Prakash Kumar

Proven track record in driving financial control, establishing accounting frameworks from scratch, implementing cost optimization models, and steering multimillion-dollar business units towards sustainable profitability. Recognized for institutionalizing robust financial systems, optimizing working capital, leading statutory compliance, and spearheading branch/plant setups from ideation to full-scale operations. A trusted strategic partner to CXOs, adept at stakeholder management, cross-border financial planning, budgeting, MIS governance, taxation, treasury, and risk assurance.

Skilled in leading high-performance finance teams, enforcing P&L discipline, and strengthening internal audit mechanisms to safeguard business interests. Known for stabilizing operations in challenging geographies, enhancing financial transparency, and introducing result-focused reporting frameworks that enable faster decision-making for large-scale enterprises.

Finance & Administration Manager - Global Market Movers - Kinshasa, Congo

(2013-12)

31+ years of progressive leadership in Finance Management across Banking, Trading, Transportation, FMCG, and Manufacturing sectors, specialising in financial control, budgeting, and governance for multi-site operations across India and African markets (23+ years in DRC Congo).

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, and multi-currency treasury management to ensure liquidity and financial stability.
• Oversee preparation of financial statements, regulatory compliance, tax filings, and audit readiness with zero non-compliance cases.
• Drive cost optimisation and capital allocation strategies, improving financial efficiency.
• Monitor financial KPIs and develop MIS dashboards to support data-backed decision-making for leadership.
• Supervise procurement processes, vendor contracting, and payment cycles, negotiating favourable commercial terms and reducing overheads.
• Standardise administrative workflows, asset management, and facility operations to ensure seamless business continuity and resource utilization.
• Implement governance protocols for expense control, vendor evaluation, and contract lifecycle management.
• Streamline documentation and approval processes, reducing turnaround time for financial and administrative transactions.
• Lead finance and admin teams with defined SOPs, performance tracking, and accountability frameworks.
• Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional units to align financial operations with business goals, enhancing decision-making and operational agility.
• Conduct training and capability-building sessions for finance staff, strengthening compliance and reporting accuracy.

Accounts Manager - Aminco Projects Pvt Ltd - Kochi, Kerala, India

(2012-09 - 2013-11)

• Oversaw end-to-end financial accounting and ensure accurate preparation of daily, weekly, and monthly financial reports, including sales performance and variance analysis.
• Validated payroll records for accuracy and compliance, ensuring timely processing and alignment with statutory norms.
• Maintained fixed asset register and ensure proper capitalization, depreciation tracking, and asset audit readiness.
• Led bank reconciliation processes, ensuring alignment of book balances with bank statements and prompt resolution of discrepancies.
• Monitored sales tax computations and reports, supporting statutory filing and ensuring tax compliance across transactions.
• Governed stock account maintenance and validation, ensuring accurate valuation and alignment with procurement and project requirements.
• Tracked inventory movements and material cost impact, providing insights to support strategic procurement and financial planning.

Assistant Finance Manager - RAW BANK H.O - Kinshasa, Congo

(2011-01 - 2012-08)

• Directed validation and authorization of SWIFT transfers for clients and correspondent banks, ensuring zero operational discrepancies.
• Oversaw end-to-end accounting and financial operations validation across 26 branches, strengthening internal controls and audit readiness.
• Implemented reconciliation frameworks for correspondent banks, ensuring accuracy and timely resolution of variances.
• Led internal audits for Katanga region branches, assessing risk exposure, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
• Strengthened internal control mechanisms and process validation through periodic audits and performance reviews.
• Prepared and presented Management Information System (MIS) reports to support financial performance tracking and strategic decision-making at the head office level.
• Collaborated with the finance leadership team to ensure data integrity and transparency in financial reporting and reconciliation activities.

Assistant Branch Manager cum Operations Manager - RAW BANK - Kolwezi Branch, Congo

(2007-07 - 2010-12)

• Led a multinational workforce of 15 employees, ensuring seamless coordination across banking operations, finance, administration, and customer service.
• Governed branch-level accounting, treasury, budgeting, and financial control, ensuring alignment with compliance and profitability targets.
• Oversaw cash flow, stock management, and suspense account reconciliation, maintaining strict financial hygiene and audit readiness.
• Validated and authorized external transfers, operational transactions, and branch-level financial approvals to ensure fraud prevention.
• Direct internal and external audit preparedness, driving 100% compliance with regulatory and statutory standards.
• Administered manpower planning, performance reviews, payroll, insurance, and employee records, ensuring smooth HR operations and workforce continuity.
• Optimized administrative functions including facility management, contract negotiations, travel coordination, and service vendor management to enhance operational efficiency.
• Negotiated and finalized tenancy agreements, vehicle leasing, and vendor contracts, achieving cost-effectiveness and service reliability.
• Managed branch marketing and customer engagement initiatives, contributing to business growth and regional visibility.
• Played a key role in branch establishment, from site selection & financial structuring to operational launch and go-live governance in Kolwezi.
• Implemented branch control mechanisms and process validation frameworks to strengthen governance and operational accountability.
• Developed and presented MIS reports and executive dashboards to support decision-making and performance tracking at the regional leadership level.

Finance Manager - Socitrans SPRL - Kinshasa, DRCongo

(2005-06 - 2007-06)

Sister Concern of SOCIMEX Group

Senior Accountant - SOCIMEX (FMCG) - Kinshasa DRCongo

(2002-08 - 2005-06)

Accountant - SARK Cables Pvt. Ltd. - Kerala, India

(2000-04 - 2002-08)

Accountant - Nilgiris Amusements and Eco Parks Ltd - Ooty

(1997-10 - 2000-03)

Accounts Assistant - Ramachandran & Ramachandran Associates

(1995-04 - 1997-09)

MBA - Finance - National Institute of Business Management (2010)

Post Graduation Diploma - Computer Application and Financial Management - National Institute of Computer Technology

Bachelor of Commerce - Calicut University