Shallu Arora | Sirca Paints India Limited
We all make financial decisions every day, from budgeting for groceries to planning for the future. But imagine making those decisions for a multi-million dollar company. That’s the world of a CFO, and their choices have far-reaching consequences. The role of the CFO has changed from number cruncher to strategic advisor. Today’s financial leaders need to be visionaries, innovators, and champions of change, taking their organizations toward sustainable success. The pressure to provide consistent results with the highest ethical standards is huge.
Shallu Arora, a seasoned finance professional, has carved a niche for herself in this demanding field. A qualified Chartered Accountant and Company Secretary, Shallu brings over eleven years of diversified post-qualification experience. Her journey as an account officer at Fortis Hospitals culminating in her current role at Sirca Paints India Limited, shows her will to continuously learn and embrace challenges. Shallu has contributed to the professional community with publications and faculty roles at ICAI and ICSI in ethics and codes of conduct.
Shallu as CFO at Sirca Paints India Limited has a wide range of responsibilities, from strategic financial planning and cost optimization to investment allocation, and team development. She aligns financial strategies with the company’s business goals, using data-driven insights to inform decision-making and make sure of sustainable growth.
Shallu Arora is in the spotlight in an interview for our “The 10 Most Influential CFOs Reshaping Financial Strategies in 2025” edition. Learn from her insights and valuable lessons as an entrepreneur to excel and build a top company. Stay tuned to discover her tale of success.
Prime Insights: Can you provide a brief introduction about yourself and your professional journey so far?
I completed my Chartered Accountancy (CA) in November 2014 and my Company Secretary (CS) qualification in December 2014. I also finished a forensic audit course in 2018 and an INDAS course in 2019. With eleven years of diverse post-qualification experience, I have published articles in the NIRC student journal with ICAI and served as a faculty member for various ICAI programs. I have also conducted seminars and study sessions as a faculty member for certificate courses at ICSI.
Starting my career as an accounts officer at Fortis Hospitals, I later established my own practice in corporate consultancy and tax advisory. In 2019, I joined Sirca Paints India Limited, which challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and provided valuable learning opportunities.
“Shallu Arora demonstrates that mastering the art of finance requires not only strategic thinking and technical expertise but also a commitment to ethical leadership, continuous learning, and a proactive approach to navigating the ever-changing financial landscape.”
Prime Insights: What inspired you to pursue a career in finance, and how has your role as CFO evolved over the years?
My finance career began with a passion for problem-solving and strategic thinking, supported by a solid academic foundation in business. Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) and Company Secretary (CS) demonstrates my commitment to financial principles, governance, and ethics. As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Sirca Paints, my responsibilities have evolved to include managing financial health, shaping long-term strategy, overseeing mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and ensuring operational efficiency. My leadership and progressive mindset have earned me several recognitions, including the Indian Achievers’ Award for CFO of the Year, the CA Young Leader Award from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) in 2024, and the Outstanding Leader Award at the Dubai 2.0 Conference in 2022.
Prime Insights: What are your key responsibilities as a CFO in your organization?
The role of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is multifaceted and crucial to the success of an organization. A CFO’s responsibilities have strategic, operational, and leadership dimensions. Our key responsibilities are: strategic financial planning, financial reporting and analysis, cost optimization and efficiency, investment and resource allocation, leadership and team development, and performance monitoring.
A successful CFO leads the organization to be financially healthy, compliant, and well-positioned for future growth. By balancing short-term financial goals with long-term strategic vision, the CFO helps in organizational success.
Prime Insights: How do you align financial strategies with the business goals of your organization?
My initial step is to understand our organization’s goals by working closely with leadership to define our vision, mission, and key performance indicators (KPIs). I ensure that our financial strategies align with these objectives through effective budgeting, forecasting with predictive analytics, and scenario planning for potential market volatility. I utilize financial data to provide actionable insights, analyze trends, and create dashboards to monitor our progress. Transparency and accessibility to data are essential in this process. I engage in cross-departmental collaboration to align our financial and operational plans, and I adapt our strategies to changing conditions through regular reviews and revisions, ensuring we stay aligned with our evolving business goals.
