Aarthi Rao

Lead FP&A professional and Cost & Management Accountant (CMA) with 7+ years of experience across Direct Cash Flow FP&A, Core accounting, financial reporting, and performance management. Strong expertise in weekly cash flow forecasting, variance analysis, management commentary, and dashboards, backed by a solid foundation in GL accounting, month‑end close, revenue recognition, and audits. Proven ability to bridge Accounting, Treasury, and FP&A to deliver accurate forecasts and actionable financial insights.

Lead FP&A – Direct Cash Flow (FP&A) - Tesco

(2025-09)

Lead Direct Cash Flow FP&A, owning weekly forecasting, budgeting, and performance tracking.

• Perform weekly variance analysis (Actuals vs Forecast/Budget) and identify key cash flow drivers.
• Provide clear management commentary on cash movements, risks, and forward‑looking insights.
• Partner with Accounting and Treasury to validate numbers and improve forecast accuracy.
• Develop and maintain cash flow dashboards and KPIs for leadership reporting.
• Drive process improvements and automation to enhance forecasting and reporting efficiency.

Consultant (FP&A) - Juniper Networks - Bangalore

(2023-04 - 2024-02)

• Verified commission reports based on shipment and billing reports.
• Prepared commission due reports for month-end accrual and deferral entries based on revenue recognition principles.
• Budgeted and forecasted commission cost expenses on a monthly basis.
• Reported variance analysis for commission track expenses.
• Prepared commission memos for internal audit and review.

Assistant Manager - L&T Construction, ECC

(2012-12 - 2014-12)

• Prepared order and collection report summaries.
• Rendered cumulative collection reports and client outstanding statements.
• Set targets for monthly collections and estimated cash flows.
• Prepared variance analysis for P&L and BS items.
• Responsible for TDS calculation and accounting.
• Supported tax audits and liaised with statutory auditors.

Senior Financial Analyst - Scope International (Standard Chartered Bank)

(2011-11 - 2012-10)

• Reported cumulative advances and deposits in India on a daily basis.
• Involved in month-end activities like preparing journal entries.
• Rendered variance analysis on a quarterly basis.

Finance Executive - Maersk Global Services - Chennai

(2010-07 - 2011-10)

• Posted journal entries and processed receipts in line with revenue recognition principles.
• Handled customer refunds and maintained customer master data.

Audit Officer - CA. S.V. Seethahraman (CA Office) - Trichy

(2009-06 - 2010-06)

• Conducted bank audits and supported statutory compliance.
• Assisted in filing of returns and audit documentation.

Cost and Works Accountant (CWA) - Institute of Cost and Works accountant of India (ICWAI) (2009)

Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Banking and Finance - Alagappa University (2011)

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) - Bharathidasan University (2009)

HSC - Boiler Plant Girls higher secondary school (2006)

SSLC - Boiler Plant Girls higher secondary school (2004)