Being a financial manager currently entails much more than simply monitoring a company's cash flow, as the business evolves rapidly due to the introduction of new technology. Finance professionals must play an important role in an organization's financial development, which necessitates skills other than a bachelor's or master's degree, such as strategic and analytical skills, tech-savvy, adaptability, integrity and strong values, strong communication skills, leadership skills, and industry-specific knowledge. The mordern finance leader has evolved significantly over the last decade, as is generally known, and we rarely encounter firms that view their finance department as merely a back-office team. However, shifting demands on the finance team have necessitated the acquisition of new skill sets and personalities in order to position finance as an organization's nerve centre. In that regard, Nirupma Verma is a results-driven expert with over 12 years of experience in diverse portfolios of financial management seeking demanding tasks with a reputable firm. She has been essential in assisting the company's growth by making proactive decisions and executing smooth financial operations. Nirupma has been playing an important part in the financial development of a business, which needs skills beyond a bachelor's or master's degree.

In an exclusive interview with Women Entrepreneur Magazine, Nirupma Verma, Head of Finance at Jeunesse Global India walks us through her professional journey:

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience that you both bring to the table.

I am born and bought up in middle-class family of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. My parents played a major role in building human values and ethics which contributes motivation to manage your work and make progress in a right way. In 2001, I graduated from Convent of Jesus and Mary, Dehradun, with an overall grade point average of 73 percent and was named the ISC Topper in accounting. In 2004, I earned a B.Com. from D.A.V College in Dehradun, Garhwal University, with a grade point average of 55 percent. I obtained my Cost Management Accountant (CMA) certification in 2009. I'm a seasoned finance manager with a track record of success in the health, wellness, and fitness industries. I have considerable experience in accounting, management, financial reporting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

What are the various responsibilities you shoulder as the Head of Finance for Jeunesse Global India? Tell us about your major focus areas in the said role.

I am responsible for a variety of tasks, including creating monthly financial reports for senior management, managing statutory, external, and internal audits, guiding project evaluation (including NPV, IRR, Cash Flow, and Risk Analysis), and project dashboard reporting (Progress Reports, Earned Value Analysis and Variance Analysis).

Throw light on some of the most critical challenges you face in your current role. What steps do you take to overcome the roadblocks that you face?

The corporate world appears to be fast evolving, and the accounting and finance profession is no exception. Finance teams no longer spend all of their time on day-to-day, transactional work and recordkeeping. Some traditional accounting duties are being replaced by technology, necessitating the acquisition of new abilities as well as the need of developing soft skills. Furthermore, as technology advances, cybersecurity risks are developing at an alarming rate. As a result, in the business world, one must be consistent, a quick learner, and willing to embrace change.

"I have been instrumental in aiding the company’s growth bandwagon with proactive decision making and carrying out seamless finance operations"

In your opinion, what are some of the most significant milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey?

I have been felicitated with the best employee award by Honorable Ms. Atishi Marlena (MLA-AAP Party) organized by India Direct Selling Organization (IDSA). I also represented Jeunesse India at Global Platform in Phuket, Thailand 2022.

How do you foresee the Indian finance landscape evolving in the near future? What would your advice be to young women and girls who also aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

India has one of the world's fastest expanding economies. Because of rising technologies, changes in cultural patterns, and a friendly regulatory regime, I see immense potential for the Indian banking scene. We have moved away from physical transactions and toward digital platforms. In the foreseeable future, direct selling will be a growing industry. Because it allows you to work as an entrepreneur and push your business to new heights. Working in this sector is a fantastic opportunity for women.

My suggestion to young women is that never feel shy to ask questions, never think twice to share your ideas and never be hesitant to express your opinions even if you are the only women in room full of men. If you are strong, focused, and passionate about what you do, everything falls in place.

Nirupma Verma Head Of Finance, Jeunesse Global India

With over 12 years of experience in diverse portfolios of financial management seeking demanding tasks, Nirupma Verma has been instrumental in creating monthly financial reports for senior management, managing statutory, external, and internal audits, guiding project evaluation (including NPV, IRR, Cash Flow, and Risk Analysis), and project dashboard reporting (Progress Reports, Earned Value Analysis and Variance Analysis).