MUKESH B. SAXENA, MFM, CPA
Princeton, NJ *****, 917-***-**** (C), 609-***-**** (H)
http://www.linkedin.com/in/saxenamukesh, ***********@*****.***
International Finance and Operations Executive
An international business leader, critical thinker, problem solver with timeliness, with a demonstrated record of success in Business Operations, International Finance, Accounting, Compliance, Supply Chain, Tax, Project Management including IT related, Merger & Acquisitions, Strategy, Planning, Audit, Risk Management, Control and Banking.
Managed operations of large International Banks (Deutsche Bank), Companies like Unilever (CPG and Foods) and also small fast growing firms like Nars (sub of Shiseido International) and TPR Holdings (multi-brands owner and 3P global manufacturing). The channels included E-Commerce, Retail, Wholesale, international distribution and 3 P manufacturing.
Managed post-acquisition integration of Mally Beauty with Beauty Visions LLC for TPR Holdings group.
Instrumental in designing process improvements across 15 countries as a global audit manager for Unilever, improved reporting governance and introduced internal audit protocol in Deutsche Bank. International Banking and Cash Management expert, Long term financial planning, Cash Flows and banking relationships.
As CFO, streamlined financial and business processes, enhanced productivity levels, introduced process improvements and implemented technology solutions (led ERP migrations). Improved operations to reduce COGS significantly and better customer service and led multiple Infra projects with strict timeliness. Extensively travelled and worked in multiple countries. Developed teams and mentored for improved performance and potential leadership.
Consulted a prepaid PIN based Personal Payment card start up launched in Mexico.
Extensive experience in managing and delivering:
ü Financial Stewardship & Reporting ü Project Management, Human Resource, Payroll Admin
ü SOX & GAAP/GAAS/Regulatory Compliance ü Legal, Tax, Compliance, & Internal Control Evaluation
Due Diligence / Mergers & Acquisitions ü E-Commerce, Retail and distributors
Technology Enhancements & Process Improvement ü Strategic Consulting to CPG Industry
Operations Management & Executive Leadership ü Budgeting & Forecasting/Variance Analysis
Cost Accounting, Inventory Management ü Restructuring & Turnaround specialist
Professional Experience
TPR Holdings LLC (Consumer goods, cosmetics, perfumes etc.)
Consulting for Business Transformation, Project Manager and CFO 2008-2010 and Dec 2013- present
Led a strategic project on ERP migration to ensure efficiency, timely and correct implementation that can provide an efficient tool for effective management decision making and relevant reporting including consolidation.
Managed large acquisition, executed action plan post-acquisition, integrated operations resulted in assumed savings with efficiency.
Responsible for all Accounting, Finance, Investor Reporting, Due-diligence for new targets, post-acquisition integration and value addition, handle independent auditors, Strategic planning, forecasting, Cash plan/management, HR, Payroll, recruiting and Taxation etc.
Critical advisory to CEO and executing action plans on ‘optimizing Inventory and Control, Improvement in Cash Flows and processes for high efficiency. Recruiting high potential staff.
Led a major acquisition for the group and executed post-sale Integration plan.
Deutsche Bank Group - Global Investment Bank (Jan 2011-June 2013)
Global Head of Control - Client Onboarding, NY (Feb 2012-June 2013)
Transparency, Governance framework, Controls in 43 countries and major hubs. Managed global Control framework, Policy roll-out, Process reviews, Coordination with audit and Anti Money Laundering/Compliance/Legal /Credit, Transitions, Risks management/reporting, Remediation for new regulations (local/global) and Resiliency.
Close monitoring and coordination led to closure of audit points before target date (100% deadlines met).
Established audit protocol and pre-audit Gap analysis, which resulted in reduced potential audit issues.
New Reporting framework brought transparency and uniformity that was appreciated by all stakeholders.
Setup control framework to ensure management awareness and reduce regulatory non-compliance risk.
Chief Operating Officer - India Service Center, India (Jan 2011-Jan 2012)
Costs, Compliance, strong support –Business Enabler. Reported to Country CEO and Global COO. Member of Executive committee, Chairman of Infra committee. Managed Headcount, Costs per FTE, Compliance, Governance, Security, Risks/Control, Incident management, Legal, Transitions, Facilities Management, Resiliency and Global Sourcing. Managed large teams for execution within governance framework and produced large savings. Organized optimum seat utilization to manage fast growth.
Resolved capacity shortfall through Seat Utilization and Resiliency (cost avoidance Euro 1.6Mn)
Negotiated very difficult deal of shared BCM seat at almost half price (saving $.4Mn pa.)
Arranged Transition Book of Work and delivery of large number of Resiliency.
Achieved financial and HC plan while managing operational issues.
Changed clients’ perception of role from controller to business enabler with proactive approach.
Directed global sourcing for large savings in negotiations – Euro 2Mn.
Managed transport automation project-potential savings Euro 1Mn pa.
TPR Holdings LLC - Growth and efficiency since Dec 2013 and also (Jul 2008-Aug 2010)
Chief Financial Officer, NY
TPR Holdings LLC (TPR) is a NYC based investor and operator in the consumer products industry. TPR’s target investments include scalable mass and prestige opportunities in the health, beauty and wellness categories.
