Hi, I’m
Varsha Nair
ACCA, ADIT
London
Summary
A dynamic and results-oriented Senior Vice President of Group Finance with over 26 years of extensive experience in strategic financial management, corporate finance, and mergers and acquisitions. Proven track record of leading high-performing multi-geo financial teams and driving organizational growth through best-in-class financial strategies and prudent fiscal management. Expertise in financial forecasting, budget development, financial controls, international taxation laws and performance analysis, combined with a robust understanding of market dynamics and regulatory requirements. Adept at collaborating with executive leadership to align financial objectives with broader business goals and maximize shareholder value. Recognized for exceptional analytical skills, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to transform complex financial data into actionable insights that support strategic decision-making. Committed to fostering a culture of financial discipline and transparency throughout the organization.
Overview
23
years of professional experience
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Toluna UK Limited
Senior Vice President – Group Finance
9 2021 - 8 2024
Job overview
- Responsible for Group Consolidation (multi-currencies), Board, Investor & Bank (covenant) Reporting including audit and tax compliance of group companies in APAC, NA, US, LATAM and EMEA (52 entities)
- Reduced month end close process from day 14 to day 5 close by centralizing AP, AR, Revenue recognition, by creating CoE team in India and centralized ERP rollout for entire group from Microsoft Dynamics to Exact Globe by standardizing CoA, alignment of processes
- Reduced group consolidation reporting deadline from day 21 to day 8 including board pack preparation by moving away from excel consolidation to Lucanet consolidation tool
- Led project lead roll out of Lucanet consolidation tool for 52 entities and automated reporting to internal and external stakeholders
- Centralized global procurement and PO tool, SAP Concur, created global workflow process, stringent approval process including complete oversight against budget, reducing duplication of costs spend and POs, faster processing of vendor invoices and timely payments
- Improved cash flow by reducing DSO from 75 to 46 days by negotiating better payment terms, strengthened invoicing process ensuring and implemented centralized AR management system (SideTrade) creating efficient payment monitoring system defining clear recovery process
- Worked closely with C-suite on strategies relating to new and existing investments including end to end support of acquisition and integration of new business entities (October 2022 and June 2023), including maximizing synergies benefits from targets
- Successfully completed PPA (Purchase Price Allocation) for acquired businesses minimizing unexpected adjustments and completed acquisition accounting complaint with IFRS
- Collaborated with sales and commercial teams to negotiate and review customer contracts, ensuring alignment with financial objectives and risk mitigation strategies
- Developed and implemented pricing strategies to maximize revenue and profitability while remaining competitive in market
- Monitored product margins and profit margins
- Appointed member of Steering Committee to lead synergies in cost savings for finance following acquisition
- Drove continuous improvement by establishing and analyzing clear, measurable key KPI metrics across all finance operations – savings in audit costs (£500k in FY 23-24 audit), finance team synergies (FTE reduction from 42 to 15), group insurance renewals, automation of revenue recognition from OTC to billing to accounting, process improvement and alignment post-acquisition
- Lead financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes to ensure financial stability and growth
- Successfully closed US sales tax audit (covering period 2013 – 2022) and saved company from NY sales taxes including penalties and interest of USD 800k by proving products/services provided did not attract tax
- Successfully closed HRMC open audit for group and UK entity (period covering 2016-2023) by retrospectively registering holding company and recovering input VAT of £1.2m relating to prior acquisition deal costs
- Implemented group VAT registration for UK based entities and trained team in UK VAT rules
- Successfully lead group audit (IFRS) with no audit adjustments or misstatements including SOX compliant internal controls
- Drive improvements in operational efficiency, cost management, and resource allocation
- Foster relationships with investors, banks, and other financial partners to support capital initiatives
- Led high-performing finance team, proving mentorship and leadership.
Ensono Limited
Finance Director– Europe
09.2019 - 07.2021
Job overview
- Consolidated EMEA finance activities in tax, treasury, and corporate accounting, effectively relocating back-office finance roles to shared services team in India within a year of roll out (recruitment, onboarding, KT and process roll out)
- Established centralized billing, AR and AP team to India CoE and increasing profit margin for European business achieving streamlined processes and spearheaded lean management system across businesses
- Researched and secured $2m line of credit
- Leveraged resulting free cash flow to generate additional $10m per year in revenue
- Implemented QTC billing process in Sales Force system and bringing in effective billing model and improving client relationship
- Coordinated efforts to transition external accountants from PWC; evaluated and selected new accounting firm for EMEA entities and conducted re-audit of fiscal 2017-2019 for German entity
- Completed group audit (US and UK GAAP) with zero audit adjustments and control issues for 2 consecutive year ends
- Worked closely with cross-functional teams to reverse downward trend in past-due account collections with better automated outreach, reducing billing errors and improved DSO by 35%
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives and productivity tools, including streamlined internal audit procedures and use of Workday Adaptive Planning ERP software.
