Shruti Bhardwaj

Financial Controller | Expert in Financial Reporting, Budgeting, & Risk Management | Driving Operational Efficiency in FMCG Sector

Gurgaon, Haryana, India

About

As a finance enthusiast with over 13 years of experience, I thrive on turning financial challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement. My passion lies in strategic financial management, where I apply my expertise to streamline operations, enhance profitability, and drive impactful results in the fast-paced FMCG sector. I believe that aligning financial strategies with overarching business objectives is critical for sustainable success. 💡 Career Highlights: • Awarded the Profitability Driver Award (2022) by NIPSEA Group for enhancing profitability. • Achieved USD 500,000 savings through innovative marketing budget optimization. • Facilitated acquisition of an overseas entity, adding USD 30M in annual revenue. • Led a turnaround plan at Nippon Paint, improving financial performance. • Honored with the Lean and Innovation Award for successful company integration. 🔑 Core Skills: • Financial Reporting & Strategic Analysis • Advanced Budgeting & Forecasting Techniques • Comprehensive Risk Management • Cost Reduction Initiatives & Cash Flow Optimization • Empowering Team Leadership & Cross-functional Collaboration Throughout my career, I have cultivated a skill set that marries financial acumen with a strong understanding of operational dynamics. I take pride in leading teams that foster collaboration and drive initiatives that yield measurable success. 🌍 Industry Expertise: • Experienced in financial modeling and analysis, along with proficiency in ERP systems and business intelligence platforms. • Focused primarily on the FMCG sector, with hands-on experience in Automotive Refinish and Coatings, and adept at managing regulatory compliance across diverse geographical landscapes. I strive to leverage my financial expertise to drive strategic initiatives, inspire teams, and contribute to an organization’s growth journey. Let's connect and explore how we can work together to achieve shared goals.

Experience

  • Nippon Paint India (On-site)
    • Financial Controller
      Jul 2025 - Present · 1 yr

    • Deputy Finance Controller
      Jan 2022 - Jun 2025 · 3 yrs 6 mos

      As Deputy Finance Controller at Nippon Paint India, I lead a dedicated team of 17 professionals, focusing on operational excellence within the finance and commercial departments. My role involves driving significant financial transformations, including the implementation of a comprehensive turnaround plan that has measurably improved financial performance and positioned the company for sustainable growth. Additionally, I manage the consolidation of financial reports for 15 APAC countries, providing strategic insights that inform executive decision-making. I also play a key role in optimizing working capital, successfully reducing cash cycles by 15% through enhanced inventory and accounts receivable strategies. Supporting strategic business initiatives, I've contributed to the development of an international supply center in India’s free trade zone, which aims to lower operational costs. My commitment to timely financial reporting has led to achieving T+1 closures, ensuring transparency and accuracy in financial communications across business units.

    • Leader-Finance
      Jan 2021 - Dec 2021 · 1 yr

  • AkzoNobel (On-site)
    • Plant Finance Contoller
      Jul 2017 - Feb 2019 · 1 yr 8 mos

      In my position as Plant Finance Controller at AkzoNobel, I was instrumental in ensuring financial integrity and compliance across the Coatings business segment. I enforced adherence to commercial policies and standard operating procedures while managing audits efficiently. My leadership in facilitating internal and statutory audits strengthened the organization's commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance, significantly enhancing the audit process and outcomes. I also directed monthly regional and commercial performance reviews, which enabled teams to analyze key financial metrics and make informed operational decisions. My initiatives in implementing SAP and GST not only streamlined financial processes but also ensured tax compliance, contributing to overall operational efficiency. Additionally, I successfully executed cost optimization strategies that improved liquidity by analyzing inventory dynamics and reducing excess stock.

    • Finance Manager
      Jun 2016 - Jun 2017 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Nippon Paint India (On-site)
    • FP&A Manager
      Mar 2013 - Jul 2016 · 3 yrs 5 mos

      As the FP&A Manager, I was responsible for leading financial planning and analysis efforts that aligned with our strategic objectives. My key achievements included overseeing the budget preparation and conducting thorough variance analyses, which helped drive financial discipline across all operations. Providing comprehensive monthly management reports to headquarters improved decision-making processes and enhanced our approach to financial performance monitoring. Additionally, I coordinated cross-functional collaborations that improved raw material inventory management and streamlined capital expenditure processes. My role also involved presenting insights at S&OP meetings, facilitating discussions on financial variances, and tracking follow-up actions. By developing robust financial and commercial control systems, I ensured operational consistency and compliance, further solidifying our financial foundations.

    • Senior Executive - Accounts & Finance
      Dec 2013 - Oct 2014 · 11 mos

      In my role as Senior Executive in Accounts & Finance, I focused on enhancing the efficiency of the accounts payable team, leading to a remarkable 70% reduction in overdue payables. This achievement not only improved cash flow management but also strengthened our relationships with vendors through timely payments. My rigorous analysis of aging inventory and provisions for obsolescence led to more effective inventory management practices and minimized financial waste. Further, I played a crucial role in the annual budgeting process, assisting in the creation and alignment of financial goals with organizational objectives. My contributions extended to managing accounts receivable reconciliations, ensuring precision in financial records, and supporting various tax compliance matters. Through careful oversight and strategic recommendations, I contributed to the overall financial health and sustainability of the organization.

    • Finance Executive
      Mar 2013 - Dec 2013 · 10 mos

      In my early career as a Finance Executive, I was responsible for ensuring accurate revenue recognition and reporting in line with accounting standards. This role provided me with valuable insights into financial transparency and accountability within the organization. I actively conducted profitability analyses that informed strategic decisions for revenue enhancement and identified opportunities for cost savings. I also played a key role in improving forecast accuracy by utilizing trend analysis and variance assessments, ensuring that financial projections aligned with actual performance. My efforts in supporting tax compliance initiatives helped maintain adherence to regulations and contributed to the accuracy of financial reporting. This foundational experience solidified my commitment to financial integrity and paved the way for my subsequent roles in finance leadership.