems. My adaptability and strategic approach allow me to drive value across diverse industries and markets, including Egypt, UAE, Oman, and Armenia. I have a strong track record of collaborating with major customers, subcontractors, NGOs, and government entities across telecommunications, construction, O&G, and software development. Currently, I serve as Head of Cost Control at Synergy International Systems, a global software company specializing in information management solutions for development and humanitarian aid sectors. In this role, I oversee cost control strategies while managing a diverse portfolio of accounts, ensuring project success through financial oversight and client-focused solutions. I am passionate about driving process improvements and managing change within established business frameworks, always striving to enhance efficiency and contribute to organizational growth.

Experience

15 yrs

Total Experience

3 yrs

Average Tenure

6 yrs 6 mos

Current Experience

Synergy international systems

3 roles

Head of Cost Control / PMO member

Promoted

Sep 2023 – Present · 2 yrs 8 mos

Leading Cost Control Strategies to Maximize Project Profitability.
Achievements:
Drove the successful implementation of the "Clockify" time-tracking software, streamlining project-related effort tracking. This process included:
✔️Conducting in-depth research to select the most suitable tool, perfectly aligned with business objectives.
✔️Delivering comprehensive training sessions to over 170 employees within the production department.
✔️Leading and overseeing the entire change management initiative to ensure seamless adoption.
Introduced advanced project budget reporting mechanisms, enabling precise tracking of expenditures, project profitability and revenue impact.
Directed the Finance department's transition to project-based accounting within QuickBooks, significantly enhancing financial oversight and project performance tracking.
Led process improvement initiatives within the Finance department, focusing on standardization and the optimization of financial operations for greater efficiency.
Supported in the creation of a uniform project budgeting model, ensuring consistency and accuracy in budget formulation across the organization.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Monitoring, analyzing, and maintaining control over project-related costs, financial performance, and revenue generation metrics.
Forecasting expenditures, develop project budgets, and categorizing costs by type, while identifying opportunities to maximize revenue.
Monitoring and analyzing resource allocation for projects while adhering to budgeted efforts.
Review and approve supplier and subcontractor invoices and timesheets, ensuring alignment with project budgets and profitability targets.
Manage change events, evaluating their impact on both project budgets and revenue forecasts.
Providing PMO support to standardize project planning and controls.

Cost ControlFinancial AnalysisChange ManagementBudgeting & ForecastingProject Management

Accounts Manager & Customer Success

Promoted

Nov 2019 – Present · 6 yrs 6 mos

Currently managing a portfolio of various accounts in different domains for Synergy's customers in Barbados, Guyana, Haiti, Solomon Islands, Seychelles, Armenia, Trinidad & Tobago, Jordan, Iraq and Bangladesh.
Achievements:
Led the process of introducing changes, setting standards, and guidelines in managing the entire projects of the company in Microsoft Dynamics CRM. The process was introduced to assure uniformity and assist in generating strategic reporting to the management.
Led the process of introducing changes, setting standards and guidelines defining the role of interaction between Accounts Management and Finance Department to ensure compliance with Financial processes and for better managing project financial aspects.
My key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Contract Management and administration.
Operating as the lead point of contact for all customer account management matters.
Act as customers advocate and work with internal departments to ensure their needs are understood and satisfied.
Monitoring project deliverables, milestones, and invoicing.
Ensuring the delivery of milestones on schedule and as per customer requirements.
Building strong and long-term client relationships.
Developing account management strategies.
Identifying opportunities for improvement and proposing new tools and processes.
Coordinating with internal teams to deliver solutions that meet clients' needs.
Identifying new business opportunities among existing clients.
Managing subcontract agreements, including finalizing agreements, negotiations, and approving expenditures.

Customer SuccessContract ManagementAccount ManagementInterpersonal Communication

Project / Product Cost Controller

Nov 2019 – Sep 2023 · 3 yrs 10 mos

Overseeing and managing the entire project budget control and cost management function.

