Driving Financial Strategy & Business Transformation
Kodanda Rao Khajana
CFO,
Makeen Energy India
India’s financial and regulatory landscape is constantly evolving, demanding businesses to stay agile, compliant, and strategically prepared. Kodanda Rao Khajana, CFO of Makeen Energy India Private Limited, is at the forefront of ensuring financial stability, governance, and regulatory adherence in this dynamic environment. His expertise in compliance audits, SAP automation, internal training programmes, and proactive regulatory monitoring enables seamless financial operations while mitigating risks. A Chartered Accountant with over 14 years of experience, Kodanda Rao specialises in business transformation, corporate governance, risk management, and financial strategy. His career spans across SAP transformations, mergers and acquisitions, due diligence processes, and working capital optimisation, helping organisations navigate critical transitions with precision. Recognising the increasing complexity of tax regulations, Kodanda Rao has implemented strategic measures to embed advanced technological controls in SAP, automate compliance processes, and conduct regular legal audits. His hands-on approach ensures businesses remain ahead of regulatory changes, minimising risks while maximising efficiency. Additionally, his commitment to periodic internal training sessions and collaboration with industry experts strengthens financial governance within the organisation. His tenure with OEM MNCs has been defined by a results-driven approach to financial transformation. From automating financial processes and integrating technology-driven solutions to rationalising plant inventories and optimising stock clearance, Kodanda Rao has successfully executed strategies that enhance business performance and financial stability. As a forward-thinking finance leader, he remains committed to enhancing operational efficiencies, guiding major financial transactions, and delivering strategic insights. His leadership ensures organisations don’t just comply with regulations but leverage financial efficiency as a competitive advantage in an increasingly complex business environment. Speaking with TradeFlock, he discusses his professional journey insights.
What were the key turning points in your journey?
Coming from a science background, transitioning into commerce and finance was a defining moment. Pursuing Chartered Accountancy instilled in me a logical, analytical, and problem-solving mindset, which became instrumental in my professional growth. Starting my career with ISS, an MNC in the service sector, was a significant learning phase. It exposed me to financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and close interactions with business heads, helping me develop a business finance perspective beyond traditional accounting. A pivotal point was my tenure at Fuji Electric, where I worked in a private equity-funded company before it was acquired. This period was transformative as I led SAP implementation, mergers & acquisitions, inventory control, tax litigations, and treasury automation. Climbing from manager finance to financial controller, I gained hands-on experience in both organic and inorganic business transformations, refining my leadership approach. Currently, as CFO at Makeen Energy, my role is deeply strategic, focusing on business decisionmaking, working capital management, tax compliance, and long-term financial planning. Each experience has strengthened my strategic mindset, shaping me into a holistic financial leader.
What’s a little-known financial insight that could change how businesses operate if they applied it? How do you leverage this insight?
Two often-overlooked financial insights that can transform business operations are debt rationalisation and opportunity cost analysis. While many businesses recognise these concepts, they rarely leverage them effectively. Opportunity cost plays a pivotal role in investment decisions, technology upgrades, business diversification, and working capital management. Delayed decisions—whether in adopting new policies, optimising assets, or expanding operations—can lead to lost revenue, inefficiencies, and diminished competitive edge. Recognising the cost of inaction allows businesses to make timely, strategic moves that enhance profitability. I actively incorporate these insights by ensuring optimal debt structuring, avoiding excessive capital blockage, and integrating opportunity cost into major financial assessments, enabling efficient resource allocation and long-term growth sustainability.
What’s your approach to managing financial risks in an era of economic uncertainty and geopolitical shifts?
Driven by trade tensions and geopolitical shifts, global economic uncertainty presents significant challenges. Rather than viewing this as a setback, I see it as an opportunity to strengthen financial resilience. Diversifying business models, establishing alternative trade relationships, and ensuring sustainable growth are key priorities to mitigate risks. Maintaining adequate cash reserves and an efficient working capital cycle is crucial for navigating unforeseen disruptions. Additionally, a well-structured debt management plan, frequent risk assessments, and strong internal financial controls play a vital role in minimising exposure and ensuring long-term financial stability in a rapidly changing global environment.
What’s next for you in your professional journey?
Challenging and rewarding is how I describe my professional journey so far, and I am eager to take it to the next level. My goal is to transition into a CEO or director role, leveraging my expertise in finance, strategic leadership, and business transformation to drive growth and innovation. Continuous learning remains a priority, particularly in global economic trends, financial advancements, and emerging technologies that impact businesses worldwide. Mentorship is another area close to my heart. I actively guide aspiring finance professionals, helping them navigate complexities and develop leadership skills. Expanding this effort further will be a key part of my journey ahead.
