Srinidhi Bk

From Student Prodigy to Financial Maverick

SRINIDHI BK

Group Chief Financial Officer,

Apar Technologies

Meet Srinidhi BK, a remarkable individual whose journey from being a diligent student to becoming a distinguished financial leader is an inspiration to all. Throughout his academic career, Srinidhi’s commitment to excellence shone brightly, with notable achievements that included securing top ranks and being recognised as the national highest scorer in multiple subjects.
Srinidhi’s professional voyage embarked upon the completion of his Chartered Accountancy qualification, a milestone he achieved on his first attempt in May 2007. What makes his story even more captivating is the fact that his career journey began at the tender age of 19 with the Indian Railways. Balancing work and studies, Srinidhi undertook a demanding schedule, travelling long hours between his workplace and college. With only a few hours left each day for sleep and other daily commitments, he displayed remarkable tenacity, securing the top rank at the University of Mysore while managing this hectic routine. This period of his life taught him invaluable lessons in multitasking, prioritisation, and the strong will power, ultimately shaping his path forward.
Srinidhi’s professional journey took off at Goldman Sachs, where he excelled in the controllership function, making significant contributions. He then moved to IBM, demonstrating his foresight and strategic thinking during the global financial crisis. Recognised with the IBM India Delivery Excellence Award, Srinidhi’s planning expertise and exceptional performance contributed to the business unit’s success.
Further advancing his career, Srinidhi joined Symphony Technologies, gaining expertise in financial planning & analysis, and controllership. His involvement in mergers and acquisitions solidified his knowledge and experience. However, it was his tenure at Sonata Software that truly propelled his career, achieving four promotions in three years and propelling a significant increase in stock price. During his tenure with Happiest Minds, he led one of the most successful IPOs of the decade with over 100% listing gains. This stood as one of the notable IPOs in India during the Covid period,characterized by a fully digital and remotely managed process.
As the Group CFO of Apar Technologies, Srinidhi oversees diverse financial operations, manages strategic investments, and drives financial growth. His responsibilities include financial planning & analysis, business partnering, fundraising, mergers and acquisitions, investor relations, pricing, controllership, accounting advisory, statutory and internal audits, treasury operations, optimising performance, and creating longterm value for stakeholders. TradeFlock had a conversation with Srinidhi to understand his journey, strategies, and plans.

How do you approach corporate strategy in your role as a Group CFO?

In the business world, the ultimate goal is always to “grow” and to “maximise profits.” Managing a group of companies presents a unique experience, as each company within the group may have different objectives. Some may be focused on growth, while others maintain a stable market position, require a turnaround, or are in an investment phase. When it comes to corporate strategy, key areas of focus for CFOs in the IT industry include visioning, objective setting, resource allocation, and prioritisation. In addition to organic growth, the timing of inorganic 10 Best CFOs in India 2023 42 expansion through a well-executed mergers and acquisitions strategy plays a crucial role in a company’s overall growth. CFOs must not only improve utilisation and billability, effectively manage the bench, increase bill rates, and rationalise costs, but also streamline non- core business elements and optimise core operations as part of their profit strategy.

Can you share your experience in market analysis and how it has influenced financial decision-making within your organisation?

Working with both listed and unlisted companies across various markets and geographies, I’ve learned the importance of market analysis for gaining a competitive edge. Understanding market dynamics and industry outlook are crucial for financial forecasting and determining future profitability. In volatile market conditions, careful evaluation of investment decisions and consideration of geopolitical and economic indicators are essential. Market analysis has played a significant role in evaluating synergies, competitive positioning, and valuations during mergers and acquisitions that I have been part of. It has also helped in formulating effective pricing strategies, resource allocation, M&A and investment planning. While not providing complete insulation, market analysis provides a data-driven foundation for strategic planning and risk management, enabling stakeholders to navigate uncertainties and seize opportunities in the marketplace.

How have you leveraged offshoring opportunities to optimise financial operations and drive efficiency?

The pandemic has accelerated digital transformation and brought an in increased acceptance to the work from anywhere model. In the IT industry, offshoring is not just about cost reduction but also about accessing quality talent, scalability, flexibility, and establishing centres of excellence. Offshoring is an ongoing strategy that extends beyond a single country or geography. We continuously evaluate potential delivery centres to optimise costs while considering risks and rewards. The efficiency of the hybrid model depends on finding the right balance between onsite and offshore resources, which varies across different competencies. Our success lies in not limiting offshoring to a specific country and avoiding a standard rule for all service offerings, thereby, enabling us to adapt and thrive in a changing market.

As the integration of finance and technology depends on technologies, especially AI, how is your role evolving? How are you preparing to stay a notch above this change?

The integration of finance and technology, particularly with the advancements in AI, is driving changes in the role of CFOs. To stay ahead in this evolving landscape, it’s crucial to adapt and prepare for the future. Technology is omnipresent and is continuously evolving. The rise of AI and other technological advancements has a profound impact on the responsibilities and skill sets required of CFOs. With AI, CFOs now have access to powerful analytical tools and predictive models. This enables us to gain deeper insights into financial data and make more informed strategic decisions. Additionally, automation technologies like RPA and ML-based algorithms can automate routine tasks such as data entry, reconciliation, and reporting. This allows us to focus on more value-added activities. To stay competitive, vision and foresight are essential. Embracing technology, developing relevant skills, fostering innovation, collaborating across functions, staying informed, and maintaining a learning mindset are key strategies. By doing so, we can position ourselves as strategic leaders who effectively navigate the evolving landscape of finance and technology integration.

What are your aspirations for the future, both personally and professionally?

Personally, I have a strong desire to relive the journey of taking a company public through an IPO. The sense of excitement and fulfilment I experienced at a previous IPO inspires me to pursue this goal again. On a professional level, I am committed to continuously evaluating and improving my performance. I aim to exceed expectations, contribute to the growth of the organisations I work with, and make a meaningful impact. I strive to create a technology-driven, best-inclass finance function. In addition, I have a personal aspiration to contribute to the younger generation by sharing my knowledge and teaching. Spending quality time with my family is also a priority for me. Overall, I always look forward to new learnings and challenges that will allow me to expand my expertise, achieve further success, and continue my journey as a financial leader.