Prime Insights: How do you ensure efficient management of resources to achieve financial sustainability?
I believe innovative financial strategies are vital for growth and efficiency. I use advanced analytics and predictive modelling to forecast revenue and identify cost-saving opportunities, improving our decision-making. Zero-based budgeting controls costs by justifying every expense, while integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria attracts sustainability-focused investors. Cloud-based financial management systems offer real-time tracking and scalability. Together, these strategies foster sustained growth and give us a competitive edge.
Prime Insights: What steps do you take to ensure the organization remains resilient in a dynamic economic landscape?
As CFO, I prioritize resilience in our financial strategy. I ensure we maintain a strong cash position and have diversified funding sources. Scenario planning helps us adapt to economic shifts, while flexible plans allow for quick adjustments. Investing in technology streamlines our operations, and diversifying our revenue streams, along with up skilling our team, are essential for our success.
I believe financial discipline, agility, innovation, and stakeholder relationships are very important for sustainable growth in any economic climate.
Prime Insights: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a CFO, and how did you overcome them?
As a CFO, facing challenges is an inherent part of the role, requiring strategic thinking, adaptability, and strong leadership to overcome them. Some common challenges include managing cash flow during uncertain times, balancing cost reduction with growth initiatives, adapting to rapid technological change, navigating regulatory and compliance complexities, managing mergers and acquisitions, and responding to market volatility.
Addressing these challenges requires a focus on long-term objectives while also prioritizing immediate needs. Collaborating across departments and engaging stakeholders is crucial for resolving complex issues. Staying flexible and embracing innovation can help turn challenges into opportunities for growth and efficiency.
Prime Insights: How do you approach risk management and ensure compliance with evolving financial regulations?
I take a proactive approach to risk management. I identify key risks through regular assessments, which include emerging threats, categorizing these risks by their likelihood and potential impact, and developing mitigation plans such as investment diversification and enhanced controls. I continuously monitor the risk landscape and update my plans as needed. Additionally, I use feedback and benchmarking to refine our risk and compliance processes.
Prime Insights: How do you foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within your financial team?
I promote collaboration and innovation by fostering an environment that values teamwork and diverse perspectives. I establish clear communication channels and hold regular team meetings to discuss ideas and challenges. We utilize collaborative tools to enhance transparency and efficiency. Additionally, I encourage partnerships with other departments to broaden perspectives and drive innovative solutions across the organization.
Prime Insights: How do you plan to adapt your strategies to these trends and maintain a competitive edge?
I stay ahead of emerging trends by actively monitoring industry developments and utilizing predictive analytics. I align financial strategies with ESG goals and pursue sustainable investments. Ensuring robust cyber security and compliance with data protection regulations are top priorities. By being proactive, innovative, and focused on customer needs, I help the organization not only adapt to trends but also thrive in a dynamic market.
Prime Insights: How does your role as a CFO align with your values and vision for the future?
As the CFO role presents an opportunity to align personal values with professional responsibilities, bridging career aspirations and life goals. Integrity is essential for effective leadership; making ethical decisions fosters trust with stakeholders and enhances the organization’s reputation. Strong relationships built on trust and mutual respect are crucial for success. Collaborating with teams, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies aligns goals and strengthens connections. We envision a future where businesses balance profitability with responsibility and innovation. By prioritizing sustainable growth, equity, and technological advancement, the CFO role can help realize this vision.
Prime Insights: What are your long-term goals, both professionally and personally, as a financial leader?
As a financial leader, my long-term goals blend professional ambitions and personal aspirations.
Professional Goals: Guide the organization toward sustained financial growth by implementing innovative strategies and optimizing operational efficiency. Develop and support a finance team that thrives on collaboration, creativity, and adaptability. Advocate for the integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain, to enhance financial operations.
Personal Goals: Stay updated with industry trends by committing to continuous learning. Maintain a healthy work-life balance to sustain your energy and focus. Set aside time for family, hobbies, and community involvement. Support initiatives that promote financial literacy and education. Strive to be remembered as a leader who created meaningful change and inspired others. Take the time to mentor aspiring professionals.
