CA Upadhyaya

CA Upadhyaya

About

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Group CFO | Capital Raising USD 2B+ |IPO |M&A I Manufacture | FMCG | Infrastructure | Logistics | Africa & Emerging Markets
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Résumé

Jobs verified_user 0% verified
  • Kerchanshe Group
    Group Chief Financial Officer
    Kerchanshe Group
    Dec 2022 - Current (3 years 11 months)
    📍 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Dec 2022 – Present | Group Turnover: $2.8 B | Reporting to Group CEO
    As Group CFO, I lead financial strategy, restructuring, ERP transformation (SAP S/4HANA), and capital management across Kerchanshe Group’s operations in Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, and Uganda. I own full P&L accountability across coffee processing & exports, paints, beef, melamine, logistics, hospitality, construction, agri commodities, and Oil & Gas divisions.
    Also supporting downstream petroleum operations through JV collaboration with TotalEnergies Ethiopia, operating 180+ fuel stations across Ethiopia with retail fuels, lubricants, aviation fuel, LPG, and commercial fuel supply.
    💡 Key Contributions:
    • Delivered 35% growth
  • Mount Meru Group
    COUNTRY CFO
    Mount Meru Group
    Nov 2018 - Nov 2022 (4 years 1 month)
    📍 Lilongwe, Malawi & Pan Africa | Nov 2018 – Nov 2022 | FMCG, Oil & Gas, Logistics, Hospitality & Agri Operations | Turnover: $2.5B | Reporting to Group Board of Directors
    As Country CFO, I led financial strategy, treasury, risk management, ERP transformation, and operational finance across 13 African countries for Mount Meru Group’s FMCG, Petroleum, Logistics, Agriculture, and Manufacturing operations. I partnered with the Group Board and CEO to drive profitability, governance, working capital optimization, and regional expansion across Africa.
    The portfolio included downstream petroleum operations covering fuel retail stations, bulk fuel distribution, lubricants, LPG, transport logistics, and commercial fuel supply.
    💡 Key
  • F
    Finance Accounting Specialist
    Freelancing finance professional
    Apr 2018 - Oct 2018 (7 months)
    As a freelance finance professional, I partnered with overseas and domestic clients to deliver project financing solutions, ERP implementation, and strategic business advisory. My role focused on bridging financial expertise with operational execution to support business growth and transformation.

    💡 What I did & problems I solved:

    Project Financing: Structured financing models for international and national clients, securing capital and optimizing funding strategies for expansion projects.

    ERP Implementation: Supported SAP S/4HANA implementation, improving financial reporting, compliance, and operational efficiency across client organizations.

    Strategic Planning: Developed business strategies and
  • Amaris Terminal Limited
    Head of Finance
    Amaris Terminal Limited
    Apr 2016 - Mar 2018 (2 years)
    📍 Tema, Ghana | Apr 2016 – Mar 2018 | Turnover: $350M | Reporting to Group COO

    As Head of Finance, I led the financial management of an integrated business portfolio including export terminals, logistics, warehousing, cashew processing, hospitality and cocoa processing operations. My role combined strategic finance leadership with operational improvements to drive growth, efficiency, and profitability across a $350M group.

    💡 What I did & problems I solved:

    Export Terminals: Boosted throughput by 40% through optimized loading schedules and reduced port dwell times, driving $15M in additional annual revenue.

    Logistics: Implemented route optimization software and better scheduling, cutting fuel cos
  • Sterling Oil Exploration Energy Production Co Limited
    Financial Controller
    Sterling Oil Exploration Energy Production Co Limited
    Jun 2015 - Feb 2016 (9 months)
    📍 Lagos, Nigeria | Jun 2015 – Feb 2016 | Turnover: $1,500M | Reporting to CMD
    As Financial Controller, I led financial strategy, governance, treasury, and cost optimization for the Oil & Gas Production, Retail, Distribution, and Shipping divisions of a $1,500M business. I partnered with leadership to strengthen profitability, improve controls, optimize working capital, and support downstream petroleum expansion.
    The portfolio included fuel retail stations, bulk fuel distribution, marine logistics, lubricants, and commercial fuel supply operations.
    💡 Key Achievements & Problems Solved:
    • Reduced shipping costs by 20% ($15M annual savings) through supplier renegotiations and route optimization; reduced operating expenses
  • Gourock Zambia Limited
    Financial Controller
    Gourock Zambia Limited
    Jun 2014 - Apr 2015 (11 months)
    📍 Ndola, Zambia & South Africa | Jun 2014 – Apr 2015 | Turnover: $650M

    As Financial Controller, I led end-to-end financial management and operational strategy for FMCG, manufacturing, retail, and trading operations across Zambia and South Africa. I managed diverse business units including fruit juice & water (Dlite brand), roofing sheets, candles, wholesale, and exclusive retail distribution (Shoprite, Spar).

