Kapil Popat

Pioneering Financial Leadership and Setting New Benchmarks as an Esteemed CFO in India

KAPIL POPAT

Director and National Head - Finance,

FTA HSRP Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

In the realm of numbers, Kapil Popat found the symphony of success, guided by the maestros of academia. Kapil’s journey from academic excellence to financial leadership is a testament to the transformative power of guidance and passion. With a resounding 100 out of 100 in business mathematics during his higher secondary studies, Kapil’s prowess with numbers caught the attention of his teachers, who saw in him a remarkable potential.
“Follow the path of numbers,” advised the teacher, “and let the world of finance and accounting be your canvas.” Encouraged by their wisdom and armed with an unwavering determination, Kapil set forth on a voyage of self-discovery and growth. Before pursuing Chartered Accountancy, Kapil sought the wisdom shared by seasoned professionals. Their stories, experiences, and practical insights ignited the fire within him, solidifying his resolve to pursue a career in finance and accounting.
Today, as the Director and National Head of Finance at FTA HSRP Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Kapil orchestrates financial success with the precision of a maestro, transforming numbers into symphonies of prosperity. Through his journey, Kapil inspires others to unlock their own potential, urging them to listen to the harmonious whispers of their teachers and mentors. TradeFlock indulged in a conversation with Kapil to understand his journey, challenges, milestones, and more.

What are the key milestones in your journey till date?

Throughout my career journey, I have achieved significant milestones that have shaped me into a capable and accomplished finance leader. Each milestone has contributed to my growth and equipped me with the skills and experiences necessary to excel in my role. Clearing my CA exams while working showcased my dedication and ability to balance multiple responsibilities. It instilled in me the values of hard work, patience, and perseverance, which have been crucial to my success as a finance leader. At Inox India Ltd., I managed multiple banks and handled an exposure of around Rs.90 crore. This experience sharpened my financial expertise and provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of banking and finance. Additionally, I played a key role in securing an enhancement in the bank exposure to Rs.225 crore, supporting a significant project and demonstrating my ability to navigate complex financial matters. Joining FTA HSRP Solutions Pvt. Ltd. as a Finance Manager marked a pivotal milestone in my journey. As my responsibilities expanded to include overseeing the finance and accounts of sister companies, I gained a holistic understanding of the company’s operations. Noteworthy achievements during this period include successfully facilitating the factory shift from Delhi to Gujarat and implementing GST across all companies. These experiences deepened my knowledge of operational and regulatory aspects, enhancing my capabilities as a finance leader. In 2019, our company underwent a transformative phase, expanding operations from Gujarat to PAN India. This presented unique challenges and opportunities. Engaging with major Auto OEMs became integral to my role, involving tasks such as cost analysis, price negotiations, and ensuring compliance with GST registrations across various states. Through these efforts, our company emerged as a preferred vendor for FTA HSRP Solutions Pvt. Ltd. supply to major Auto OEMs, solidifying our position among the top FTA HSRP Solutions Pvt. Ltd. vendors in India. These achievements further honed my business acumen and negotiation skills. Recognition of my contributions came in the form of promotions and awards. Being appointed as National Head – Finance and a Director expanded my leadership responsibilities, enabling me to contribute to the company’s strategic decision-making. Moreover, receiving a certificate of appreciation from CBIC for prompt GST filings and tax payments underscored our commitment to compliance and my role in contributing to national growth. Additionally, being honoured with the “Excellence in Manufacturing (Auto Ancillary)” award by the Chief Minister of Gujarat showcased our company’s excellence and my contributions to the industry.

How has the demand for FTA HSRP Solutions Pvt. Ltd. evolved in recent years, and what growth opportunities do you foresee in the near future?

The demand for FTA HSRP Solutions Pvt. Ltd. has evolved due to government enforcement and the shift of responsibility to Auto OEMs. Several states in India, including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka, have not yet implemented the FTA HSRP Solutions Pvt. Ltd. scheme for vehicles registered prior to April 2019, creating significant growth opportunities. The increasing focus on security measures and the growth of the automotive industry will drive the demand for FTA HSRP Solutions Pvt. Ltd. As regulations become stricter, the need for compliant FTA HSRP Solutions Pvt. Ltd. will grow, providing favourable conditions for sector expansion. Overall, the demand for FTA HSRP Solutions Pvt. Ltd. is expected to increase, presenting promising prospects for future growth.

How do you collaborate with other departments, such as sales and marketing, to align financial goals with the overall business strategy?

Collaboration with other departments, such as sales and marketing, is crucial to align financial goals with the overall business strategy. I prioritise teamwork and actively seek input from other departments to identify areas for improvement. I provide necessary support and solutions whenever needed, ensuring compliance in all aspects. By creating a winwin situation for both the Finance department and other departments, we can effectively implement the overall business strategy

What sets you apart from other financial leaders?

In my journey as a financial leader, I possess a unique combination of traits that have been instrumental in my career growth. Dedication, integrity, a continuous learning attitude, adaptability to change, and a never-quit mindset are some of the key factors that differentiate me. In addition to my role as the Finance Head, I have also been entrusted with the significant responsibility of serving as a whole-time director and being a part of the company’s Board. This expanded role requires me to make non-finance related decisions, providing me with invaluable opportunities for growth and learning. Currently, I hold the position of Director and National Head of Finance in my current organisation.