Buy-side Due Diligence – Logistics Company (Revenue: INR 600 Cr)

1) Conducted detailed revenue analysis, EBITDA analysis, and customer-level margins for a logistics firm handling Full Truck Load (FTL), Part Truck Load (PTL), and reverse logistics.

2) Analyzed key cost components such as fuel, driver salaries, and toll expenses, contributing to the calculation of adjusted EBITDA.

3) Presented significant financial observations and operational insights to investors, supporting decision-making.

4) Participated in a site visit to the company's logistics yard to understand operational challenges and validate financial assumptions.

Associate - Strategy & Transactions

B2B Food supply chain company - Handled critical areas including revenue, GST, payroll, and trade receivables. My responsibilities were centered on delivering thorough financial assessments while ensuring regulatory compliance.

1] Managed a total revenue of ₹3600 Cr, conducting an in-depth price comparison across various product lines and market trends.

2] Performed trend analysis to identify revenue patterns and anomalies, which contributed to the refinement of business forecasts.

3] Conducted a category and sub-category analysis, breaking down revenue streams to understand the performance of different product segments.

4] Ensured accurate assessment of GST compliance and filing requirements, with focus on ensuring smooth tax reconciliations and minimal discrepancies along with preparing ITC and Output liab recomputation and reconciliation. 

5] Managed payroll costs amounting to ₹200 Cr, verifying compensation structures, allowances, and tax compliance across multiple business units.

6] Conducted an ICFR review, ensuring that financial controls in areas such as revenue, payroll, and receivables were robust and met regulatory standards.

7] Performed walkthroughs and testing of controls to verify the effectiveness of financial reporting processes, identifying potential risks and implementing corrective actions where necessary.

Senior Executive - Audit

1) Conducting Statutory Audits of entities with a valuation of over USD 3 Billion+, in the Tech, Media, and Telecommunication sectors.

2) Managing 12+ significant areas and performing the required substantive and analytical procedures.

3) Implementation of technology and Data analytics to perform audit procedures to get more efficient results, do mapping of interrelated items, and bring in automation to focus on more significant areas.

4) Ensured compliance with 15+ relevant Ind AS, Disclosure requirements in notes to accounts, Company Law, and other regulatory requirements.

5) Project management and liaisoning with various departments including Valuation, Direct Tax, Indirect Tax, ITRA, and Capital Markets to carry on the assignment successfully meeting overall timelines.

IPO Engagement:

1) Conducted IPO procedures and Audit for India's Largest Logistics Startup (Turnover: Rs 6,800 Cr, Issue size: Rs 5,235 Cr) and helped in filing and complying with the SEBI ICDR regulations.

2) Performed circle-up procedures in the offer document and issuance of various types of letters such as comfort letters, consent letters, arrangement letters, certification work, etc.

3) Reviewing the company’s preceding three years' historic financial statements for any restatement adjustment and its inclusion in the offer documents as per SEBI ICDR Regulations.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting:

1) Prepared and updated process notes, identified SCOTs and WCGWs, performed walkthroughs, a test of controls, and an analytical review of financials. 

2) Ensured compliance with the Risk Control Matrix (RCM) designed for the clients for ICFR compliance.

3) Preparing audit programs, the scope for audit, audit deliverables including audit reports, management letters, documentation for audit observations and the conclusions derived, audit committee presentation, etc.

4) Identified SCOTs and WCGWs, and performed walkthroughs, tests of controls, and analytical reviews.

CA Article Trainee - Audit

Rotaract

1) Played a key role in setting up a Digital Training Lab, organizing visits to Schools for the Blind, Old age homes, and dog shelters, and supporting the unprivileged section of society. Was an Active part for 2+ years.

2) Organised 3+ Blood Donation Camps in Delhi NCR and managed to impact 300+ lives!

Senior Executive

BIL Conference

1) Coordinated event planning, sponsorship & logistics of conference having a footfall of 1,500+ students.

2) Lead and managed a team of 25+ members for a span of 2 months.

Organizer

Passionate about Strategy, M&A and Content Creation, I am a first attempt CA and a graduate from the SGGSCC DU'21, currently working with EY Strategy and Transaction as an Associate. 

Follow this space to learn more about Finance, M&A, Strategy, Startups, Audits, and Career-related aspects which will add value to your life!

