RUNALI GAUNSDESAI
mumbai,MH
Summary
Strategic and result-oriented finance professional with over 17 years of experience in global shared services. Spearheaded month-end close transformation, reducing timelines from 9 to 4 days through standardization and automation, earning stakeholder recognition. Led CPI initiatives and audit readiness efforts, enhancing compliance and reporting accuracy by 30%. Proficient in SAP, S/4HANA, and Workday, focusing on financial accuracy, P&L and balance sheet reviews, and stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated success in mentoring teams, streamlining processes, and providing insights that drive sustainable business growth.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Supervisor-RTR
WPP Marketing Communications India Pvt Ltd
05.2024 - Current
- Provide strategic leadership to 7-member team overseeing month-end close activities for WPP – US entities, consistently ensuring 100% adherence to closing timelines.
- Accountable for reviewing and approving 500+ complex journal entries monthly, spanning bank, general ledger, and intercompany reconciliations.
- Championed continuous process improvement and automation initiatives, reducing reconciliation turnaround time from 3 days to 5 hours and achieving a 50% reduction in employee cost.
- Strengthened SOX compliance and audit preparedness by aligning processes with RCM guidelines and proactively supporting PwC audits.
- Successfully led the transition of 10+ key finance activities from onshore to SSC India, enhancing overall process efficiency and control.
Manager
Stratsol Software Systems (Contractual)
11.2023 - 02.2024
- Led a team of 10 in the S4 HANA finance testing project for Capgemini, dedicated to the client Mass Mutual Insurance Co, USA.
- Oversaw the execution of S4 HANA testing scenarios, ensuring alignment with client specifications.
- Delivered comprehensive management and support to meet project objectives effectively.
Manager
Kroll (Duff & Phelps Global LLP)
02.2022 - 04.2023
- Led a 3-member team overseeing bank reconciliation and intercompany accounting, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely financial reporting.
- Cultivated a collaborative team environment while driving process improvements to strengthen control and efficiency.
- Successfully reduced aged bank open items (90+ days) by 70%, significantly improving reconciliation quality.
Associate Team Lead
Colgate Global Business Services Pvt Ltd
01.2014 - 02.2022
- Led a team of 5–10 in managing end-to-end R2R processes, delivering 100% on-time month-end closures across 12+ legal entities.
- Oversaw preparation of monthly financial statements and 300+ account reconciliations, ensuring 99.9% accuracy and SOX compliance.
- Spearheaded the implementation of S/4HANA, resulting in a 25% reduction in manual journal entries and improved reporting timelines.
- Drove CPI initiatives that reduced reconciliation turnaround time by 40% and improved control effectiveness.
- Generated MIS reports such as Cash flow analysis, Qity CFN reporting and audit reports for Europe and Greater Indo-China regions, enabling quicker business decisions and audit readiness.
- Mentored team members, resulting in 30% improvement in task ownership and enhanced compliance with financial policies.
- Played a key role in Bank Automation projection, accelerating month end accounting process, FI-PA Simplification which resulted in reducing process time by 60% through focused reviews and stakeholder collaboration.
Process Expert
Maersk Global Service Centre
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Oversaw creditor management strategies, leading CPI initiatives that improved operational efficiency and reduced processing time by 30%.
- Analyzed vendor relationships and optimized payment workflows, ensuring compliance and strengthening supplier engagement.
- Championed best practices across teams through a proactive, cross-functional approach, identifying process gaps and driving continuous improvement across departments.
Sr. Process Associate
Tata Consultancy Services Pvt Ltd
11.2009 - 11.2010
- Managed creditor relations and accounts payable for Owens Corning – US operations.
- Oversaw fixed asset accounting ensuring accurate and compliant financial reporting.
- Ensured financial integrity through strong analytical reviews and control oversight.
Sr. Accountant
Royal Palms Hotel India Pvt Ltd
08.2007 - 11.2009
- Led a team of 6 managing payroll accounting, bank reconciliation, and end-to-end debtor and creditor processes.
- Oversaw creditor management, invoice verification, and fixed asset accounting, including depreciation and asset transfers.
- Ensured accurate debtor tracking through aging analysis and customer ledger reconciliations.
Education
DIP IFRS -
Grantthorton
PGeMBA - Finance & Insurance
M.E.T College
01.2008
M.COM - undefined
MCC College
01.2008
B. Com - undefined
MCC College
01.2005
Skills
- Financial Closing Process: Accounts & Finance Management, Month End Accounting, P&L and Balance Sheet Review, Financial Planning & Reporting, Bank Reconciliation, Expense management, Internal Auditing, SOX compliance documentation, SOBP Creation and Providing Stakeholder
- Reporting: MIS & Forecasting Reporting, Balance Sheet Reconciliation, Month End Consolidation, Intercompany accounting,10k and BE11 Reporting, ensuring compliance with US GAAP and IFRS reporting requirements
Accomplishments
- Played an instrumental role in the Colgate Pilot Migration team, stayed 3 months in Poland to successfully facilitate the migration of finance activities for Colgate Spain and Portugal.
- Successfully completed the CAD audit for Colgate-Palmolive US in December 2020, demonstrating thorough attention to detail and compliance excellence
- Recognized as the Best Employee at Maersk Global Service Centre for outstanding performance and contributions.
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
HybridRemoteOn-SiteImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPaid sick leavePaid time offWork from home optionHealthcare benefitsCareer advancementPersonal development programsTimeline
Supervisor-RTR
WPP Marketing Communications India Pvt Ltd
05.2024 - Current
Manager
Stratsol Software Systems (Contractual)
11.2023 - 02.2024
Manager
Kroll (Duff & Phelps Global LLP)
02.2022 - 04.2023
Associate Team Lead
Colgate Global Business Services Pvt Ltd
01.2014 - 02.2022
Process Expert
Maersk Global Service Centre
01.2011 - 01.2014
Sr. Process Associate
Tata Consultancy Services Pvt Ltd
11.2009 - 11.2010
Sr. Accountant
Royal Palms Hotel India Pvt Ltd
08.2007 - 11.2009
PGeMBA - Finance & Insurance
M.E.T College
M.COM - undefined
MCC College
B. Com - undefined
MCC College
DIP IFRS -
Grantthorton
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