Narendra Karo
CPA, CA
Vizag
Summary
Dynamic Corporate and Financial Controller with over 17 years of expertise in managing comprehensive financial accounting, reporting, treasury, financial planning and compliance for multinational organizations. Dual-qualified as a Licensed CPA (USA) and Chartered Accountant (India), with extensive hands-on experience in accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger management, balance sheet reconciliations, variance analysis, and efficient month-end close processes. Proficient in US GAAP group consolidation and statutory reporting, along with the preparation of insightful management reporting packs for monthly, quarterly, and annual reviews. Recognized as a collaborative leader driving process excellence through automation and ERP solutions, enhancing efficiency and scalability while effectively managing treasury functions and fostering strong partnerships with global stakeholders.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Corporate Financial Controller
Hartwell Companies
01.2024 - Current
- Centralized Record-to-Report (R2R) and Procure-to-Pay (P2P) processes at the corporate level for a multi-division business, strengthening governance, standardization, and financial controls across entities.
- Reduced month-end and GL close cycle from 10 business days to 5 business days by streamlining close activities, improving accrual accuracy, and eliminating process inefficiencies—significantly enhancing the timeliness and reliability of financial reporting.
- Improved accuracy of financial results through robust accrual frameworks, tighter cut-off controls, and enhanced review mechanisms, leading to more predictable outcomes, and smoother audits.
- Prepared and presented consolidated monthly, quarterly, and annual financial results to the executive leadership team, delivering clear insights, variance analysis, and actionable recommendations to support informed strategic and operational decision-making.
- Implemented AP automation using the RAMP AI-powered platform, reducing invoice processing time and AP transaction costs by approximately 50%, while strengthening approval workflows and internal controls.
- Played a key role in cash flow forecasting and working capital management, enabling the organization to reduce finance costs through disciplined liquidity planning and payment prioritization.
- Partnered with senior leadership on budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and financial planning, providing data-driven insights tailored to a complex manufacturing environment.
- Oversaw US GAAP–compliant financial reporting, internal controls, and audit readiness, ensuring strong corporate governance across all divisions.
Segment Controller
Altisource
10.2023 - 12.2023
- Led the financial reporting and accounting team of six SFAs.
- Managed month-end close, reconciliations, and compliance.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering a positive work environment conducive to professional growth and development.
Chief Financial Officer
Mahathi Software
07.2017 - 10.2023
- Owned end-to-end finance and accounting for both India and the USA operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting across entities.
- Developed financial strategies, including long-term planning, capital allocation, cash flow optimization, investment analysis, and funding requirements, to support business growth.
- Delivered monthly board packs, investor-ready presentations, financial reviews, and KPI dashboards, enabling data-driven strategic decision-making.
- Led the group consolidation of the U.S. subsidiary into the Indian parent entity under U.S. GAAP, ensuring accurate foreign currency translation, intercompany eliminations, and compliance with reporting standards.
- Provided strategic advice on commercial lease negotiations, expansions, renewals, term modifications, and financial impact assessments.
- Managed statutory audits, external audits, tax assessments, and regulatory compliance, ensuring clean audit reports and adherence to local and international accounting requirements.
- Built and enhanced MIS reporting systems, including automated dashboards, profitability reports, and division-level performance analytics.
- Partnered with leadership and department heads on budgeting, cost optimization, pricing decisions, and new business initiatives.
- Led banking relationships, funding discussions, treasury management, FX exposure monitoring, and cash forecasting for multi-entity operations.
- Managed external audits, tax assessments, and built MIS reporting systems.
- Implemented internal controls, corporate governance frameworks, and risk-management practices across both countries.
- Strengthened finance operations, including AP, AR, payroll, inventory, and fixed asset accounting, ensuring scalable and efficient processes.
- Streamlined financial processes by implementing new accounting software and automation techniques.
Independent Consultant & Auditor
Narendranath & Co., Chartered Accountants
11.2013 - 06.2017
- Conducted Branch statutory audits (empanelled with Reserve Bank of India) and tax audits.
- Delivered cost savings and optimized cash management for clients.
- Advised clients on project finance, funding options, and custom duty refunds.
Manager - Finance & Accounts
Unipart
01.2013 - 10.2013
Manager - Accounts
Himadri Chemicals & Industries Ltd
04.2010 - 12.2012
Accounting Manager
Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd
06.2008 - 03.2010
Education
Master of Commerce - F&T
IGNOU
05.2001 -
CPA - USA
AICPA
12-2022
Bachelor of Commerce - A&F
IGNOU
06-2021
CA - INDIA
ICAI
11-2007
Skills
Financial Reporting, US GAAP, IFRS
Budgeting & Forecasting
Stake holder management & Business Partnering
Corporate Governance & Compliance (Taxation and Audits)
Treasury & Cash Management
Cost control & Operational efficiency
Business Strategy & Leadership, Talent Development
Systems & Technology
Leadership & Team management
Communication & Relationship building
Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving
Attention to details
Emotional Intelligence & Conflict resolution
Affiliations
- Licensed CPA (AICPA) from State of Montana, USA
- Fellow Member (FCA), Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
Career Timeline
- Since Jan'24 Hartwell Companies, Maryland, USA
- Oct'23 - Dec'23 Altisource, USA
- Jul'17 - Oct'23 Mahathi Software, Florida, USA, and Vizag
- Jan'13 - Nov'13-Jun'17 Narendranath & Co-Independent Consulting
- Apr'10 - Dec'12 Himadri Chemicals, Vizag
- Jun'08 - Mar'10 Coca-Cola, Gurgaon New Delhi
Timeline
Corporate Financial Controller
Hartwell Companies
01.2024 - Current
Segment Controller
Altisource
10.2023 - 12.2023
Chief Financial Officer
Mahathi Software
07.2017 - 10.2023
Independent Consultant & Auditor
Narendranath & Co., Chartered Accountants
11.2013 - 06.2017
Manager - Finance & Accounts
Unipart
01.2013 - 10.2013
Manager - Accounts
Himadri Chemicals & Industries Ltd
04.2010 - 12.2012
Accounting Manager
Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd
06.2008 - 03.2010
Master of Commerce - F&T
IGNOU
05.2001 -
CPA - USA
AICPA
Bachelor of Commerce - A&F
IGNOU
CA - INDIA
ICAI