CEO Insights Magazine

In the intricate ecosystem of modern business, the role of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) stands as a linchpin, orchestrating financial strategies that navigate the complexities of markets, regulations, and internal operations. As the steward of fiscal health, the CFO's responsibilities extend far beyond number-crunching; they are tasked with shaping the financial destiny of the organization, charting paths to profitability, and fortifying resilience against economic headwinds. With a blend of analytical acumen, strategic foresight, and leadership prowess, the CFO emerges as a vital architect of sustainable growth and prosperity.

In the corridors of the Aziz Group, this pivotal role finds its embodiment in Hazhar Jaff. His journey to the CFO helm commenced with a robust foundation in finance, cultivated through diverse experiences spanning industries as varied as aviation, technology, digital (web) trading, and general trading. Through each chapter of his career, Mohammedameen's repertoire expanded, sharpening his skills in financial planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. Yet, beyond the technical proficiency lies a fervent drive—a passion to catalyze meaningful change by optimizing financial performance, spearheading strategic initiatives, and instilling a culture of financial prudence to propel organizational growth and triumph. In the dynamic tapestry of corporate leadership, Hazhar Jaff epitomizes the embodiment of the modern CFO, a beacon of financial stewardship and architect of sustainable success. CEO Insights Asia recently engaged in a one on one interaction with Hazhar Jaff. Let’s hear more from him in this one on one interaction.

How would you define Aziz Group as an organization and its current position in the market?

Aziz Group distinguishes itself as a frontrunner in the trading, celebrated for its innovation and commitment to excellence. We're recognized for delivering quality in the automotive spare parts trading and for exceptional customer service. We have established a formidable presence in the market. Bolstered by consistent growth and a sterling reputation, we stand ready to embrace fresh prospects and uphold our esteemed position as leaders in the field.

As the CFO of Aziz Group, how do you plan to apply your long professional experience in this domain to add more stars to the organization’s profile?

In my role as CFO of Aziz Group, I intend to leverage my extensive professional background to enhance the organization's standing. My approach will prioritize the refinement of financial strategies, the cultivation of innovation, and the alignment of initiatives with our overarching business objectives. Through the application of my seasoned expertise, I aspire to facilitate sustainable expansion and bolster our competitive edge within the market landscape. My focus will be on instilling financial discipline, harnessing innovative solutions, and fostering a culture of adaptability to propel Aziz Group towards continued success and prominence. By strategically integrating my experience into our operations, I aim to contribute significantly to the elevation of our profile, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of trading innovation and excellence.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?

At the core of my leadership philosophy is the cultivation of a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere, characterized by transparent communication, trust, and accountability. Leading by example, I prioritize the well-being and professional development of my team, instilling a culture of perpetual growth and refinement. Through empowerment and the elimination of barriers, I strive to catalyze collective achievement and foster a culture of excellence within the organization. By nurturing a supportive environment where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique talents, I believe we can harness the collective potential of the team, driving sustained success and achieving our shared goals.

How do you keep yourself up-to-date with ongoing industry trends to steer your organization towards the future?

As the CFO, I recognize the paramount importance of staying attuned to industry trends to steer our organization towards sustained success. To achieve this, I adopt a multifaceted strategy, which encompasses actively engaging with industry publications, participating in relevant conferences, and cultivating relationships with fellow professionals. Moreover, I prioritize ongoing learning within our team, nurturing a culture of knowledge-sharing and professional growth. By remaining well-informed and adaptable, we can anticipate and respond effectively to emerging trends, thereby fortifying Aziz Group's position as a trading frontrunner. This proactive approach not only ensures our organization's resilience in the face of market dynamics but also enhances our capacity to seize new opportunities and innovate, thus driving long-term growth and prosperity.

What lies ahead as our destination?

My aspiration for the future entails steering Aziz Group towards a pinnacle of excellence within our industry. I am dedicated to spearheading sustainable growth, nurturing innovation, and broadening our market presence, all while upholding our fundamental principles of integrity, quality, and customer-centricity. Through harnessing our inherent strengths, seizing emerging prospects, and remaining adaptable amidst the fluctuations of our industry, I firmly believe we can realize our objective of sustained prosperity. By consistently delivering value to our stakeholders and prioritizing their interests, we aim to not only meet but exceed expectations, solidifying our position as a leader in our field and setting a standard for others to aspire to.

Advice for upcoming financial leaders: For aspiring financial leaders entering the industry, my guidance is clear: place emphasis on perpetual learning, flexibility, and integrity. Keep abreast of industry developments, cultivate robust connections, and uphold unwavering ethical principles. These attributes serve as the foundation for navigating the dynamic landscape of finance and ultimately pave the path toward success.

Hazhar Jaff, CFO, Aziz Group

Hazhar Jaff is the CFO of Aziz Group, with a wealth of experience spanning diverse industries including petroleum, aviation, technology, digital (web) trading, and general trading. His expertise in financial planning and stakeholder engagement drives sustainable growth. Committed to excellence, he champions innovation and strategic initiatives while upholding core values of integrity and customer satisfaction.

Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family

Favorite Cuisine: Mostly Vegetarian

Favorite Book: One of my favorite books is The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt combines ancient wisdom with modern research to explore the essence of true happiness. Challenge your assumptions and discover the keys to a fulfilling life

Favorite Travel Destination: I find inspiration in exploring diverse cultures and landscapes. Some of my favorite travel destinations are Venice, Italy, and Seville, Spain, with their breathtaking views, and rich history

Awards & Recognition: Getting the highest degree for the graduation research has been made for the first time in Iraq, I've been honored to receive recognition for my contributions in the finance industry, including being named one of the top CFOs in Iraq for 2024 by CEO Insights Asia Magazine