RAKESH KUMAR
Credit & Collections Leader | Working Capital Optimization | Finance Operations Leader | Order-to-Cash
Delhi
Summary
CMA-qualified finance executive with 20+ years of progressive leadership managing large-scale receivables portfolios (₹6,350+ Cr domestic and international across 6 countries). Expert in credit and collections management, Order-to-Cash operations, sales accounting, and trade scheme management. Proven track record delivering measurable impact: 24-40% DSO reduction, working capital improvement, 98%+ collection efficiency and 70-80% process error elimination. Expertise in commercial governance, automation-led transformation, SAP FICO implementation, and leading high-performing teams across geographically dispersed operations.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Region Head - Credit to Cash
JIOSTAR INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED
08.2014 - Current
- Led end-to-end credit-to-cash operations across domestic and international markets (UK, Middle East, Singapore, Malaysia, US), managing receivables portfolio. Directed collections strategy, credit governance, dispute resolution, and working capital optimization across multiple business units and regions.
- Key Achievements & Impact:
- Managed cumulative receivables portfolio of ₹6,350+ Cr (₹5,500 Cr domestic + ₹850 Cr international) across multiple regions and business units; maintained 98%+ collection efficiency
- Achieved exceptional 24% DSO reduction for domestic business (85→65 days) and 40% reduction for international markets (150→90 days), improving working capital by ₹[X] Cr
- Spearheaded automation-led transformation, reducing booking process errors by 70-80% and improving reconciliation accuracy to 99.9%, reducing manual effort by 60%
- Reduced operational costs by 10% while improving customer service levels by 5-7%, demonstrating balance between efficiency and customer experience
- Designed and implemented enhanced credit evaluation framework, reducing bad debt provisions to virtually nil (
- Built and led high-performing team of 25+ professionals across multiple regions managing end-to-end receivables lifecycle (collections, reconciliations, dispute resolution, reporting, sales operations)
Regional Commercial Manager
WHIRLPOOL OF INDIA LIMITED
09.2010 - 08.2014
- Oversaw commercial operations across multiple regions, establishing and enforcing robust commercial governance and comprehensive business support.
- Key Achievements:
- Improved DSO by 5 days in North region through strategic channel finance initiatives while maintaining strong customer relationships; freed substantial working capital
- Ensured 100% SOX compliance across 12 warehouses, 7 branches, and 8 states; managed VAT assessments, audits, and regional expense controls
- Directed supply chain commercial operations including CFA management, inventory planning, stock controls, and statutory compliance
- Led implementation of Project Akarman for scheme rationalization and operational efficiency improvements
- Managed trade schemes, pricing strategies, receivables, reconciliations, and commercial controls in strict alignment with company policies
Manager - Finance
SABMILLER INDIA (SKOL BREWERIES LTD.)
07.2008 - 09.2010
- Managed Accounts Receivable, credit operations, sales accounting, trade schemes, and statutory compliance across 17 states in the North region.
- Key Achievements:
- Successfully led and implemented Project AGNI, significantly streamlining trade scheme management and enhancing reconciliation controls for improved accuracy and efficiency
- Managed VAT assessments, audits, regional expense controls, ensuring full compliance with SOX and internal policies
- Supported tax audits and financial reporting processes
AR & Reconciliation Specialist
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)
04.2008 - 07.2008
Deputy Manager - Finance & Accounts
KAJARIA CERAMICS LIMITED
07.2004 - 04.2008
- Led accounts department for KAJARIA WORLD (high-growth SBU specializing in imported tiles), overseeing trading operations across multi-location network.
- Key Achievements:
- Scaled SBU revenue from ₹1 Cr to ₹100 Cr within 1 year; expanded branch footprint from 1 to 5 locations; achieved 95%+ collection efficiency
- Managed sales accounting across depot network; monitored collections and controlled receivables per credit policy; supervised credit/debit note issuance
- Prepared unit-wise profitability statements and analyzed monthly budget variances for management reporting and decision-making
- Directed fund flow planning and inventory management across locations to optimize cash conversion cycles and working capital
- Established accounting controls and standard operating procedures across all depots
Assistant Manager - Internal Audit
PACL India Limited
11.2001 - 07.2004
- Conducted comprehensive internal audits across multiple locations, identifying control gaps and compliance risks, leading to enhanced compliance and risk mitigation.
- Implemented audit recommendations, strengthening internal controls and operational efficiency across departments.
- Supported statutory compliance reviews and tax audits, ensuring accuracy in financial reporting and adherence to regulations.
Education
CMA - Cost & Works Accountant
Institute of Cost & Works Accountants of India (ICWAI)
Delhi, India01-2001
Bachelor of Commerce - Honours
Patna University
Patna01-1996
Skills
Receivables Portfolio Management (₹6,350 Cr)
Credit Management & Collections Strategy
Working Capital Management & Optimization
Order-to-Cash (OTC) Process Optimization
DSO Reduction & Cash Flow Acceleration
Commercial Governance & SOX Compliance
Process Automation & Workflow Optimization
Credit Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Team Leadership & Mentoring
Revenue Recognition
Trade Scheme Management
SAP FICO
Dispute Resolution & Reconciliation
Sales Accounting & Demand Planning
Stakeholder Management & Cross-functional Collaboration
Timeline
Region Head - Credit to Cash
JIOSTAR INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED
08.2014 - Current
Regional Commercial Manager
WHIRLPOOL OF INDIA LIMITED
09.2010 - 08.2014
Manager - Finance
SABMILLER INDIA (SKOL BREWERIES LTD.)
07.2008 - 09.2010
AR & Reconciliation Specialist
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)
04.2008 - 07.2008
Deputy Manager - Finance & Accounts
KAJARIA CERAMICS LIMITED
07.2004 - 04.2008
Assistant Manager - Internal Audit
PACL India Limited
11.2001 - 07.2004
CMA - Cost & Works Accountant
Institute of Cost & Works Accountants of India (ICWAI)
Bachelor of Commerce - Honours
Patna University