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Sameer Prabhavalkar
Seasoned Vice President & Corporate Controller
Professional Background
Sameer Prabhavalkar is a seasoned financial professional with a strong passion for startup environments. He has honed his expertise over the years while contributing to a variety of organizations, playing pivotal roles in financial system implementations. Sameer has experience with top-tier financial tools, including NetSuite, Oracle R12, ADP (Workforce Now), Concur, OpenAir, Adaptive, Shareworks (for stock options), and Exactly. These systems have been instrumental in helping him establish robust internal controls and comply with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) regulations, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in financial governance.
Sameer has had a notable career trajectory, serving crucial positions in organizations that reflect his leadership capabilities and significant contributions to corporate finance. He has been actively involved in three Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and played a strategic role in an acquisition of Ayasdi, showcasing his adeptness in navigating complex financial landscapes. His experience also extends to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) due diligence, as well as the establishment of international entities, which he has successfully executed in practically every company he has worked at, making his expertise not only broad but also deeply impactful.
Education and Achievements
Throughout his career, Sameer has demonstrated a consistent ability to adapt and thrive within fast-paced financial environments typical of startups and growing organizations. His educational foundation has equipped him with the necessary skills to excel in finance and management roles. His educational qualifications, combined with a hands-on approach to real-world finance challenges, have resulted in Sameer becoming a respected figure within the financial community.
His achievements include not only the successful financial management of various startups but also leading teams through significant transitions, including those related to public offerings. Sameer sees every challenge as an opportunity for growth, both personally and for the teams he leads. His strategic insights and operational enhancements have yielded lasting benefits for the companies he has been part of, ensuring sustainability and competitive positioning in their respective markets.
Career Timeline
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Vice President, Corporate Controller at Topia
In his current role at Topia, Sameer leverages his extensive experience to oversee financial operations and strategy, contributing to the company’s innovative approach in the global market. -
Formerly Vice President, Corporate Controller at Ayasdi
During his tenure at Ayasdi, Sameer was instrumental in ensuring financial sustainability while leading the company through its acquisition. -
Formerly Senior Director, Corporate Controller at YuMe
Sameer's leadership at YuMe was marked by enhancements in financial operations that supported the company's growth and strategic goals. -
Formerly Senior Director, Corporate Controller at mBlox
At mBlox, Sameer played a crucial role in financial integrations and reporting that aligned with the company’s objectives. -
Formerly Director of Internal Audit at VeriFone
In this capacity, Sameer established auditing practices that strengthened the company's compliance and operational integrity. -
Formerly Independent Consultant at Aradigm Corporation
As a consultant, he provided valuable insights into financial systems and internal controls, ensuring that the corporation met its financial goals. -
Formerly Corporate Controller at Kuokoa Networks
Here, Sameer's expertise aided in establishing thorough financial procedures that aligned with corporate standards. -
Formerly VP Finance & Controller at Mediaplex
Contributing to a smooth acquisition by Valueclick, Inc. (VCLK), Sameer’s leadership was essential in navigating this transition. -
Formerly Manager of Audit Assurance at PricewaterhouseCoopers
At PwC, he developed a solid foundation in auditing standards and financial best practices, essential for his future roles.
Notable Skills and Expertise
Sameer Prabhavalkar excels in numerous areas of finance, including:
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Financial System Implementations
His hands-on experience with multiple financial systems allows him to facilitate clean and efficient transitions during system upgrades or new implementations. -
Internal Controls & Compliance
Sameer's understanding of SOX regulations means he ensures every organization he helps remains compliant and well-structured to prevent any financial discrepancies. -
Mergers & Acquisitions
Having navigated various M&A transactions, he brings an expert perspective on due diligence and integration processes that benefit both acquiring and target companies. -
International Financial Structuring
Sameer’s ability to establish international entities contributes to expanding operations beyond domestic boundaries, a skill that adds considerable value to any organization seeking to grow globally.
Achievements
Sameer’s career is marked by numerous accomplishments:
- Successful management of three IPOs, showcasing his ability to prepare organizations for public offerings—an exceptionally critical juncture for any business.
- His operational role in the acquisition of Ayasdi—which demonstrates his understanding of both the financial and strategic components crucial for a smooth corporate transition.
- The establishment of solid internal controls and compliance standards across multiple companies, ensuring that all organizations have a firm foundation for future growth.
Conclusion
In summary, Sameer Prabhavalkar is a dedicated and seasoned financial professional with a diverse background that spans multiple industries and roles. His expertise in financial system implementations, compliance, IPOs, and international business operations uniquely positions him as a valuable asset to any organization looking to thrive in today's competitive marketplace. With a proven track record of success, Sameer embodies the spirit of innovation and forward-thinking that is quintessential for modern financial leadership.
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