Ankit Goel

Transforming Finance with Vision and Adaptability

Ankit Goel

Deputy CFO (Finance, Legal and IT),

Orion India

The role of a CFO is no longer just about crunching numbers. With the business landscape changing drastically, it is essential for the CFO to understand every business function to make business decisions that impact profitability. In his more than a decade of experience, this has been the binding principle for Ankit Goel, the Deputy CFO (Finance, Legal, and IT) at Orion India. And that is why he brings together different business functions to build strong relationships with the board and drive the company’s growth.
Having entered the financial landscape with an outstanding achievement—securing an All India Rank of 40 in the CA-IPCC exams, his career from one of the Big 4 accounting firms, Deloitte, to his current role at Orion India highlights his expertise and forwardthinking approach. At Orion, Ankit has played a key role in financial reforms, including the implementation of GST, which has had a farreaching impact on the overall industry.
Throughout his career, Ankit has gained extensive experience in financial reporting, treasury, and finance. His skills in direct taxation, budgeting, and financial analysis, developed during his tenure as Finance Controller at Rockman Industries Ltd and Senior Manager in Finance at DFM Foods Ltd, have been an integral part of Orion India’s success.
TradeFlock had the opportunity to interview Ankit to gain insights into his challenges and key learnings. Join us as we explore his remarkable achievements and the visionary strategies shaping the future of finance in the FMCG sector.

From the Big 4 to Orion India, how have the diverse financial landscapes shaped your approach to financial leadership?

I began my career at Deloitte, one of the Big 4 accounting firms, and have been immersed in the financial world for over a decade. Throughout this time, I’ve worked in three key areas of finance: Financial Controlling, Treasury, and Business Partnering. This diverse experience allowed me to deepen my knowledge and sharpen my leadership skills. My experience in these sectors has taught me the importance of integrating finance with business operations to drive profitability and informed decision-making. The transformation of the finance role from a mere support function to an integrated business partner has significantly influenced my leadership approach, enabling me to contribute strategically to business growth.

Achieving AIR 40 in CA-IPCC is no small feat. Can you share how this early achievement influenced your career trajectory?

Achieving All India Rank 40 in CA-IPCC was indeed a proud moment in my life that significantly impacted my career further. It taught me the importance of smart studying over just hard studying. This achievement opened doors for me, especially with the Big 4, where academic excellence is highly valued for freshers. It provided me with a strong foundation and credibility in the finance industry. The discipline and strategic approach to studying that I developed during my CA preparation have continued to guide me in my professional life, allowing me to tackle complex financial challenges with confidence.

Achieving AIR 40 in CA-IPCC is no small feat. Can you share how this early achievement influenced your career trajectory?

The implementation of GST in 2017 marked a significant simplification of India’s tax regime, combining various indirect taxes into a single tax system. This reform has made compliance easier and more transparent, attracting foreign investments and boosting economic growth. Over the next decade, I foresee further enhancements in the GST framework, including more automation and digitalisation to streamline processes. The continued focus on simplification and transparency will certainly result in higher tax collections and a stronger economy. As businesses and regulatory environments evolve, staying updated and adaptable will be crucial for leveraging these reforms to drive economic progress.

What are the biggest legal challenges in the finance sector today?

I think that one big legal challenge in the finance sector today is navigating the constantly changing regulatory landscape. Compliance with regulations such as data protection laws, environmental regulations, and financial reporting standards requires continuous monitoring and adaptation. Additionally, integrating digital technologies and AI brings new legal considerations regarding data security and privacy. Ensuring compliance while enabling innovation is a delicate balance that finance leaders must manage. I realised that effective risk management and a proactive approach to legal and regulatory changes are the only keys to mitigating these challenges.

What's the most unexpected lesson you've learned in your role as Deputy CFO?

One of the most unexpected lessons I’ve learned is the importance of flexibility and openness to change. The finance sector is dynamic–rapidly changing with ever-evolving technologies, regulations, and market conditions. The secret to success is the willingness to change and adapt the latest strategies and processes while developing a culture of continuous learning and development within the team.

What are your future plans, and how will you use your experience to achieve them?

Looking ahead, my goal is to continue advancing my career, especially in roles such as CFO or even CEO. I plan to leverage my extensive experience in finance, business integration, and strategic planning to achieve this. I believe that a leader is one who has a legacy so I also aim to mentor and develop the next generation of finance leaders, ensuring they are wellequipped to navigate future challenges. I am confident that I will achieve these objectives by enabling innovation, driving profitability, and maintaining a dynamic and informed approach.