    💡 Key Achievements & Problems Solved:

    Revenue Growth: Expanded Dlite Fruit Juice distribution regionally, driving a 30% sales increase.

    Cost Optimization: Reduced procurement costs by 18% across FMCG and manufacturing via supplier renegotiations.

    Inventory Management: Introduced
  • R
    GROUP FINANCIAL AND AUDIT CONTROLLER
    RAFIKI GROUP OF COMPANIES KAMPALA UGANDA
    Jun 2013 - Apr 2014 (11 months)
    📍 Kampala, Uganda | Jun 2013 – Apr 2014 | Turnover: $600M | Reporting to Group Leadership

    As Group Financial & Audit Controller, I oversaw finance, audit, and compliance functions across a diversified $600M conglomerate with operations in edible oil, soap, cotton ginning, tissue manufacturing, real estate, and construction. My mandate was to strengthen profitability, optimize tax structures, and build financial resilience through robust controls and strategic investments.

    💡 Key Achievements & Problems Solved:

    Tax Optimization: Reduced corporate tax liabilities by 20% by leveraging investment allowances and restructuring for Mukono Industries.

    Profitability Growth: Delivered 25% EBITDA growth by
  • G
    GENERAL MANAGER AND FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
    GENERAL MOULDINGS U LTD KAMPALA UGANDA
    Mar 2010 - May 2013 (3 years 3 months)
    📍 Kampala, Uganda | Mar 2010 – May 2013 | Turnover: $425M

    As General Manager & Financial Controller, I led both operational and financial strategy for a $425M diversified business spanning Coca-Cola bottling, FMCG, packaging, and plastics manufacturing. Reporting to group leadership, I drove a successful turnaround by enhancing revenue growth, cost efficiency, and production capacity.

    💡 Key Achievements & Problems Solved:

    Turnaround & Growth: Delivered 20% revenue growth and expanded Coca-Cola’s market share via aggressive distribution and route-to-market strategies.

    Cost Optimization: Reduced logistics costs by 15% by restructuring supply chain operations and engaging third-party vendors.
  • REGAL PAINTS UGANDA LIMITED
    FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
    REGAL PAINTS UGANDA LIMITED
    Sep 2009 - Mar 2010 (7 months)
    📍 Kampala, Uganda | Sep 2009 – Mar 2010 | Turnover: $175M

    As Financial Controller, I managed financial strategy, cost controls, and compliance for a $175M industrial paint and emulsions manufacturer. My role focused on boosting revenue, strengthening financial stability, and optimizing working capital through strategic initiatives.

    💡 Key Achievements & Problems Solved:

    Revenue Growth: Expanded regional distribution and secured government contracts, increasing paint sales by 25%.

    Cost Optimization: Reduced raw material costs by 20% through supplier consolidation and contract renegotiation.

    Financial Restructuring: Led a $50M refinancing plan, improving liquidity, working capital, and l
  • C
    Group Finance Controller
    CMG Group of Companies Mwanza Tanzania Nyanza Bottling Company Ltd Coca Cola
    Dec 2008 - Aug 2009 (9 months)
    📍 Mwanza, Tanzania | Dec 2008 – Aug 2009 | Turnover: $210M

    As Group Finance Controller, I managed finance, governance, and risk for a diversified $210M investment holding company with operations in food industries, government road projects, truck & tyre imports, and bottling (Coca-Cola franchise). My focus was on profitability, capital efficiency, and financial resilience.

    💡 Key Achievements & Problems Solved:

    Profitability Growth: Increased profit margins by 15% by optimizing cost structures in government road projects.

    Capital Management: Secured $75M in working capital financing to support infrastructure expansion and growth.

    Cost Optimization: Reduced logistics and fleet fuel cons
  • K
    Regional Audit and Accounts Officer/ Regional CFO
    Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan New Delhi
    Aug 2001 - Oct 2008 (7 years 3 months)
    📍 India – New Delhi, Dehradun, Patna, Mumbai | Aug 2001 – Oct 2008 | Oversight: 55+ Institutions | Annual Budget: $500M+

    As Regional CFO, I managed financial strategy, audit governance, and compliance for 55+ educational institutions across four major regions of India. My role focused on ensuring fiscal discipline, improving transparency, and driving cost efficiency within a $500M+ funding framework.

