Rajesh Panikar
Woodford
Summary
Results-driven finance professional with expertise in commercial finance analysis, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and performance reporting. Demonstrates strong commercial acumen and a proven ability to identify risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement. Skilled in advanced Excel financial modelling, Power BI dashboard creation, and process automation to enhance efficiency and reporting quality. Adept at converting complex financial data into actionable insights for non-finance stakeholders and effectively communicating performance to diverse audiences. Experienced in partnering with marketing, operations, and cost centre owners to support strategic decision-making while maintaining accuracy in financial reporting and reconciliations. Committed to driving process improvements and fostering collaboration across finance, IT, and operational teams to achieve organisational goals.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work history
Relocation
Career Break
06.2025 - 01.2026
- Relocated from Australia back to the UK and took a planned career break.
- Continued professional development in commercial finance and data analysis.
Business Analyst (Finance & IT)
Luxe Care Pty Ltd
Melbourne
09.2023 - 05.2025
- Partnered with senior stakeholders as a commercial finance analyst, delivering management reporting, variance analysis, and financial insights.
- Automated forecasting models to improve accuracy of financial projections and support planning decisions.
- Developed Power BI dashboards translating financial data into actionable insights for non-finance teams.
- Identified risks, opportunities, and cost-optimization initiatives to support commercial performance.
- Acted as a key liaison between Finance and IT, ensuring data integrity and effective financial reporting.
- Contributed to commercial performance improvement by identifying areas for cost optimization and supporting data-led decision-making.
- Supported financial planning activities and ad-hoc analysis to enable stakeholders to respond effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Accountant
Accor Apartments and Realty
Melbourne
03.2023 - 06.2023
- Produced management accounts, variance analysis, and commercial insights for hospitality operations.
- Partnered with cost centre owners to support budgeting, forecasting, and performance improvement.
- Ensured accurate reporting through reconciliations and improved revenue reporting processes.
- Maintained a strong focus on attention to detail and data accuracy, ensuring reliable outputs in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
- Compiled financial data for business forecasting and budgeting.
Finance Assistant
Gordon Legal
Melbourne
11.2022 - 04.2023
- Supported accurate financial reporting through reconciliations, invoice processing, and trust accounting activities.
- Managed high volumes of financial transactions with a strong focus on accuracy, compliance, and attention to detail.
- Responded to stakeholder queries efficiently, ensuring clear communication of financial information.
- Delivered same-day disbursements and managed trust fund transactions with precision.
- Assisted with reconciliations and reviews that supported month-end and reporting processes.
Financial Analyst
May Figures Ltd
London
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Delivered financial analysis and reporting for R&D and Patent Box claims, supporting commercial outcomes for clients.
- Reviewed payroll, VAT filings, and management accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Translated complex financial data into clear insights for clients and business partners.
- Built strong client relationships, contributing to profitable and long-term partnerships.
Finance Assistant
Away Resorts
11.2019 - 09.2021
- Produced monthly financial reports, budgets, and variance analysis to support commercial decision-making.
- Analyzed actual results versus budget and forecast, identifying trends and performance gaps.
- Enhanced reporting capability using Power BI, improving visibility of financial performance.
- Supported audits and reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and consistency of financial data.
Finance Assistant (Temp)
Crowne Plaza
London
09.2019 - 10.2019
- Supported financial reporting, reconciliations, invoicing, and revenue audits.
- Ensured high standards of accuracy, timely reporting, and stakeholder communication.
Sales Ledger Controller
Blackhawk London
02.2019 - 09.2019
- Managed debtor aging, bank reconciliations, and timely payment processing.
- Handled cash postings, invoicing, and credit notes for multiple ledgers.
- Produced monthly management invoices and supported audits.
- Ensured smooth billing imports and addressed financial irregularities effectively.
Purchase Ledger Assistant (Temp)
Lynch Plant Hire
01.2019 - 01.2019
- Processed high volumes of supplier invoices with accuracy and speed.
- Conducted price and quantity checks to verify invoices.
- Reconciled month-end supplier statements and prepared timely payments.
Operations & Finance Lead
Reliant Careers Pvt Ltd
Mumbai
06.2013 - 10.2018
- Supervised daily financial operations, including payroll processing and expense tracking.
- Collaborated with accountants to ensure accurate financial reports and compliance.
- Conducted monthly account reconciliations and resolved discrepancies.
- Developed business growth strategies through effective planning and execution.
- Led and mentored teams to optimize operations and meet organizational goals.
Education
CIMA - Foundation level Completed
Chartered Institue of Management Accountants
Online 06.2023 -
Google Data Analytics Professional -
Coursera
Online 01.2022 - 12.2022
Bachelor of Business Administration - 2.2
University of Mumbai
Mumbai, India 06.2009 - 03.2012
Higher secondary education - Year 10-12 (2.1)
Vasant Vihar Junior College
Mumbai 06.2006 - 03.2009
Skills
- Commercial finance analysis including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and performance reporting
- Strong commercial acumen with proven ability to identify risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement
- Advanced Excel skills (financial models, variance analysis, forecasting tools) and Power BI dashboards
- Ability to convert financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-finance stakeholders
- Proven experience partnering with marketing, operations, and cost centre owners to support decision-making
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in financial reporting and reconciliations
- Experience communicating financial performance to stakeholders with varying levels of financial knowledge
- Process improvement and automation to enhance efficiency and reporting quality
- Stakeholder management across finance, IT, and operational teams
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
Active in community service and volunteering to support underprivileged children’s education., Playing cricket, meditation, cooking and gardening., Full UK driving license.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Relocation
Career Break
06.2025 - 01.2026
Business Analyst (Finance & IT)
Luxe Care Pty Ltd
09.2023 - 05.2025
CIMA - Foundation level Completed
Chartered Institue of Management Accountants
06.2023 -
Accountant
Accor Apartments and Realty
03.2023 - 06.2023
Finance Assistant
Gordon Legal
11.2022 - 04.2023
Financial Analyst
May Figures Ltd
01.2022 - 06.2022
Google Data Analytics Professional -
Coursera
01.2022 - 12.2022
Finance Assistant
Away Resorts
11.2019 - 09.2021
Finance Assistant (Temp)
Crowne Plaza
09.2019 - 10.2019
Sales Ledger Controller
Blackhawk London
02.2019 - 09.2019
Purchase Ledger Assistant (Temp)
Lynch Plant Hire
01.2019 - 01.2019
Operations & Finance Lead
Reliant Careers Pvt Ltd
06.2013 - 10.2018
Bachelor of Business Administration - 2.2
University of Mumbai
06.2009 - 03.2012
Higher secondary education - Year 10-12 (2.1)
Vasant Vihar Junior College
06.2006 - 03.2009