Pankaj Bhandari

About Pankaj Bhandari

Strategic Finance Director with 15+ years of experience in financial operations, controllership, and regulatory compliance for global MNCs. Proven track record of leading APAC financial strategy (India, Australia, Singapore), managing complex US GAAP reporting, and driving digital transformation in finance (Oracle R12, NetSuite, SAP Concur, Blackline). Expert in navigating high-growth environments, implementing robust internal controls (SOX), and optimizing tax structures. Demonstrated ability to recover significant Tax refund through meticulous reconciliation. seeking to leverage expertise in Financial Control, Process Automation, and Team Leadership to drive organizational growth.

Experience

1. Director of Accounting

   Ivalua

   Jan 2025 — Present · Pune, IN

   APAC Regional Controller (India, Australia, Singapore)• Financial Operations Leadership: Direct comprehensive accounting operations including AP, AR, GL, Fixed Assets, Payroll, and Treasury functions for multi-million dollar APAC operations• Compliance Management: Ensure 100% SOX compliance and adherence to US GAAP standards; maintain internal control frameworks across 3 countries• Strategic Financial Reporting: Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting with zero material misstatements; manage month-end closing process reduced from 3 days to 1 day• Tax & Audit Coordination: Successfully manage statutory compliance, direct tax filings, transfer pricing assessments, and coordinate with external audit partners across APAC region• Cross-Functional Leadership: Provide strategic financial guidance to Legal, Sales, HR, and Operations teams on business decisions and risk mitigationShared Services Manager (North America & EMEA)• Process Management: Managed end-to-end invoice processing, expense management, and vendor relations for global operations• Financial Analysis: Conducted root cause analysis for invoice discrepancies; performed multi-currency bank reconciliations for US and EMEA regions• Compliance & Controls: Ensured adherence to internal/external audit requirements; managed accrual processes aligned with global closing calendar• Team Development: Mentored junior staff and conducted training programs on accounting procedures and system implementations

Education

• Kumaun University

  Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.), Accounting and Finance

  2004 — 2007

• Kumaun University Nainital

  Master of Commerce (M. Com), Accounting and Finance

  2008 — 2010