Thiru Kumaran

Results-driven Lead Plant Finance Controller with 15+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing and Tier-1 supplier environments. Expertise in financial control, costing, taxation (GST/TDS), inventory optimization, and audit compliance (SOX/IATF). Proven track record in driving cost reductions, improving working capital, and strengthening financial systems. Strong leadership skills with a focus on operational excellence and digital transformation.

Associate Manager – Finance Controller - Autoliv India Pvt Ltd - Chennai

(2007-01)

• Reduced bad debts from 3% to 0.25% through improved credit control
• Achieved >90% inventory accuracy with zero-variance quarterly results
• Strengthened audit outcomes with minimal to zero audit observations
• Improved working capital through better inventory and freight control
• Lead end-to-end finance operations for Tier-1 automotive plant
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, overheads, and Capex planning
• Track Capex vs actuals and maintain fixed asset register
• Deliver monthly MIS reporting (P&L, inventory, headcount, Capex)
• Drive cycle count and inventory verification processes
• Perform BOM and cost analysis for cost optimization
• Ensure accurate inventory valuation and P&L impact
• Monitor inventory turns and premium freight costs
• Prepare and reconcile GSTR1, GSTR3B, E-way bills
• Optimize ITC through GSTR2A reconciliation
• Handle GST notices and departmental queries
• Manage TDS filing and compliance
• Manage OEM transactions: Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Renault-Nissan
• Perform sales reconciliation and vendor confirmations
• Monitor AR collections and AP aging
• Lead Internal, Statutory, SOX, and GST audits
• Ensure compliance with ISO 14001 & regulatory authorities
• Maintain documentation for TNPCB, Factory Inspector, etc.
• Lead finance team, training, and performance management
• Conduct weekly reviews on sales vs targets
• Manage employee compliance (PF/ESI)
• Identify automation opportunities and implement process improvements
• Drive system-based tracking and efficiency enhancements

Accounts Administration Officer - Alps Industries Ltd - Pondicherry

(2005-01 - 2007-12)

• Managed accounting operations, receivables, payables, and inventory
• Supported audits and customer account reconciliation

Finance Controller - Millennium Poly Pack & Raneko Tech - Pondicherry

(2003-01 - 2005-12)

• Led complete finance operations for manufacturing units
• Managed Tier-1 customer transactions (Whirlpool India)
• Handled statutory compliance and inventory control

Auditor Assistant - Sankaran & Co., Chartered Accountant

(2001-01 - 2002-12)

Accountant - Shriram Shop

(2000-01 - 2001-12)

Commercial Apprentice - Electricity Department

(1999-01 - 2000-12)

Data Entry Operator - Integra Software Pvt Ltd

(1997-01 - 1999-12)

MBA - Finance - Alagappa University

B.Com - University of Madras

Diploma - Commercial Practice - Govt. Polytechnic, Puducherry