Vikash Poddar Email & Phone Number

Mumbai, Mh, In

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

During this tenure, my emphasis was on achieving growth and maximising shareholder value through strategic financial planning and leadership of a 10-person team.Roles required me to assist in developing the company's overall strategic plan and supporting strategic projects initiated by the Managing Director and Top Management Office. Institutionalise various projects and activities initiated by the CFO's office to achieve business excellence. Maintain relations with investors, and address/resolve their concerns.Moreover, carry out deal structuring, legal documentation related to fundraising, etc. I have raised huge funds through the Rights Issue at Praxis Home Retail Limited and the Preferential Allotment at Praxis Home Retail Limited.Further to this, I analyze financial data to assess the financial health and performance of the company. Develop financial models and perform financial analysis (historical performance review, financial forecast and free cash flow analysis). Led cost rationalization project which brought greater efficiency and financial savings.In addition, steer the commercial function of e-commerce business including Record To Report, financial discipline, effective communication with different marketplace players, and initiation & identification of automation opportunities.

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

At U2L Learning Solutions, I led the entire finance and accounts function and provided financial guidance on reporting, compliance, internal controls, working capital management, cash flow & audit functions, and corporate training; while leading a team of 2 members and building relationships with various stakeholders.Besides, Improved overall financial operations, processes, and controls to drive top and bottom-line growth. Provided transparency and data to support decision-making. Partnered with the top management in translating the divisional strategy into annual financial business plans and reported quarterly results in the Board Meeting to the Board of Directors.Consistently grow revenue at a CAGR of more than 35% in the last two years. I played a vital role in the moratorium and restructuring of a debt facility to bring financial stability.In addition, led all legal and secretarial matters to ensure compliance with regulations and support business operations (including tax matters).

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

At Future Retail, my focus was on driving the Corporate Finance and M&A function at the PAN India Level, delivering sustainable growth and profitability.I led M&A activities in the retail sector, overseeing opportunity identification, evaluation and execution, including commercial/financial diligence, deal documentation, regulatory approvals and post-merger integration. Prepared documents for submission to Stock Exchanges, SEBI, NCLT, and other regulatory bodies. Obtained approvals from various regulatory authorities in recorded time on M&A transactions.Furthermore, prepared investor communication material - quarterly investor updates and responded to investor queries. Built division-level detailed annual business plan with Division Business Heads/Finance Head, analysed financial models and performed financial analysis.I started an initiative to maintain a financial data warehouse ensuring that all the stakeholders, both internal and external, and helping the organization to make appropriate decisions. As a part of the core team, I managed the GST implementation in the Big Bazaar Division.

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

In Commercial and Accounts function, I guided a team of 3 members for the Accounting, FP&A function & Cash Management Operations for retail operations at PAN India Level and Loyalty & Gift Voucher Business from a commercial perspective for the Unit - Big Bazaar & FBB.Furthermore, strategized Store Level Profit Centre Level ABP (Annual Business Plan) with SAP budgetary controls. Set up new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), developed internal controls, and simplified processes. Ensured smooth month-end financial account closing. As a SPOC between the Head Office & 6 Zonal Teams, I helped smooth communication downward and implementation of various initiatives.Some of my initiatives were -• Introduced INR 5,000 Big Bazaar Profit Club Card (Loyalty Program) which helped immensely to get additional retail sales.• Automated SAP BI processes and developed monthly performance review reports in consultation with the SAP team. • Started e-gift voucher business in future-group’s retail formats.• Improved the EBITDA of retail formats of the company through contribution at each stage in streamlining the operational process, expense optimization and satisfactory resolution of legacy issues.