    💡 Key Achievements & Problems Solved:

    Budget Optimization: Managed $500M+ in annual educational funding with strict fiscal discipline and resource allocation.

    Audit & Controls: Implemented automated audit tracking, reducing reporting errors by 35% and strengthening fraud detection.

    Cost E
  • A
    Salaried Employee
    A R Garg and Company Chartered Accountants Ghaziabad India
    Nov 1996 - Aug 2001 (4 years 10 months)
    📍 Ghaziabad, India | Nov 1996 – Aug 2001 | Full-time

    As a Chartered Accountant with A R Garg & Co., I independently managed taxation, auditing, accounting, and company law matters while providing advisory and compliance services to clients across diverse industries. I was also deputed as Finance Manager with Hindustan Lever Ltd. and Godrej Ltd., where I strengthened financial reporting and compliance frameworks for large-scale operations.

    💡 Key Achievements & Problems Solved:

    Tax Optimization: Reduced corporate tax liabilities by 20–25% through effective planning, exemptions, and depreciation structuring.

    Audit & Compliance: Led statutory and internal audits for 50+ companies, ensuring 100% comp
Education verified_user 0% verified
  • The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
    Executive MBA, MBA ( HPP) ,HRM
    The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
    Jun 2006 - Jul 2009 (3 years 2 months)
    📍 India | Jun 2006 – Jul 2009 | Executive MBA (HPP) – Human Resource Management, Public Policy, Organizational Behavior, Industrial Relations, Policy Analysis | First Division

    Completed Executive MBA (HPP) with a focus on HRM, public policy, organizational behavior, industrial relations, and policy analysis, graduating with First Division honors.

    ✅ Strengthened expertise in strategic management, leadership, and organizational transformation, blending finance knowledge with people management and policy frameworks.

    This advanced degree enhanced my ability to drive large-scale change, align business strategy with human capital, and influence policy-level decisions—skills that continue to shape my global leader
  • The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
    Master of Business Administration - MBA, Finance
    The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
    May 2002 - May 2004 (2 years 1 month)
    📍 India | May 2002 – May 2004 | Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Finance (General) | First Division

    Graduated with First Division honors in MBA Finance, building advanced expertise in financial management, investment analysis, corporate finance, and strategic decision-making.

    ✅ Strengthened core capabilities in budgeting, risk management, capital structuring, and financial planning, providing a solid foundation for leading complex finance functions.

    This MBA complemented my Chartered Accountancy and legal background, enabling me to integrate technical finance expertise with strategic business leadership—a skill set that has powered my success as a global CFO and business transformation leader.
  • Chaudhary Charan Singh University CCSU Meerut
    Bachelor of Laws (LL.B, Taxation
    Chaudhary Charan Singh University CCSU Meerut
    Jan 1996 - Jan 2000 (4 years 1 month)
    📍 India | 1996 – 2000 | Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) – Taxation

    Completed LL.B. with specialization in Taxation, building a strong foundation in corporate law, taxation, and compliance frameworks. Actively participated in debates and extracurricular activities, including university-level cricket, enhancing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

    ✅ This legal background complements my finance expertise, strengthening capabilities in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, tax structuring, and dispute resolution.
  • The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
    Indian Chartered Accountant, Auditing Accounts Finance Costing
    The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
    Oct 1994 - Nov 1999 (5 years 2 months)
    📍 India | Oct 1994 – Nov 1999 | Chartered Accountant (CA)

    Qualified as a Chartered Accountant, specializing in Auditing, Accounting, Finance, and Costing, with strong exposure to compliance, taxation, and financial reporting. Actively contributed as part of the Debate Team, strengthening communication and analytical skills.

    💡 Key Skills & Expertise:

    Financial Reporting, Audit & Compliance, Taxation, FP&A, Costing

    ERP & Digital Finance Systems: SAP (B1, FICO, S/4HANA, C/4HANA), Oracle NetSuite, Navision Dynamics, Tally ERP 9, Pastel, MS Access, MS Office

    Proven ability to lead ERP implementations, automate reporting, and integrate financial systems for efficiency and accuracy.
  • Chaudhary Charan Singh University CCSU Meerut
    Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com, Commerce
    Chaudhary Charan Singh University CCSU Meerut
    Jan 1989 - Jan 1992 (3 years 1 month)
    📍 India | 1989 – 1992 | Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) – Commerce | First Division (66.2%)

    Graduated with First Division honors in Commerce, gaining a solid foundation in accounting, finance, economics, and business management. Actively contributed to the Debate Team, strengthening analytical thinking, communication, and presentation skills.

