Name: Jarna Gaglaani
Title: Chief Finance Officer
Company: Udrive
Qualifications: CA, CPA
Why did you decide to start out in a career in accountancy?
Since childhood I was intrigued by the financial acumen that businessmen had and I thought the journey to mastering that financial knowledge would be through accounting. The chartered accountant qualification offered a comprehensive yet vast overview of business and finance, and this is the reason I chose to become a chartered accountant.
Please provide a brief history of your career.
I started my career with Coca-Cola, India, as a financial analyst. I then progressed to the IT industry and later to UAE as a Group Finance Manager in a food and beverage company. I worked there for almost 10 years in FP&A and then move towards consulting, and finance solutions etc. While working with several start ups, I ended up joining Udrive which is a tech start up in the field of mobility as their CFO. The journey has been exciting with a steep learning curve. In my current role I work more in strategy, fund raising and investor relations.
Why did you decide to become a member of CPA Ireland?
CPA is a well renouned institution across the world and it offers immense career opportunities. That coupled with the Indian Chartered Accoutancy qualification provides me with good exposure.
What one word describes what your CPA membership has given you?
It has given me access to an institution with a vast knowledge base and network of fellow professionals.
What has been your biggest career achievement?
Steering the company with financial and strategic acumen gives me satisfaction.
What or who inspires you most in business?
My inspiration is Indra Nooyi who, being a finance person, carved her path into becoming the CEO of Pepsico.
What advice would you give to those recently qualified or currently studying for their accountancy qualification?
Be hungry to learn and experiment. Today we are in a world where everything changes in 3 years so be open to newer technologies. Also try to gather knowledge from as many industries as possible which is very valuable to an accountant.
What traits do you admire in others?
I respect p[eople who are mentally strong and formidable. People who know how to navigate the difficult times are the ones who would stand out as future leaders.