Cost ControlChange ManagementBudgeting & ForecastingFinancial Analysis

Gortsaran projects

Co-founder

May 2018 – Present · 8 yrs · Yerevan · On-site

Gortsaran Projects – Your Hub of Unstoppable Creation
At Gortsaran, we craft more than just art – we create experiences. From vibrant polymer clay masterpieces to handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts, every piece tells a story.
Join us for creative workshops, interactive events (coming soon!), and a space where imagination meets skill. Whether you're a curious beginner or an experienced creator, there's always something inspiring happening here.
🎨 100% handcrafted
🧡 Made with love
👩‍🎨 Created by passionate artists
📍Workshops, events, and gifts – all in one creative hub
Let’s shape beauty together — one creation at a time.

General dynamics mission systems-gulf

Financial Analyst I Project Cost Controller - Page Middle East LLC

Apr 2016 – Oct 2019 · 3 yrs 6 mos · Muscat Governorate, Oman

Achievements:
Assisted in the upgrade of cost reporting spreadsheets, to better meet the control requirements of the organization.
Managed and led the billing process for all projects, ensuring timely invoicing and collections.
Managed to upgrade the accounts receivables reporting exported from the ERP system as per the requirements of the organization to better present and track the invoicing status.
Contributed to the establishment and operational setup of the branch, focusing on standardizing the Procurement Policy, implementing the MS Dynamics AX ERP system, and creating a cost control function. This cost control function was managed locally and reported to headquarters.
Key responsibilities;
Producing regular cost reports for all the projects and advising of any forecast cost overruns as soon as possible to allow corrective actions to be taken promptly.
Monitoring and reporting on project status, expenditures versus budget, and forecast to complete.
Development of monthly cash flows.
Notifying projects and procurement team for any contract amendment requirements to align the project's budget with the expenditures.
Assisting Project Managers in Producing and amendment of internal contractual documentation defining project expenditures and rates of revenues.
Ensure that all cost-related works are compliant with procurement contract(s) and budget.
Verifying and validating invoices and claims from major subcontractors and reviewing time sheets.
Ensure that all transactions, and contracts are compliant with the internal and ethical procedures of the company.
Negotiating with clients in finalizing contract variations and change orders.
Managing accounting operations including billing, Receivables, Payable, and monthly accrual recording in the MS Dynamics AX ERP system.
Projects:
Khazzan Gas Field GWES & Support Phase 1.
New Coast Guard Harbour.
Central Processing Facility Khazzan Phase I & II.
Duqm Refinery.

Cost ReportingBudgetingCash Flow ForecastingCost ControlFinancial Analysis

Career break

Professional development

Jan 2015 – May 2016 · 1 yr 4 mos · Cairo

Attended a Professional Certification in Project management at the American University of Cairo (Core Project Controls and Cost Management)

General dynamics mission systems-italy

Project Cost Reporting & Control Associate - Page Europa Srl

Nov 2010 – Jul 2013 · 2 yrs 8 mos · Abu Dhabi, UAE

Preparing and processing electronic transfers and payments.
Verifying vendor accounts by reconciling monthly statements and related transactions.
Resolving purchase orders, contracts, invoices, or payment discrepancies and documentation.
Daily bank account statement reconciliation and controlling the net balance.
Receive and verify invoices and verify that transactions comply with financial policies and procedures.
Controlling and verifying long outstanding local purchase orders.
Check arithmetical accuracy, date, and quality and receive stamp approval on the invoices with local purchase order or agreement.
Prepare batches of invoices for data entry and monthly reporting to the head office in Rome, Italy.
Daily disbursing petty cash by recording entries; and verifying documentation.
Paying employees by receiving and verifying expense reports and requests for advances; preparing checks.
Performing monthly payable forecast reports.
Assisting in interfacing with the finance department in Rome, Italy, and developing finance plans and procedures for the project.
Supporting monthly payroll function.
Assisting Project Field Manager in performing monthly expense forecast reports.
Assisting project cost control department in controlling and monitoring project total expenditure as well as in providing planning and cost-controlling support for the project.

Cost ReportingCost Control

Metlife-alico bd

Health and Life Insurance Consultant

Aug 2009 – Sep 2010 · 1 yr 1 mo · Alexandria, Egypt

Attending client meetings and then being the point person for any follow up that is required.
Developing a mutually rewarding working relationship with various client contacts by providing excellent customer service which results in customer/member satisfaction.
Receiving payments and performing follow-ups with clients.
Monitoring on an on-going basis client’s product lines and services to ensure client’s needs are met.
Seeking to optimize customer interaction and providing recommendations based on client’s needs.

Interpersonal CommunicationAccount Management