Rajesh Rathore
About Candidate
A qualified CA, CIA & CIA, I’m an adept seasoned Internal Audit Leader and Group Internal Audit Head, with around 18 years of experience. I have a well-rounded skill set in internal auditing and honed talents in Risk management, Investigations, Governance and Compliance. My vast experience in various industries (Oil & gas, Pharma, Agrochemicals, Metal & Mining’s, Retail & FMCG, Consumer goods & durables, Big4 Consulting, Telecom, BFSI & IT & ITES) and geographies (India, Middle East & Africa markets) has tremendously contributed in developing in-depth business acumen and a unique outlook, which would be an added advantage.
Further, I am a recognized expert in leadership and a communicative collaborator. My previous roles have strengthened my capabilities in stakeholder management, critical thinking and teamwork, including a keen attention to detail and accuracy.
Location
Education
Major in Accounts & Finance. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament, viz. The Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 (Act No.XXXVIII of 1949) for regulation and development of the profession of Chartered Accountants in the country. The Institute, functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. The ICAI is the largest professional body of Chartered Accountants in the world.
Information systems auditor. Certified Information Systems Auditor® (CISA®), world-renowned as the standard of achievement for auditing, monitoring, and assessing IT and business systems, also acknowledges the importance of emerging technologies. Achieving a CISA certification showcases your expertise and asserts your ability to apply a risk-based approach to audit engagements.
Internal Auditing. Since 1974, there has only been one internal audit designation that has garnered global recognition, career advancement, and professional credibility – CIA certification
Work & Experience
Served as Group Head Internal Audit for Lake Group, a $1billion conglomerate having presence in Energy (Oil, Gas & Lubes), Manufacturing (Steel, Aluminum trailers, LPG cylinders, Plastic tanks), Construction (Gypsum boards, Premix), Logistics (ICD & Transport) and Agriculture across 10+ East Africa countries. Set-up an effective and functional Audit department. Advised on establishing governance structure. Outlined audit positions fit for organization and built initial high-performing team. Developed and implemented Internal control framework and risk-based auditing methodology. Optimized operational efficiency by redesigning processes, systems & workspaces and streamlining workflow processes across multiple departments for increased productivity. Promoted a culture of accountability within the organization by consistently enforcing company policies and procedures during audits.
Served as Head of Internal Audit & Risk Management for Aurobindo Pharma Limited, a $3.5 billion organization, into active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) & finished dosage form (FDF), having business operations in over 150+ countries. Responsible for managing the Internal Audit function, Risk management (ERM), Internal financial controls (IFC) and Compliance framework and conduct special audits. Provide strategic guidance and oversee co-sourcing audit partner. Strengthened ERM & IFC framework and made Compliance management more agile.
Lead the Internal Audit for Fertilizer vertical for Coromandel International Limited, a $3.5 billion Agrochemical company having 15+ manufacturing plants and 800+ retail stores. Assisted Head of Audit in managing the audit function, involved from preparation of Annual audit plan until quarterly Audit committee (AC) presentation. Handled administrative responsibilities. Lead & conducted Internal audits, Risk management, Internal financial controls (IFC) and Management audits for Fertilizer division and conducted various Retail vertical & Corporate support function audits. Reviewed newly enhanced Shared service function (SSC) for process flow design & controls, providing assurance and optimizing, where required.
As part of EY India, FIDS team, conducted and lead various Fraud investigations, Whistle blower allegations, Anti-fraud control frameworks and due diligence reviews for client in Manufacturing (Auto, Steel, Glass etc.) & service (Airlines, BFSI etc.) sectors. Minimized fraud risks by designing comprehensive fraud prevention & detection strategies and conducting detailed investigations as requested. Managed cross-functional teams and multiple tasks. Developed and maintained relationships with customers through account development and enhanced customer satisfaction. Handled engagement administrative responsibilities.
As part of KPMG India, GRC team, conducted and lead various Internal audits & Advisory services for multiple clients in Manufacturing (Metal & Mining, Consumer products etc.) and service (Telecom, BFSI, IT/ ITES etc.) sectors. Lead large offsite team at KPMG global services (KGS) performing SOX testing and Compliance attestation for multiple US BFSI clients. Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships. Conducted comprehensive market research and expanded market presence by identifying new business opportunities and service offerings.
Masharie is wholly owned subsidiary of Dubai Investments PJSC, focusing on mergers and acquisitions through strategic equity partnerships with diversified and balanced portfolio of assets, delivering sustainable income and long-term value creation to its stakeholders. Conducted and lead various internal audits for clients (investments) across Masharie's portfolio and Integrating newly acquired entities into existing internal control frameworks. Day-to-day team supervision and facilitate clear communication between audit team and upper management.
Emitac Group, jointly owned by well-known Bukhatir and Ghobash Group has business interest in Distribution, Technology services and healthcare solution. As part of In-house internal audit team, conducted end to end internal audits for all three verticals covering all business processes and support functions. Improved internal control processes and provided ongoing support to management. Identified and Investigated few frauds. Represented audit team during ERP migration.
As part of Sify Sarbanes–Oxley (SOX) compliance team, conducted periodic management testing of SOX control framework and helped in remediation. Assisted in designing the governance and control framework namely Code of conduct, Whistle blower hotline and various policies & procedures. Liaison with external auditors and business owners throughout annual certification process ensuring overall compliance. Represented SOX team during implementation of few Oracle modules and upgradation of ERP version.
As part of mandatory ICAI apprenticeship program, conducted various Internal, Statutory & Tax audits for clients in Manufacturing (Auto, Consumer goods, Distilleries etc.) and Services (Telecom, Retail, BFSI sectors etc.) industries.