Bridge International Academies Limited
Director of Finance – Group Reporting & Tax
07.2016 - 08.2019
Job overview
- Successfully transitioned end to end financial reporting, payroll, and treasury function from local country to Global Shared Services team based in India including recruiting finance and payroll team in India including setting up offices and entities in India
- Delivered critical analysis streamlining finance processes (record to report, procure to pay, etc.) and establishment of ‘best practice' including resolving conflicts arising between work streams
- Successfully implemented and transitioned to new TP policy including preparation of documentation in line with India TP Guidelines
- Successfully completed first group consolidation statutory financials including clearing all legacy accounting issues.
Ingeus Europe Limited
Head of Finance – International
03.2007 - 03.2016
Job overview
- Increased revenue growth 20% in in Europe up from 5% via development of financial roadmap and new business opportunities
- Successfully transitioned financial reporting from UK GAAP to IFRS
- Participate in due diligence efforts for potential M&A targets including JV partnership
- Completed UK and International entities are fully Sarbanes Oxley 404 compliant including highly robust process documentation and security measures
- Successful implementation and transition to new Global Transfer Pricing policy including preparation of documentation in line with OECD Guidelines.
- Provided senior management with strategic financial insights for informed decision making
- Managed budgeting process, ensuring accurate forecasting and timely adjustments to meet business needs
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align financial goals with overall company objectives
- Strengthened communication between finance department and other business units, fostering an environment of collaboration across the organization
Kaplan Financial Limited
Group Finance Manager
01.2004 - 02.2007
Kaplan Financial Limited
Financial Accountant
12.2000 - 12.2003
PAREXEL International Limited
Financial Accountant
07.1999 - 11.2000
IBLTrade Finance Limited (Trade Financiers)
Accounts Assistant Supervisor
04.1998 - 06.1999
Education
Chartered Institute of TaxationLondon
Advanced Diploma in International Taxation, ADIT
06.2013 - 06.2014
Association of Chartered Certified AccountantsLondon
ACCA from Accounting And Business Management
12.1998 - 12.2001
University of MumbaiMumbai, India
Bachelors of Commerce from Accounting And Finance
06.1994 - 06.1997
Skills
Financial Controls
Taxation Laws
Industry Expertise
Annual Planning
Profit and Loss Management
Board Reporting
Executive Leadership
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Growth planning
Business Planning
Policy Development
Strategic Planning
Budget Preparation
Mergers and Acquisitions
Financial Reporting
Strategic plans
Strategic leadership
IT Skills
MS Dynamics Axapta, Workday and Adaptive Planning, Exact Globe, SAP Concur, Lucanet consolidation tool, Power BI reporting, SAP ByD, SAP Magnitude, Viareport IFRS 16, Pegasus Opera, Oracle Financial, Sun 4.25 financial systems, TM1, MS Dynamics NAV (2018) and Great Plains (version 9), FRx (version 6.7), MIS & MS Office Plus.
Timeline
Finance Director– Europe
Ensono Limited
09.2019 - 07.2021
Director of Finance – Group Reporting & Tax
Bridge International Academies Limited
07.2016 - 08.2019
Chartered Institute of Taxation
Advanced Diploma in International Taxation, ADIT
06.2013 - 06.2014
Head of Finance – International
Ingeus Europe Limited
03.2007 - 03.2016
Group Finance Manager
Kaplan Financial Limited
01.2004 - 02.2007
Financial Accountant
Kaplan Financial Limited
12.2000 - 12.2003
Financial Accountant
PAREXEL International Limited
07.1999 - 11.2000
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
ACCA from Accounting And Business Management
12.1998 - 12.2001
Accounts Assistant Supervisor
IBLTrade Finance Limited (Trade Financiers)
04.1998 - 06.1999
University of Mumbai
Bachelors of Commerce from Accounting And Finance
06.1994 - 06.1997
Senior Vice President – Group Finance
Toluna UK Limited
9 2021 - 8 2024