Sagar Parikh

Business Partnering: Act as a trusted financial advisor to the business leaders, provide analytical and strategic insights to deliver the P&L and drive operational decisions. Business Controlling: P&L management, variance analysis, performance monitoring, and KPI development across business units. Strategic Financial Planning: Leading annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-term business planning processes with cross-functional stakeholder alignment. Financial Planning & Analysis: Delivering executive-level reporting, board presentations, and management information systems. Team Leadership: Managing a team of business controllers and the FP&A team. Building and developing finance teams, implementing performance management systems, and driving continuous improvement. Working Capital Management: Manage cash flow forecasting, receivables, and DSO performance to ensure consistent working capital availability, improve collection efficiency, and support sustainable business growth.

As a Finance Business Partner at NielsenIQ, a leading global consumer intelligence company, I play a key role in driving profitable growth for the India market. I am a member of the India Leadership team, contributing to strategic decision-making and ensuring financial strategies align with business objectives. Achievements: - Key member of the India Leadership Team, responsible for shaping long-term and short-term financial strategies, driving sustainable growth, and delivering business results. - Lead finance operations and business partnering and ensure alignment with organizational goals for overall financial performance. - Partner with Country MD and Commercial Leadership to achieve financial targets, lead revenue expansion, and implement cost optimisation initiatives. Influence senior stakeholders on investment decisions, resource allocation, risk assessment, and market opportunities within India. - Develop and monitor key performance indicators, track market trends, and provide actionable insights through competition and market share analysis. - Authorize pricing decisions to ensure profitability and adherence to pricing policies. Manage budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes, delivering variance analysis and performance reviews to regional leadership. - Lead the development and execution of the Annual Business Plan and monthly/quarterly forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. - Drive financial modelling to support data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.

As General Manager Finance at A.P. Moller - Maersk, a global leader in shipping and logistics, I led financial planning, analysis, and controlling of the business unit. I was responsible for ensuring financial data accuracy, developing robust controls, and driving cost optimization initiatives. Achievements: - Led the development and implementation of the savings reporting mechanism, ensuring alignment with corporate financial goals. - Managed the 5-quarter rolling forecast process, providing variance explanations and updated estimates to Headquarters. - Drove the Annual Cost and Savings Budget, aligning procurement spending with corporate objectives to maintain financial sustainability. - Partnered with the global finance team to enhance financial controls and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. - Oversaw financial data accuracy and ensured timely preparation of financial statements in compliance with internal and external standards.

As Senior Group Manager - Corporate FP&A at WNS Global Services, a leading global Business Process Management (BPM) company, I led financial planning, analysis, and reporting. I was responsible for driving the annual budgeting process, providing monthly/quarterly performance updates to executive leadership (CXO and Board level), and managing a USD 150M cost budget for enabling functions. Achievements: - Led the Annual Budgeting process and managed monthly P&L reporting, including variance analysis between budget and actuals. - Provided monthly estimates and quarterly analyst guidance, ensuring alignment with financial goals and performance expectations. - Published key non-financial metrics such as headcount and seat utilization to support operational efficiency. - Delivered periodic performance updates for executive review, including CXO and Board-level presentations. - Created Management Information Systems (MIS) and performance reports for various business units and functional areas. - Appointed Finance Business Partner for Enabling Functions (Technology, HR, Marketing, Sales, Administration, Legal), overseeing a USD 150M cost budget. -Managed stakeholder relationships and tracked expenses, ensuring alignment with annual budgets and minimizing budgetary variances.

As AGM, Finance at Tata Interactive Systems (TIS), a leading provider of e-learning solutions, I oversaw budgeting, cost control, financial planning and analysis, and regulatory compliance. I was also responsible for preparing financial statements according to IGAAP, managing audits, and overseeing accounts receivable, accounts payable, and banking operations. Achievements: - Led budgeting, financial planning, and cost control initiatives to ensure financial efficiency and alignment with organizational goals. - Managed monthly management reporting, including variance analysis and cost control measures to optimize financial performance. - Prepared financial statements in compliance with IGAAP standards, ensuring accuracy and regulatory adherence. - Oversaw financial compliance and coordinated with auditors to ensure a smooth audit process. - Managed Accounts Receivable (AR), Accounts Payable (AP), and banking operations to maintain financial integrity and liquidity.

As Senior Manager Finance at Maersk Procurement, a division of A.P. Moller - Maersk Group, I focused on budgeting, cost control, variance analysis, and performance management. My role involved developing and implementing cost optimisation strategies within the procurement function. Achievements: - Ensured compliance with corporate guidelines in financial reporting and analysis within the procurement function. - Developed and implemented a savings reporting mechanism to track and report on cost reduction initiatives, enhancing procurement efficiency. - Managed the 5-quarter rolling forecast, providing regular updates and variance analysis to headquarters in Copenhagen to support decision-making. - Led the annual cost and savings budgeting process, aligning procurement spending with corporate objectives and contributing to overall financial goals.

As Senior Manager at CRISIL, a leading global analytical company providing ratings, research, and risk and policy advisory services, I specialized in equity research, including company and industry analysis, report writing, and IPO grading. I conducted extensive primary research and delivered insightful management reports. Achievements: - Navigated the complexities of the global financial crisis, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the aftermath of the Lehman Brothers' bankruptcy. - Conducted in-depth secondary market research on Indian and international companies, analyzing financial performance, industry trends, and competitive positioning to support valuation models and investment recommendations. - Developed and utilized comprehensive financial models with various valuation techniques to assess company valuations, offering critical insights for investment decisions. - Authored detailed research reports covering company performance, sector trends, and long-term growth prospects, with a focus on corporate governance and valuations. - Presented research findings and recommendations to senior management and industry experts, guiding strategic decision-making and securing buy-in from stakeholders.

As Branch Credit Manager at ICICI Bank, one of India's leading private sector banks, I analyzed credit profiles for salaried, self-employed professionals, and non-professionals. My role involved assessing creditworthiness, mitigating risks, and ensuring adherence to lending guidelines. Achievements: - Gained foundational experience in credit analysis and risk management, assessing and managing the creditworthiness of clients within the branch. - Contributed to the evaluation and approval of loans, ensuring compliance with internal credit policies and risk guidelines. - Assisted in developing strategies to mitigate credit risk and optimize the branch’s portfolio.