Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Hobbies and Interests
Timeline
Generic
SHANMUGANATHAN PILLAI

SHANMUGANATHAN PILLAI

Summary

Dedicated professional with proficiency in Customer Service with a strong ability to identify customer needs, establish rapport & build trust with more than 21 years of experience in Hub Agency [Commercial & Ship Husbandry management]. Experienced with regional operations management, delivering strategic initiatives that improve efficiency and performance. Utilizes leadership and analytical skills to drive team success and achieve organizational goals. Strong understanding of fostering collaboration and implementing effective processes for optimal results.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Regional Head - Ship Managers - APAC

Inchcape Shipping Services Pte Ltd
10.2024 - Current
  • Streamlined operations for increased efficiency through process improvements and staff training.
  • Established partnerships with industry leaders, expanding services offered and increasing market share.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews, setting clear expectations and supporting employee development initiatives.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly, resolving issues efficiently with tailored solutions.
  • Aligned regional objectives with overarching organizational goals to ensure comprehensive success across all areas of operation.
  • Increased revenue by identifying new business opportunities and closing high-value deals.

VSC Operations Finance Manager

Inchcape Shipping Services
04.2022 - 09.2024
  • Served as the VSC Operations Finance Manager at Inchcape Shipping Services, responsible for streamlining internal processes related to DA TAT and customer receivables turnaround.
  • Customer retention - Regular customer visit and relationship management with customer for Accounts receivables overdue.
  • Mentored junior finance staff, fostering professional development and strong team dynamics.
  • Implemented strategic measures that significantly improved DA TAT, resulting in a 20% reduction in processing time and increased operational efficiency.
  • Strengthened internal controls through regular audits and adherence to regulatory requirements.
  • Developed and implemented effective strategies to expedite customer receivables turnaround, resulting in a 15% decrease in outstanding payments and improved cash flow.
  • Played key role in strategic planning sessions, offering insights that shaped company direction and growth.
  • Relationship management - Debtor Follow up and frequent visit to customer for credit control and relationship building.
  • Cross functional relationship management - Continously having relationship management with various internal stakeholder i.e. Local office engangement, IT, Commercial team, Senior management.

Manager Finance and Accounts

Samsara Group
05.2021 - 04.2022
  • Led and directed the accounts receivable/payable and voyage accounting functions, ensuring accurate and timely processing of invoices and cost accrual estimates for assigned voyage port calls. (For all Indian Ports)
  • Customer retention has also been handled.
  • Implemented streamlined processes and controls, resulting in a 35% reduction in invoice processing time and improved accuracy in cost accrual estimates.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve discrepancies and ensure the smooth flow of financial information.

Assistant General Manager

S5 Agency World Ltd
03.2016 - 04.2020
  • Strategically supported the S5 senior leadership team in client deliveries and administrative decisions, ensuring smooth operations and effective decision-making.
  • Successfully managed a team of 103 finance members, implementing a structural support.
  • Played a key role in analyzing and evaluating various business cases for project proposals, providing valuable insights to the senior leadership team for informed.
  • Actively contributed to the productization of services like online software, HPCM, HSO, and FSO collaborating with the respective teams to ensure 24/7 support and seamless service delivery.
  • Developed and implemented new operational procedures, streamlining daily tasks and improving overall efficiency.
  • Enforced quality assurance protocols to deliver ideal customer experiences.

Global Hub - Finance manager

S5 Agency World Ltd
03.2012 - 03.2016
  • Oversaw the processing of charterer agent calls, including funding, verification, and processing of Proforma/Disbursement accounts.
  • Monitored and managed all S5 calls, regional finance hubs, and global client finance hubs, ensuring compliance with agreed-upon KPIs.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in operational accounting reports, utilizing finance databases to generate management reports.
  • Actively tested and contributed ideas to improve the AN/AW system, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in financial processes.
  • Ensured compliance with worldwide financial procedures and instructions, adhering to S5 quality management and HSSE systems.

Assistant Manager - Finance & Accounts

Inchcape Shipping Services
04.2006 - 02.2012
  • Coordinated accounts payable activities across 15 locations in India & Reconciled vendor and sub-agent accounts.
  • Followed up with debtors regularly.
  • Assisted the Finance Manager in the budgeting process, providing valuable insights and analysis.
  • Posted final disbursement accounts for marine vessels, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting & effective credit controls.
  • Worked closely with the Operations team to maintain financial KPIs, such as less than 15 days for CLS FDA and less than 25 days for Port Agency FDA.

Sales Associate

Sundaram Finance
05.2004 - 03.2006
  • Proactively identified and pursued potential clients through various channels-networking, referrals, cold calling, and industry events,resulting in a 15% increase in client base.
  • Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with clients, delivering exceptional service and support throughout the sales process and beyond, resulting in a 10% increase in client retention.
  • Presented and effectively communicated the features and benefits of our financial products and services to potential clients, addressing their questions and concerns, resulting in a 25% increase in conversion rates.
  • Consistently met or exceeded sales targets and objectives, achieving a 15% increase in sales revenue on a quarterly basis.
  • Collaborated with internal teams, providing valuable feedback and insights from clients to contribute to the continuous improvement of our offerings.
  • Maintained accurate and up-to-date client records, sales activities, and pipeline management using our CRM system.

Education

Post Graduate - Diploma - Finance Management

University of Mumbai
01.2010

Bachelor of Commerce -

University of Mumbai
01.2004

Skills

  • Business Process Improvement
  • Relationship management
  • Key account management
  • Ship Management business
  • Negotiations
  • Team building
  • Project management
  • Operations management
  • Innovation and creativity

Languages

English
Hindi
Tamil

Hobbies and Interests

  • Travel
  • Meeting new people
  • Music

Timeline

Regional Head - Ship Managers - APAC

Inchcape Shipping Services Pte Ltd
10.2024 - Current

VSC Operations Finance Manager

Inchcape Shipping Services
04.2022 - 09.2024

Manager Finance and Accounts

Samsara Group
05.2021 - 04.2022

Assistant General Manager

S5 Agency World Ltd
03.2016 - 04.2020

Global Hub - Finance manager

S5 Agency World Ltd
03.2012 - 03.2016

Assistant Manager - Finance & Accounts

Inchcape Shipping Services
04.2006 - 02.2012

Sales Associate

Sundaram Finance
05.2004 - 03.2006

Bachelor of Commerce -

University of Mumbai

Post Graduate - Diploma - Finance Management

University of Mumbai
SHANMUGANATHAN PILLAI