CEO Insights Magazine

Finance is the cornerstone of every organization. And given the ever-changing business environment, it is vital for organizations to have highly experienced CFOs who can go above and beyond in service to their organization and help guide and influence decision-making using the financial context as an integral driver of organizational growth. Rajeev Kumar, Chief Financial Officer, Square Nine Group of Companies is one such financial steward offering a rich, qualitative, and extensive experience of nearly 30 years across diversified business exposure into Finance, Accounts, Treasury, Operations, Planning & Budgeting, MIS, Compliance, Group Company Affairs, Project Financing, and Feasibility Study.

As a pioneer in implementing ERP systems like Oracle and SAP FICCO Module, Rajeev has streamlined operations, heightened productivity, and enhanced internal controls across organizations. Identifying bottlenecks and conceptualizing strategic plans, assessing compliance with regulatory requirements, financial accounting, and auditing standards to safeguard company assets, and finding a financial solution to a seemingly unsolvable financial crisis, Rajeev has stepped up and proved his mettle in every role that he has played throughout his career.

Currently, with excellent analytical & leadership skills, unmatched industry knowledge, and proven capability in planning & managing resources, Rajeev is making significant contributions to the growth of Square Nine Group of Companies, accomplishing challenging business objectives, and effectively driving its financial success.

CEO Insights exclusive team recently engaged in a conversation with the industry stalwart. Below is a snippet of the same.

How has been your path to success? Mention some of the milestones that you have achieved

in your previous roles within the industry.
I have spent over three decades working both in the Indian and global markets across various spectrums of the finance industry. The rich exposure to this segment has given me a holistic experience of achieving great milestones in different leadership roles. Prior to joining Square Nine Group of Companies, I have been the CFO at Dar Al Arkan where I was successful in implementing the new ERP (Oracle) system with global integration across the organization. Dar Al Arkan also gave me the opportunity to direct financial analysis, internal & regulatory reporting, accounting operations, budgeting & forecasting for achieving long term improvements in cost savings, profitability, and productivity of the company.

Before that, I was Finance Project Director at Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair where I delivered remarkable progress in implementing the financial part of the new ERP system, Master Data Management, and designed automated solutions for Consignment & Guarantee Margin deals. As the Financial Controller at Jarir Marketing, I played a key role in the installation of sound Internal Controls and ERP Software packages and successfully managed all commercial aspects (Tax, Zakat, Transfer Pricing, customs, Withholding Tax & Assessment) of the company. At Atlanta, in the role of the CFO, I was instrumental in raising funds worth 1.9 billion and 1.6 billion in addition to increasing working capital from 1.57 billion to 2.7 billion. I was selected to join Orbit Exports for offering remarkable contributions to the credit rating of the company. At Harley’s, as the CFO, I was able to launch the concept of the New Stock Ordering Process that integrates the valuation of inventories. I even managed Narmadeshwar Pumps and Polytubes as a Promoter Director.

In all my roles, I have been deeply involved in the decision-making

processes in adherence to financial regulations with my innate capability of driving business revenues via risk management, forecast, and accurate analysis of financial data to lessen or eliminate losses incurred by organizations.

How would you define Square Nine Group of Companies as an organization and its current position in the market?
Square Nine is a real estate development company founded in 2008 with a focus on concrete highrises and town homes, and investment properties. The company is equipped with experienced architects, engineers, and construction traders who bring creativity, commitment, and innovation to their work to empower new opportunities for the organization and provide best-in-class properties for clients. With the dedication that goes into all its projects, Square Nine Developments has been setting the benchmark in the real estate industry for the last 15 years.

Describe your Leadership Style.
Today’s talent needs to grow and today’s ideas need to develop for the organization to keep pace with change and succeed tomorrow. To enable this individual and organizational growth, I focus on acknowledging and building my team. I believe in the democratic approach to leadership; I welcome and value my team’s input, rely on their participation, and facilitate discussions before landing on any decision. My leadership style is focused on boosting employee engagement and ensuring that people are heavily invested in their roles and the company. Moreover, I am a lifelong learner and am always open to change and fresh opportunities.

Rajeev Kumar, CFO, Square Nine Group of Companies
Having FCA from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, a CS (Inter) from The Institute of Company Secretaries of India, an IFRS Course, a TAX course from Canada, and over three decades of extensive experience playing an instrumental role in the success of various organizations across geographies, Rajeev is currently playing a pivotal role in designing and driving company strategy at Square Nine Group of Companies maintaining a high state of operational resilience and efficiency.

•Awards & Recognition:Top 10 CFOs from Asia – 2022