TPR has also provided transition services for large consumer products companies including Shiseido Cosmetics and Procter & Gamble. TPR principals have founded and developed such international brands as ZIRH Men’s Skincare, John Varvatos Fragrances, Susan Komen Promise Me, French Connection Beauty, Reem Acra Fragrances & Nicole Richie Fragrances.
Managing all accounting, financial planning, financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, inventory, Warehousing, customer service, Banking, Human Resources, Payroll, Taxation and cash flow. In addition, leading major ERP migration project (Oracle) for the whole group with 4 companies, consolidation and .
Increased cash flows during an economic downturn by proactive AR management (reduced past dues to below 5%) and renegotiation of terms with vendors.
Developed accurate and reliable financial reports that aided in decision-making processes.
Cultivated professional relationships with potential investors, buyers, and sellers of brands.
Played a critical role in the Zirh brand's sale to P&G and reported to P&G management during the transition, complying strictly with P&G requirements.
Managed various channel sales and expansion including E-Commerce and Retail.
Windstreet Energy - Prepare start-up for fast growth (Sept 2007-Jun 2008)
Chief Financial Officer, NJ
Accounting, financial planning, financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, inventory, cash flow management and call Center operation. Streamlined business processes and increased productivity levels. Handled investor relations.
Ensured compliance with government regulations and managed banking/line of credit.
Pioneered the implementation of process improvement and change management initiatives.
Spearheaded migration of ERP for full cycle implementation.
Directed executive leadership, financial stewardship, human resources, and operations management.
Shiseido International Corp (Nars Cosmetics Inc.) - Turn around or shut down (Mar 2004-Sept 2007)
Chief Financial Officer / Senior Vice President, NY
Accounting, taxation, and financial processes. Led restructuring initiatives for cost reduction and established human resources and operations department from scratch. Implemented change management strategies and enhanced efficiency. Executed human resources and administration protocols. Served as a key member of top management.
Championed efforts to reduce operational losses from 49% of sales in 2003 to 12% of sales in 2004, break-even in 2005 and fast track growth from 2006.
Achieved industry level operational efficiency within 3 years, reducing inventory from 15 to 9 months
Reduced expenses by one-fourth in terms of percent of net sales. (Saving- $6Mn)
Achieved a one-third reduction in Cost of Goods over 3 years. (By annual plans and imports-saving $4.8Mn)
Improved cash flows and reduced accounts receivable past dues (>90 days) from 40% to 2%.
Played a key role in drastically reducing borrowing (interest saving $1.8Mn p.a.).
Consistently received clean audit reports from external auditors (KPMG) since 2004.
Led all Synergy, Back office integration and ERP migration post-merger of Nars with Shiseido. Also, earned trust of Corporate (Tokyo) through realistic budgets, cash planning and effective expense control.
Unilever Group ($60Bn food/personal care company) - Global Audit (Feb 1994-Feb 2004)
Senior Auditor / Senior Manager, India, UK and Singapore (Jan 2001-Feb 2004)
Conducted Audits (finance, operational and Ethics); provided direction to audit teams in performing at optimal levels. Managed scope of work including major risks, strategic thrusts, corporate governance, policy compliance, key financial controls, key performance indicators and operational controls. Conducted investigations on fraud complaints. Served as a resource for Unilever regional audit teams in Asia, Europe, Corporate Center UK, Africa and US. Trained new auditors on audit process and audit software.
Selected as auditor responsible for auditing treasuries on a global basis.
Audited post merger issues related to Unilever/Bestfood merger (one of largest mergers of the time)
Served as the Asian Champion for Trading Working Capital Audit Review 2003 and Cash Delivery 2002.
Selected as an integral member of the Global Corporate Governance Network in 2002.
Senior Manager - Group Treasury, India (Feb 1994-Jan 2001)
Established currency/money dealing rooms and back office in record time. Designed manuals on systems and procedures for both Money and Currency trading and trained staff.
Initiated new investment products with acceptable risks and new risk control methods/Limits based on VaR.
Produced over $5Mn in annual savings through negotiation of cash management products.
Received Chairman’s Award for 1996 and 1997 due to stellar performance.
Consistently produced value addition, exceeding targets for 7 years while strictly following risk governance.
Education
MFM (Master of Financial Management), University of Mumbai, India
CPA (Certified Public Accountant), State Board of Delaware, USA
MS (Master of Science in Mathematics), University of Delhi, India
Certifications / Licenses
FINRA 99 Licensed Operations Specialist (2012) - USA
Anti-Money Laundering/Customer Due Diligence Advance International Certificate from ICA/University of Manchester (2012) – UK
Operational Risks Advance Certificate by CISI (2012) – USA
CSOX-FT Certification Exam, SOX Institute (2007) – USA
CAIIB (Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers) – India
Published case study of top 2 Indian companies’ merger,
Published paper on globalization and strategic currency risk management.
Membership
Project Management Institute (PMI)
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)