Manas Panda
IT Finance Controller
Summary
Experienced Finance Controller with 23 years of expertise in Financial Planning & Analysis, Budgeting, and Operational Finance within dynamic IT environments. Skilled in managing CAPEX and P&L performance under both cash and accrual accounting frameworks, with a strong focus on data-driven decision support and strategic forecasting. Proficient in financial systems and software, with a proven ability to streamline processes, enforce governance, and drive reporting accuracy. Adept at navigating fast-paced, tech-driven organizations, solving complex financial challenges, and aligning finance operations with business growth and innovation goals.
Cost management expert with proven experience in budgeting, financial analysis, and cost reduction. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, adapting seamlessly to changing needs. Known for analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication, ensuring precise cost control and financial accuracy. Highly reliable with results-driven mindset, ready to contribute to organizational success.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
IT Finance & Cost Controller, Financial Analytics & Planning (FAP) - (Group Technology)
Maybank Singapore
02.2017 - Current
- Overseeing and managing Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) worth $80M - $100M with 100 - 150 Projects and Profit and Loss (P&L) worth $75-$95M yearly for Business As Usual, Digital, Strategic and other adhoc project.
- Executed budget control for project planning and operations, targeting 80–100% cash flow utilization while managing P&L impact.
- Liaised with Group Technology Budget Controller and key stakeholders (Regional IT and Singapore) to report and review IT budget financial positions and operational results.
- Ensured credibility and accuracy of cash flow movements for all local and regional projects in Singapore by comparing budget, forecast, and actual data.
- Analyzed financial trends and recommended cost compression strategies across one-time IT OPEX, recurring maintenance expenditures, and Maybank Shared Services (MSS) internal chargebacks.
- Challenged and governed IT spending to promote ROI-driven and cost-conscious utilization of IT finance resources.
- Responsible for leading Sector Agile initiatives, promoting MVP (Minimum Viable Product) delivery and a fail-fast mindset, as well as driving Sector Lite Agile programs to enhance operational agility.
Accounting/Finance Controller & Payroll Advisor in Singapore (Job Rotation program)
Dell Software Singapore Pte Ltd
06.2013 - 07.2016
- Responsible for managing audit assignments with PwC for Dell Services Pte Ltd, covering statutory, internal, and tax audits under both Local GAAP and US GAAP across multiple entities, including a manufacturing unit. Accountable for finalizing GAAP adjustments and overseeing IT project-related OPEX and CAPEX for our major client, UBS AG.
- Formerly known as Quest (Singapore) Pte Ltd.
- Responsible for preparing all payroll statutory reports, including IR21 and IR8A forms, in compliance with Singapore regulations. Ensured accurate and timely statutory filings by coordinating with outsourced service providers. Led payroll annual audits (in collaboration with Deloitte), managed government surveys, payroll-related projects, and day-to-day employee queries. Additionally, oversaw payroll processing and accounting across the APAC region through interface with Automatic Data Processing Ltd (ADP).
- Responsible for managing expatriate tax matters in compliance with established policies, working closely with Deloitte to ensure timely submission of tax returns, accurate payments to tax authorities, and proper settlement of taxes.
- Holds the distinction of being well-versed in the preparation and finalization of accounts in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Accounting Advisor & Asia Controller
Dell Services Pte Ltd
05.2004 - 05.2013
- Responsible for Accounts Payable/Receivable, General Accounting, Depreciation, CAPEX, OPEX Financial Planning & analysis in APAC region.
- Formerly known as Perot Systems (Singapore) Pte Ltd.
- Maintaining books of account for APAC region, Payroll checking & reconciliation, disbursement and statutory payment for APAC region.
- Accountable for month end activities i.e. Accounts Payable, General Accounting, budgeting, forecasting, Asset Management and Bank reconciliation includes Restatements also.
- Preparation of local statutory returns i.e. GST/PAYROLL Tax / Services Tax & CPF returns are submitted in local statutory board within stipulated period to avoid no compliances.
- Audit Engagement with (PWC) close to 50-60M$ yearly turnover - Preparation of Balance sheet Schedules, Consolidation of Trial Balance, and Grouping, and financial & variation analysis.
- Coordination with onsite/offshore associates, IT Project manager with respect to 100% revenue recognition for our major Client UBS AG and employee related disbursements.
- Contribution towards organizational initiatives (e.g. Knowledge of Sox Compliance)
- Communication with all the associates to ensure that company policies and compliances are followed.
Finance Associate
HCL Perot Systems
04.2002 - 04.2004
- Responsible for Book Keeping for APAC region, Month-End Closure of Books of Accounts involving Provisioning of various Direct & Indirect Expenses, Bank reconciliations, Revenue recognition and Invoicing for UBS (Union Bank of Switzerland) one of the Principal Clients of Companies, Estimation of Monthly Revenue Accrual/summary to be circulated to the onsite managers & senior management in India and APAC.
- Prior to merge with Dell
- Assistance in preparation of Payroll/Employee Tax computation/CPF and employee tax filing.
- Responsible for Inter Company Accounts reconciliations in Asia-Pacific with principal entity in India.
- Offshore Audit Support for APAC region involving preparation of various Schedules to be attached with Balance Sheet & Profit & Loss Account of concerned entity & assisting in final audit of APAC-Malaysia entity which annual audit was performed in India.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting and Finance
UTKAL University
IndiaMaster of Business Administration (MBA) - Finance
Punjab Technical University
IndiaAdvance Certification in Data Science & AI -
IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies
IndiaDiploma in SAP–ERP (Finance & Controlling) systems - FICO (Finance and Controlling)
Diploma in Computer application - Financial Accounting
01.1995
Skills
Cost benchmarking
Timeline
IT Finance & Cost Controller, Financial Analytics & Planning (FAP) - (Group Technology)
Maybank Singapore
02.2017 - Current
Accounting/Finance Controller & Payroll Advisor in Singapore (Job Rotation program)
Dell Software Singapore Pte Ltd
06.2013 - 07.2016
Accounting Advisor & Asia Controller
Dell Services Pte Ltd
05.2004 - 05.2013
Finance Associate
HCL Perot Systems
04.2002 - 04.2004
Diploma in SAP–ERP (Finance & Controlling) systems - FICO (Finance and Controlling)
Diploma in Computer application - Financial Accounting
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting and Finance
UTKAL University
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Finance
Punjab Technical University
Advance Certification in Data Science & AI -
IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies