Venkat S
CFO
Dubai,United Arab Emirates
Summary
Ä Chartered Accountant & a Cost Accountant with over 25 years of cross-cultural experience in Finance & Accounts, Financial Planning & Analysis, Budgeting, Commercial & ERP Implementation across industry verticals such as Hospitality & B, Real Estate, Information Technology, Retail, Trading and Telecom – In India and Middle East ( UAE and Qatar)
Summary:
- Expertise in analyzing existing systems & procedures, preparing annual operating plans, designing internal control systems and facilitating effective decision-making.
- Expertise in setting up and managing back office operations for retail stores, hotels and sales offices
- Proven ability to improve operations, impact business growth and maximize profits through achievement in finance management, internal controls and productivity / efficiency improvements.
- Proficient in mapping business requirements with proven ability in designing & implementing systems to achieve cost control & financial discipline and enhance the overall efficiency of the organization.
- Dexterity in steering ERP Implementation with specific focus on Finance, HR & Procurement modules. (Oracle, Microsoft, SAP )
- Expertise in start-ups and turnarounds of businesses, have made significant contribution in turning around Hospitality Chain (Sterling Holiday Resorts) & Retail Chain ( Health & Glow – a chain of beauty stores)
- Expertise in financial modelling and due diligence related to takeovers/acquisitions.
- An effective communicator with excellent relationship building, presentation & interpersonal skills.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work history
Chief Financial Officer
SFC Group
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
11.2019 - Current
- Ensured complete adherence to financial controls and regulations, preparing financial statements and reporting results to multiple stakeholders.
- Identified and resolved operational issues impacting productivity, performance or profitability.
- Maintained organizational compliance with applicable legislation and regulations.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Partnered with management team to optimize operations and reduce costs.
- Spearheaded strategic planning and decision-making processes aligning with mission and stakeholder interests.
- Worked with board of directors to establish objectives and decisively lead operations.
- Established budgets based on historical, current and forecasted business data.
Chief Financial Officer
Finesse
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
10.2018 - 11.2019
- Designed robust financial framework and payment system to govern processes across departments.
- Scrutinized cash flow to determine company's financial weaknesses and propose corrective action , leading to better working capital. Secured Banking facilities.
- Directed administration and optimization of financial operations, payroll and accounting processes.
- Monitored operations to assess and highlight results.
Group Finance Manager ( CFO )
Al Jassim Group
Doha, Qatar
10.2015 - 09.2017
- Managed cash flow and liquidity, mitigating financial risks and ensuring stability.
- Secured Funding for Restaurants Expansion , Hotel project and various Real Estate projects
- Monitored and reviewed financial controls, processes and procedures to enable best practice development.
- Directed budgeting and forecasting activities to align financial goals with organizational objectives.
- Implemented cost-control measures, optimizing expenditure within budgetary constraints.
- Served as finance business partner to drive strategic business decisions.
- Oversaw financial reporting processes, maintaining accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
Head Corporate Finance
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited
Chennai, India
09.2011 - 09.2015
- Set up and running the back-office operations successfully for 25 resorts and 15 branches (consisting of Revenue accounting, Projects and Fixed Assets, Accounts Payables and Financial consolidation & Reporting)
- Completed ERP Implementation for the company
- Financial closure and Audit completion
- Management Reporting – to Board, Parent Company and Investors.
- Sourcing of funds through cash credit and securitization of receivables
- Business Plans / Budgets for the entire organization
- Part of the strategy team & other key initiatives
- Working with big 4 firms for statutory audits and other assignments
Senior Manager Finance
Eurostar Group
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
12.2008 - 04.2011
- Heading Finance & Accounts activities for Satellite & Consumer Electronics, IT & Commodities divisions.
- Spearheading month end closure activities
- Analysing Division wise P&L on a monthly basis and reviewing it with Business Heads.
- Supervising payroll Processing for over 700 people spread across GCC.
- Liaising with Business Heads and Accounts Managers for cash flow forecast
Divisional Manager Finance
Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited
Chennai, India
06.2006 - 11.2008
- Prepared Business Plan & presented it to the Board and obtained approval for Launch of the Division.
- Established Financial & Accounting Controls as well as reviewed accounting systems.
- Finalized Revenue recognition policy in consultation with the Board and Auditors
- Conducted Periodic Performance reviews and ensured actions wherever required.
- Implemented Sales Process and other business processes.
Assistant Manager Finance
IFB Industries Limited
Bangalore, India
1996 - 1997
Education
ACA -
Grad.CWA -
Bachelor of Commerce -
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Financial reporting
- Financial Forecasting
- ERP
- Fund Raising
- Budgetary Control
- Financial leadership
Accomplishments
Participated in various conferences as a Speaker:
a. Panelist Speaker at The Future IT Summit 2024 @ Dubai hosted by GEC Media.
b. Speaker at The Finance Summit 2024 @ Dubai hosted by UBS Forums.
c. Panelist at The Middle East CFO Summit 2024 @ Dubai hosted by Biz Integration
c. Panelist Speaker at The TAXCOM Middle East Summit 2024 at Dubai.
Awards :
1. Financial Innovation ( Catalysts Finance Awards ) , by GEC Media at The Future IT Summit 2024
2. Thought Leadership Excellence Award in Tax and Compliance , by BConnect Global at the TAXCOM Middle East Summit 2024.
Companies Worked with Earlier part of my career
- Retail : RPG Retail Group, as Head Finance for Health & Glow Chain of Stores (2003 -05)
- Telecom : Worked with Airtel and Vodafone in various capacities ( 2001-03 & 2005 -06)
- Entertainment : with Saregama India as Regional Commercial Manager (2000-01)
- IT : with Digital Equipment ( India) Ltd ( 1997-99)
- Home Appliances : IFB Industries Ltd ( 1996 -97)
Timeline
Chief Financial Officer - SFC Group
11.2019 - Current
Chief Financial Officer - Finesse
10.2018 - 11.2019
Group Finance Manager ( CFO ) - Al Jassim Group
10.2015 - 09.2017
Head Corporate Finance - Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited
09.2011 - 09.2015
Senior Manager Finance - Eurostar Group
12.2008 - 04.2011
Divisional Manager Finance - Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited
06.2006 - 11.2008
Assistant Manager Finance - IFB Industries Limited
1996 - 1997
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India - ACA,
The Institute of Cost & Works Accountants of India - Grad.CWA,
Madras Christian College - Bachelor of Commerce,
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