Debnath Mukhopadhyay, CFO - TruAlt Bioenergy Limited Has been Recognized As Most Promising CFO of the Year - 2023, Bangalore by Business Mint

Debnath Mukhopadhyay always carried a dream in his heart to head the financial activities of a company, and become a CFO. A journey he began as a junior accountant with vision, tenacity, determination and consistent planning, and one that finally led him to the post of a Chief Financial Officer. Today, he is the CFO at the prestigious TruAlt Bioenergy Ltd at Bangalore, India. 

With this childhood goal in mind, Debnath constantly added to his qualifications, upgraded his skills, and shouldered more responsibilities. 

Born in Kolkata to parents Shri Meghnath Mukhopadhyay and Smt. Anima Mukhopadhyay, Debnath completed his BCom Honours at University of Calcutta; Articleship of 3 years in L.B. Jha & Co and Dass & Ghosh; CA from ICAI; and MBA in Finance from XLRI, Jamshedpur by 2008. 

He started his journey 23 years ago as a management trainee in Goodricke Group Ltd, a UK based tea manufacturing company, where he was fortunate to get the guidance of his mentor Mr Arun Kumar Gandhi, FCA and other seniors who taught him the best practices of the industry and gave him the opportunity to interact with International audit firms. 

Since then, he has traversed a challenging path making unmatchable contributions in all the sectors he’s worked in like FMCG, Banking, Telecom, Heavy Engineering, and Renewable Sector. Today, he has emerged as a highly talented Financial/Accounting professional with demonstrated experience in reconciliations, AP/AR, reporting, P&L analysis, and the management of general accounting functions. Blessed with superior analytical skills, he thrives in fast-paced environments handling numerous deadlines and projects while ensuring high-quality execution. 

“In whichever capacity I worked, I always aimed to ensure that the company’s financial matters were handled accurately and efficiently, by maximising income and minimising costs.”
As CFO and senior management personnel, Debnath has deep understanding of a company’s financial landscape, and plays a vital role in crafting strategies that align with the organization’s goals and objectives. This consists of actively participating in strategic decision-making processes, including mergers and acquisitions, capital expenditure, investment optimization, and financing options such as equity or debt offerings. 

With a career spanning over a decade, he has been instrumental in addressing arduous issues affecting the world of Finance. An excellent communicator and presenter, he is passionate about sharing his vast knowledge on Finance and Accounts and has delivered many lectures at seminars organized by various leading organizations in India. He has also offered his consultancy services to various organizations both national and international including the UK government. An out-of-the-box thinker, he has the ability to integrate technology and best practices to systematically upgrade financial accounting.

What is the passion that drives him? “Finishing the task at hand within the stipulated time frame with perfection. My motivation arises from my deep-rooted desire to excel in whatever project I undertake and to ensure that the company is positively and significantly contributing to the sustainable growth of the economy and the nation.”

And the biggest challenges he’s faced? “Time management. 24 hours seems too less for doing all that I have to do, all that I plan to do, and all that I desire. Under such circumstances, it is the family which sacrifices to turn one’s dreams into realities. But from the very beginning, I was firm about not letting my family suffer. I work for my family, I’m as much a family man as I am a working freak. My wife is my best friend and an equal contributor to my success. She is true to the proverb - Behind every successful man is a woman.”

Recognised as a dynamic and committed leader by both his team and management, Debnath has received many awards:
CFO of the Year (2022-23), Indian Achievers Forum  
Best SAP S4 Hana Implementation, SAP – Financial Excellence Award 2018
Best CFO – Metal and Mining, ASSOCHAM FY’23
Global Icon in the Field of Finance, Times Business Award (North) 2023
Golden Pinnacle Award, International Business Summit Dubai 2023. 

Still young in his 40s, Debnath has redefined leadership by inculcating and practicing the unique thinking of ‘marching ahead with all and for all instead of marching alone to be followed by all’. “Though I listened to others, I did it my own way. My capacity to build the best teams has led to my unbelievable success. I believe that if I have to go fast, I can walk alone, but if I have to go far, then I have to walk with my team. I am a leader who inspires rather than dictates.”