Lika Meladze
Tbilisi,TB
Summary
Results-driven Head of Finance with extensive experience in iGaming, Online Casinos, FinTech, and financial compliance across multiple licensed jurisdictions , including Malta (MGA), Isle of Man (GSC), Curaçao (CGCB), and Georgia(GGA) , ensuring full regulatory compliance and operational oversight. Extensive experience in targeting player acquisition and market expansion across LATAM, APAC, EU, Canada, and Finland , with limited exposure to MENA markets .
Proven expertise in financial strategy, P&L management, cross-border structuring, and regulatory compliance (AML, tax reporting, gaming laws). Adept at leading high-performance teams, improving revenue forecasting accuracy, and securing strategic financial partnerships to drive business growth. Passionate about aligning financial strategies with business expansion in highly regulated markets.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
HEAD OF FINANCE
MK Gaming LLC
11.2024 - Current
- Developed financial models that improved revenue forecasting accuracy by 30% , enabling better risk assessment and cost control.
- Led financial strategy , enhancing cost efficiency and increasing profitability through optimized budgeting.
- Ensured 100% compliance with gaming regulations, AML laws, and tax obligations across international jurisdictions.
- Negotiated banking & PSP partnerships , reducing transaction fees by 15% and streamlining financial operations.
- Provided financial insights for strategic market expansion , supporting the company's entry into new markets.
- Introduced software tools and process improvements to mitigate loss and drive operational growth.
HEAD OF FINANCE AND PAYMENTS
Ocean Operation Management Limited
12.2023 - 09.2024
- Led monthly financial reporting and funding processes , ensuring operational liquidity and cost control.
- Identified business growth opportunities through market trend analysis and data-driven decision-making.
- Optimized payment processing workflows , reducing transaction failure rates by 20% .
- Managed PSP onboarding, vendor negotiations, banking relationships, and EMI partnerships , ensuring seamless payment operations and regulatory compliance.
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive risk and cash flow analysis framework , enabling real-time tracking of bonus competition ratios, cash flow trends, and revenue impact , while benchmarking against competitors to optimize promotional strategies.
PART TIME FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Digital 21 Limited
09.2023 - 03.2024
- Developed financial policies aligned with business expansion strategies.
- Led budget planning and variance analysis , ensuring financial efficiency.
- Coordinated external audits , maintaining full regulatory compliance.
- Led improvements in the platform's reporting systems , enhancing financial data accuracy and transparency. Additionally, implemented an alert system for significant wins and withdrawals , ensuring real-time monitoring and fraud prevention for casino and sportsbetting.
- Worked with 3 executives to create annual budget and track actual expenses against projected expenses.
FINANCE MANAGER
JNS Gaming Limited
01.2023 - 11.2023
- Optimized budget planning , reducing financial waste and enhancing cross-department cost efficiency.
- Strengthened financial transparency by improving reporting accuracy and providing trend analysis.
- Onboarded & optimized PSP partners , reducing operational costs and improving cash flow management.
- Monitored and analyzed daily payment transactions , identifying risks and opportunities for revenue optimization.
FINANCE MANAGER
Smartsoft LLC
07.2021 - 12.2022
- Developed short- and long-term financial forecasts , aligning budgets with strategic business goals.
- Implemented an internal control system , improving financial accuracy and risk mitigation.
- Led external audit processes , ensuring compliance with regulatory and tax obligations.
- Negotiated funding solutions with banks and financial institutions, securing improved liquidity.
FINANCIAL DIRECTOR
Tsiskvili Group
06.2020 - 06.2021
- Supervised payroll, budgeting, and financial forecasting for a large hospitality group.
- Led cost control initiatives , increasing profitability through effective budget allocation.
- Managed a finance team of 16 , fostering leadership and operational efficiency.
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
JSC Nenskra Hydro
01.2019 - 06.2020
- Reviewed and processed financial transactions , ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Prepared financial statements aligned with IFRS and internal reporting standards.
- Managed tax compliance , ensuring timely submission of financial declarations.
REGIONAL FINANCIAL MANAGER
ARENSIA Exploratory Medicine GmbH
12.2014 - 12.2018
- Led monthly and annual financial reporting , ensuring accurate balance sheets and cash flow statements.
- Optimized project valuation and profitability , improving revenue recognition and cost management.
- Supervised budgeting, controlling, and financial analysis , aligning financial plans with business goals.
ACCOUNTANT
Aversi Pharma LLC
05.2011 - 11.2014
- Assisted the Chief Accountant with financial reporting and tax declaration compliance.
- Managed accounts payable and receivable , ensuring seamless financial transactions.
- Prepared cash flow statements and conducted financial analysis for management.
- Reconciled accounts and reviewed expense data, net worth, and assets.
Education
MBA - FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING AND AUDIT
Tbilisi State University
Tbilisi, Tbilisi07.2014
Skills
- Financial Strategy & P&L Management
- Budget Forecasting & Financial Modeling
- AML & Regulatory Compliance
- Payment Solutions, PSP Management & Fraud Prevention
- Risk Management & Internal Controls
- Stakeholder & Investor Relations
- Revenue Optimization & Cost Efficiency
- Financial Auditing & Tax Planning
- Cross-Border Financial Structuring
- Team Leadership & Business Growth
- Finance & Accounting Software: XERO, QuickBooks, ERP Systems
- Data & BI Tools: Power BI, SQL, Financial Modeling Software
- Project Management: Jira, Slack, Trello
Certification
- AI in Finance , 14/03/25, Corporate Finance Institute
- BLOCKCHAIN , 07/01/24, TBC IT Academy
- PROLIFERATION FINANCING (GLOBAL) , 05/01/24, Amber Gaming, Douglas, Isle Of Man
- ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING (ISLE OF MAN), 05/01/24, Amber Gaming, Douglas, Isle Of Man
- FINANCIAL MODELING & VALUATION ANALYST (FMVA) CERTIFICATION, 12/01/22, Corporate Finance Institute
- ACCA Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting (RQF Level 2 ), 02/01/16, ACCA
Languages
Georgian
Native language
English
Advanced
C1
Spanish
Elementary
A2
Timeline
HEAD OF FINANCE
MK Gaming LLC
11.2024 - Current
HEAD OF FINANCE AND PAYMENTS
Ocean Operation Management Limited
12.2023 - 09.2024
PART TIME FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Digital 21 Limited
09.2023 - 03.2024
FINANCE MANAGER
JNS Gaming Limited
01.2023 - 11.2023
FINANCE MANAGER
Smartsoft LLC
07.2021 - 12.2022
FINANCIAL DIRECTOR
Tsiskvili Group
06.2020 - 06.2021
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
JSC Nenskra Hydro
01.2019 - 06.2020
REGIONAL FINANCIAL MANAGER
ARENSIA Exploratory Medicine GmbH
12.2014 - 12.2018
ACCOUNTANT
Aversi Pharma LLC
05.2011 - 11.2014
MBA - FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING AND AUDIT
Tbilisi State University
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