Somi Lal
Oberoi Sky Gardens, Lokhandwala, Andheri West, Mumbai
Summary
Dynamic finance leader with a proven track record at Blackberry Pvt Ltd, driving 38% YoY cost reductions and enhancing operational agility. Expert in GAAP compliance and financial reporting, stakeholder engagement and team development, consistently delivering strategic solutions that optimize performance and foster growth.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
VP – Global Operations & Business Development
Zenith Systems Solutions
01.2021 - Current
- Led integration and scale-up of greenfield operation, growing technical staff 10x and driving revenue self-funding within 12 months.
- Directed compliance with country payroll, taxes, and accounting standards; implemented robust financial controls.
- Championed tech-enabled process improvements, increasing team agility and efficiency.
Regional Finance Manager/Offshore Finance Head
New Zealand Consulate, MBIE
Mumbai
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Orchestrated centralized financial reporting, risk reviews, and month-end controls for India and Middle East.
- Spearheaded global transformation of student visa payment stream and compliance, reducing lead times and enhancing audit readiness.
- Led inventory management, financial planning, and cost optimization initiatives.
Financial Controller (APAC)
Blackberry Pvt Ltd
Toronto
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Headed finance and operations for Asia Pacific, developed and deployed internal controls, and improved margin via strategic cost reductions (38% YoY savings).
- Implemented integrated budgeting and process automation, improved controllership resilience.
Manager – Demand/Supply Finance
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
Toronto
01.2006 - 01.2011
- Controlled $1.2Bn revenue and $25M material spend for OEMs; led SOX compliance and oversaw mergers & integrations.
- Restructured labor, capex, inventory, and technology budgets to optimize cost and compliance.
Senior Financial Analyst
Johnson & Johnson/Janssen-Ortho
Toronto
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Led finance business partnering for profitability, contract management, and expense optimization.
- Provided strategic forecasting advice and drove marketing finance transformation.
Financial Analyst
Xerox
Toronto
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Prepared financial reporting, planning, and performed variance analyses; led process improvements and Six Sigma projects.
- Enhanced forecasting tools and collections, strengthening compliance and financial outcomes.
Education
MBA - Finance
University of Mumbai
BSc - Biochemistry & Microbiology
University of Mumbai
Skills
- GAAP and IFRS compliance
- Financial reporting and controls
- SAP proficiency
- MS Office Suite expertise
- Change leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
- Business partnering
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Team development
- Talent retention strategies
- Operational agility
- Strategic agility
Certification
- Certified Scrum Master
- Six Sigma Green Belt
Accomplishments
- Led business process transformation delivering material cost savings and audit readiness.
- Implemented SAP, SOX controls, and process automation across multinational teams.
- Grew revenue and controlled costs in diverse geographies by aligning finance with strategic partnership.
- Mentored and developed high-performing teams, built robust backup frameworks for resilience.
- Managed M&A integrations, delivered change management and training for finance transformations.
Timeline
VP – Global Operations & Business Development
Zenith Systems Solutions
01.2021 - Current
Regional Finance Manager/Offshore Finance Head
New Zealand Consulate, MBIE
01.2017 - 01.2021
Financial Controller (APAC)
Blackberry Pvt Ltd
01.2011 - 01.2016
Manager – Demand/Supply Finance
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
01.2006 - 01.2011
Senior Financial Analyst
Johnson & Johnson/Janssen-Ortho
01.2004 - 01.2006
Financial Analyst
Xerox
01.2001 - 01.2004
MBA - Finance
University of Mumbai
BSc - Biochemistry & Microbiology
University of Mumbai
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