A Chronicle of Excellence in Finance and Leadership
Among the bustling streets of Bangalore, if there’s one individual stands out, it is Mathew George. With a wealth of expertise in finance and an impressive career of 29 years, he emerged as a true leader. Mathew’s academic prowess was evident early on, with top honors at Christ College. In 1993, he achieved a remarkable feat by passing all exams, including the challenging CA on his first attempt.
At the heart of Mathew’s life lies his tight-knit family, encompassing his exceptional wife, a lawyer by profession, his ambitious son, currently studying for an MD in General Medicine, his driven daughter-in-law, making successful strides as an EY employee, his second daughter, excelling as a Data Analyst at PWC, and his youngest, pursuing a BBA in Bangalore. This unbreakable familial bond has shaped Mathew’s remarkable journey as a CFO and Controller, boosting him to success in international markets such as the USA, Europe, India, Dubai, and Nigeria.
Mathew’s career is a true reflection of his exceptional skills in offering Advisory Services and developing strong Corporate Structures. He has an impressive track record, having achieved numerous milestones. Mathew’s expertise lies in driving growth, maximizing tax strategies, and efficiently planning for succession. His success can be credited to his exceptional teamwork with promoters and private equity investors, making him stand out as a top performer throughout his professional journey.
Amid an abundance of options, Mathew George courageously carved his own path, eschewing the conventional MBA route for a career in Chartered Accountancy. Despite the obstacles and a lower success rate, Mathew’s boldness paid off as he successfully obtained his CA, bolstered by additional certifications such as CPA and CIA from the USA. His unwavering faith in the field as a catalyst for generating lasting prosperity showcases his unwavering dedication and fervent drive to tackle intricate issues.
His business strategy is like a guiding light in the finance world, as it centers on a select few key ideas every year. This methodology involves promoting sustainable growth, utilizing technology to streamline tasks, enhancing cash flow efficiency, and maintaining an independent controllership function. Mathew strongly values recognizing exceptional individuals with admiration and being accountable for any setbacks, which has undoubtedly played a role in his triumphs.
Mathew’s view of being a CFO extends beyond just crunching numbers; it requires a comprehensive grasp of business operations and financial strategies. He firmly believes in collaborating with other areas of the company to drive forward growth, profitability, and ultimately, increased value for shareholders. His inner fire burns with an unwavering pursuit of excellence, a motto that guides him to always strive for the best in every aspect of his life.
Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the global pandemic, Mathew’s healthcare business not only persevered but excelled, boasting a commendable 25% growth from FY-21 to FY-23. This impressive result can be attributed to a combination of strategic cash conservation, reduced fixed expenses, and the implementation of remote work for employees. These measures not only helped the business survive, but also led to a significant increase in profit margin from 20% to 23%.
Mathew’s greatest strength lies in his ability to remain calm under adversity. This quality not only fosters a work environment that encourages excellence and fearlessness but also sets him apart from others. Mathew is not afraid to acknowledge areas of improvement and sees weaknesses as valuable learning opportunities. This mindset allows him to continuously grow both personally and professionally, making him an asset to any team or organization.
Mathew George’s remarkable 28+ year career is adorned with a multitude of prestigious awards, attesting to his unwavering excellence. His accolades include the CFO of the Year Award 2022 from UBS Forums, recognition as one of India’s Top 20 CFOs by Start-up Lanes in FY-2023, and the ET Ascent Best CFO Excellence in Sustained Wealth Creation for FY-2023. Noteworthy honors also include the Business Partner Award and CEO Car Club Award at HCL, Genpact Focus Award, Leadership Excellence Awards at GE Capital, and several others, underscoring his consistent top-tier performance and contributions across diverse organizations and sectors.
“Adopt an industrialist mindset, go the extra mile, and offer valuable and original ideas to potential employers,” Mathew inspires. He stresses the significance of self-awareness in personal growth and advocates for constant self-improvement for long-term success.
But beyond just professional pursuits, he encourages, “Savor life, be driven but not envious, show kindness to colleagues, and put family above all else.”
In a society fixated on achieving success, Mathew’s words serve as a powerful reminder that life is a journey, and amid career achievements, family should always be a top priority.