    ✅ This academic grounding laid the base for my professional journey as a Chartered Accountant and global finance leader, combining technical expertise with strategic insight.
  • S
    Intermediate, Accounts Commerce Mathematics Statics
    SD Inter College Ghaziabad UP India
    Jan 1987 - Jan 1989 (2 years 1 month)
    📍 India | 1987 – 1989 | Intermediate – Accounts, Commerce, Mathematics, Statistics | Grade: 59%

    Completed Intermediate education with a focus on Commerce, Accounts, Mathematics, and Statistics, laying the academic foundation for a career in finance, accounting, and business management.

    ✅ Actively engaged in academics and extracurricular activities that strengthened analytical skills, numerical aptitude, and logical reasoning—core strengths that later supported my professional journey as a Chartered Accountant and global finance leader.
  • S
    High School, Accountancy Mathematics Commerce
    SD Inter College Ghaziabad UP India
    Jan 1986 - Jan 1987 (1 year 1 month)
    📍 India | 1986 – 1987 | High School – Accountancy, Mathematics, Commerce | Grade: 66%

    Completed High School with specialization in Commerce, Accountancy, and Mathematics, achieving First Division (66%). This early academic track provided a strong grounding in numerical analysis, logical reasoning, and commercial principles, forming the foundation for advanced studies in Commerce (B.Com.), Law (LL.B.), and Chartered Accountancy (CA).

    ✅ Developed strong analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative skills that later supported my professional journey as a global finance leader.
Projects (professional or personal) verified_user 0% verified
  • E
    Enterprise Transformation, Capital Strategy & Operational Excellence Program Across Africa
    Mar 2024 - Apr 2026 (2 years 2 months)
    Led enterprise transformation, capital raising, ERP modernization, operational restructuring, manufacturing optimization, treasury transformation, and governance enhancement across diversified African operations spanning FMCG, petroleum, logistics, infrastructure, agri-processing, hospitality, retail, and commodity trading sectors.

    Directed multi-country strategic programs focused on profitability improvement, liquidity strengthening, operational efficiency, governance enhancement, working capital optimization, ERP modernization, and building scalable system-driven organizations.

    Key Achievements:

    Structured and raised USD 2B+ through DFI funding, syndicated debt, trade finance, infrastructure finance, and w
  • A
    Africa IPO, Capital Markets & Investor Readiness Transformation Program as Finance Consultant
    Jan 2021 - Dec 2024 (4 years)
    Associated With
    • Boxer Retail Ltd – South Africa (JSE IPO – US$471M, 2024)
    • Digital & Financial Investments – Egypt (EGX IPO – US$371M, 2021)
    • Choppies Enterprises Ltd – Botswana (BSE IPO – US$40M)
    • MTN Uganda IPO Advisory – Uganda (USE IPO – US$250M+, 2021)

    Project Description

    Led IPO readiness, governance enhancement, investor engagement, and enterprise valuation improvement initiatives across African public market transactions spanning retail, telecom, digital investments, and consumer sectors.

    Partnered with Boards, bankers, auditors, regulators, DFIs, and institutional investors to improve governance, optimize capital structures, strengthen financial transparency, and execute suc
  • M
    Multi-Country M&A, Capital Deployment & Post-Merger Value Creation Program (USD $1B+)
    Jan 2016 - Jun 2025 (9 years 6 months)
    Led large-scale M&A, JV structuring, capital deployment, post-merger integration, and enterprise transformation initiatives across African FMCG, manufacturing, beverages, logistics, infrastructure, and industrial businesses.

    Directed acquisition strategy, valuation, due diligence, funding structures, ERP integration, operational restructuring, and synergy realization programs supporting multi-country expansion and scalable growth across Africa.

    Partnered with Boards, DFIs, lenders, investors, auditors, and bankers to strengthen governance, improve EBITDA, optimize working capital, and maximize post-merger value creation.

    Key Achievements
    Acquisition & Capital Deployment

    ✔ Managed M&A and capi
  • G
    Global Capital Raising & Strategic Funding Program – Africa Growth Platforms (USD $2B+)
    Associated With
    • Kerchanshe Group – Ethiopia
    • Mount Meru Group – Pan Africa
    • Amaris Terminal Ltd – Ghana
    • FMCG, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Petroleum, Logistics & Commodity Platforms Across Africa

    Project Description

    Led global fundraising, treasury transformation, structured finance, trade finance, and capital deployment initiatives supporting acquisitions, infrastructure expansion, manufacturing growth, and working capital optimization across African markets.

    Partnered with DFIs, global banks, PE firms, ECAs, and institutional investors to structure scalable funding platforms, optimize capital costs, strengthen liquidity, and build investor-grade governance and reporting framewor
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