Latest news with #KGRN
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
KGRN and Akshar Consulting join forces to launch 'NextGen FP&A' for UAE's Finance Future
A creative collaboration unlocking the next era of financial strategy in the Gulf In boardrooms across the UAE, the role of finance is shifting. No longer confined to ledgers and quarterly closes, CFOs are being called to steer strategy, model the future, and deliver insights at the speed of business. Sensing this shift, KGRN Chartered Accountants LLC has launched a dedicated business division: KGRN NextGen FP&A. But this isn't just another service line - it's a response to a seismic change in how modern businesses plan, forecast, and make decisions. At the heart of the initiative is a strategic partnership with Akshar Consulting (ABCL) - a global technology consulting firm known for its deep command over financial modeling, data science, and enterprise-grade planning platforms. "This isn't just about introducing a new service line - it's about responding to a shift in how modern finance functions operate," says Gopu Rama Naidu, founder and managing partner at KGRN. "We see a rising need among UAE enterprises for agile, predictive, and collaborative financial planning. KGRN Next Gen FP&A is our commitment to meet that need by combining consulting rigor with technology execution." Where numbers meet intelligence The partnership combines KGRN's legacy of trust with Akshar Consulting's tech DNA - blending advisory depth with implementation muscle. Together, they're helping UAE businesses leap from spreadsheets to smart, connected planning environments. "Our focus has always been to bridge technology with business relevance," explains Tejas Parikh, founder of Akshar Consulting. "By joining forces with KGRN, we can localize that capability - bringing Anaplan, Prophix, Vena Solutions, Microsoft Fabric, and data lake architectures right into the finance nerve centers of the Gulf." From predictive forecasting to dynamic scenario modeling, the platforms they implement are reshaping finance departments into real-time intelligence hubs - integrated with tools like Power BI and embedded into decision-making cycles. The architects behind the shift "The vision isn't just automation - it's empowerment," says Raviraj, chief business architect at KGRN NextGen FP&A. "We're giving finance teams the tools and mindset to stop chasing the past and start designing the future." Whether it's helping a CFO explore rolling forecasts or assisting a group finance controller to navigate a merger with clarity, the team applies both financial rigor and user-first design to every engagement. The division doesn't just implement systems - it curates custom-built ecosystems where data flows cleanly, models evolve with the market, and leadership decisions are grounded in evidence, not assumptions. Technology that sells itself - But people still matter "The technology is powerful - no question," says Mayuran, director of Sales at KGRN. "But our job is to make it feel simple, accessible, and aligned with what the client is solving for." From family offices to retail conglomerates, the division's outreach strategy is to educate, not push - offering tailored demos, maturity assessments, and roadmaps that match both budget and ambition. "Most clients already feel the pressure to modernize," adds Mayuran. "What they need is a trusted hand to help them do it with confidence." Beyond tools - Towards transformation The timing couldn't be more strategic. As the UAE accelerates toward Vision 2031, with an emphasis on digital-first governance and smarter resource management, financial agility is becoming a national business imperative. "It's not about tech for tech's sake," says Raviraj. "It's about helping finance move from reactive to predictive, from fragmented to unified. And we believe this partnership delivers just that." For UAE businesses ready to move beyond traditional planning and embrace intelligent finance, the message is simple: the tools are ready. The talent is ready. The future of finance is already underway.
Khaleej Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Why I believe UAE businesses must rethink FP&A – before it becomes a bottleneck
Over the past two decades, I've sat across the table from CFOs, controllers, and business owners navigating the highs and lows of growth in the UAE. I've seen what great finance teams can do - and I've seen what holds them back. One thing is clear: the way we plan, forecast, and make financial decisions needs to change. And not slowly - urgently. Today, many finance departments are still working with outdated processes: spreadsheet-heavy, reactive, and siloed. They're managing more complexity than ever before, with fewer resources and greater expectations. I believe the only way forward is a shift to smarter, more agile financial planning and analysis (FP&A) - enabled by outsourcing the right functions and embracing modern planning platforms. Why outsourcing isn't about letting go - It's about leveling up Let me be clear: outsourcing FP&A isn't about cutting costs or replacing in-house talent. It's about scaling capability. It gives internal finance teams breathing room - space to focus on strategy, not just survival. At KGRN, we built our NextGen FP&A division with exactly this in mind. We wanted to give CFOs and business leaders in the UAE a trusted partner - one who understands local business dynamics, but brings global thinking, tools, and speed. The technology is ready - The mindset shift is what matters Platforms like Vena Solutions, Prophix, and Anaplan have redefined what's possible in financial planning. They allow for real-time collaboration, rolling forecasts, scenario planning, and seamless ERP integration. I've personally seen how businesses that adopt these platforms gain confidence - not just in their numbers, but in their decisions. They can see further, adapt faster, and spend less time firefighting. But let me also say this: the tool alone is never the solution. I've watched companies invest in great systems and still struggle, because the implementation lacked purpose and context. That's why we pair the technology with advisory. We listen. We understand the business first - and then build models that actually fit. What I tell CFOs who are hesitating I've had many CFOs tell me, "We know we need to change - but it's overwhelming." And I understand that. Change is hard, especially in finance, where accuracy and control matter so much. But here's what I've learned: waiting rarely helps. The longer we rely on outdated planning models, the more reactive and less strategic finance becomes. What I tell them is this: start small, but start now. Bring in a partner who understands both numbers and nuance. Choose a platform that works with your current systems. Build a roadmap, not a revolution. Looking ahead The UAE is moving fast - new industries, new regulations, new expectations from investors and boards. Finance has to keep pace. I believe that every business deserves a finance function that's not just accurate, but agile. Not just efficient, but empowered. That's why we built KGRN NextGen FP&A - to help finance leaders move from managing data to mastering decisions. And if you're thinking of reimagining how finance works in your organization, I'd say: there's never been a better time to begin. To learn more about KGRN's NextGen FP&A offerings, visit