Here is a quick brief about me!

⏩ Professional Journey:

- Working with EY for the last 3.5 years in TMT sector. Started with Audit, now in Strategy & Transactions

- Conducted Statutory Audits of entities with a valuation of over USD 3 Billion+. Specialize in Logistics, Quick Commerce, consulting and B2B supply chain sector.

- Worked on India's largest logistic company's IPO worth Rs 5,350 Cr (Turnover: Rs 7,000 Cr+)

-  Implementation of technology and Data Analytics 

- Have won 3 awards till date for extraordinary performance

⏩ Content Creation Journey: 

- Into the creators and influencer economy since November 2020. Started with writing long-form articles and blogs

- Worked with Unfinance, Masters India, ZFunds, and top finance creators for over 2 years. 

- Delivered well-researched content pieces resulting in an increase in followers, reach, and engagement by 40%.

- Check the recommendation area of the profile to hear from people I have worked with.

⏩ What I am beyond work:

- Actively creating content on LinkedIn, followership of 68k, ranging from Finance, Strategy, Audit, M&A and IPOs to Case studies and personal experience. 

- Represented the Northern Region at ICAI National Debate Talent Hunt held at Vadodara.

- Founded a Podcast named “Upfront” to interview seasoned professionals and remarkable personalities from different walks of life. Cumulative views: 75k+.

- Student mentor having a demonstrated history of mentoring and guiding 2000+ students for CA studies, articleship, and college.

For Brand Collaboration/Discussions, drop a DM or mail on jayhotani.work@gmail.com

I was in Bangalore for a bit and one thing genuinely impressed me.

I walked into Starbucks for an Americano, but for Bangaloreans Starbucks is not just a coffee place.

It is a workspace, meeting spot, pitch desk and sometimes a mini co-working zone.

Every table had a story.

Someone was polishing a deck, someone was running a quick investor call, someone was brainstorming a new idea with a friend.

The energy felt different. Everyone was building something.

Next day I went to Third Wave in HSR and saw the same vibe.

People working, creating, collaborating, talking product and fundraising like it was the most natural thing.

I have been in Delhi NCR for more than 7 years and honestly people still stare at you when you open your laptop at a café.

It is changing slowly, but Bangalore made me realise how powerful a small cultural shift can be.

The best part was how easy it was to talk to strangers and make new connections while sipping your coffee.

Curious to know what you think.

Drop your thoughts in the comments.

----

Stuck with finance interviews? 
Book a 30 or 60 minute Topmate session. Linke in comments! 

#bangalore #cafe #work #culture

CA Jay Kumar Hotani

CA | 80k+ | Sr Associate @ EY FDD | Private Equity and Venture Capital deals and Investments

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The moment I realized I’d been approaching interviews wrong for years.

I kept preparing like a topper.

All standards, all sections, all definitions.

And every interview felt the same. Average.

Then it hit me.

They didn’t want someone who could recite a clause.

They wanted someone who understood business.

Because nobody hires you to repeat the textbook.

They hire you to solve problems.

Spot risks.

Explain numbers in plain English.

And think like an owner.

The day I shifted my prep, my interviews changed.

Instead of reading more theory, I started doing this:

1] I broke down one real company every week. Revenue, margins, cost drivers, everything.

2] I studied how deals work. Why buyers cut EBITDA. Why sellers inflate projections.

3] I practiced explaining financials like a story, not a checklist.

4] I linked every technical concept to a business outcome.

Lease accounting affects profitability.

Working capital affects cash.

Deferred tax affects future earnings.

Suddenly, answers became clearer.

Examples became sharper.

And conversations became longer.

If you are preparing for Big 4, M&A, audit, finance or consulting roles, remember this.
Your concepts matter, but your business sense sets you apart.

Hope this helps! 

-----

If you want a detailed interview prep strategy, book a 30 or 60 minute session on Topmate. Link in comments!

3 Things I Wish I Knew During My CA Articleship Phase! ✨

1] Striking a balance is the way forward - and it takes time! ⏳

Practical experience, studies, and making time for events and hobbies should go hand in hand. You should aim to excel in every aspect.

This is essential for your overall development, or else post-CA, when you're asked, "What did you learn? What are your hobbies? What have you achieved apart from CA?" — you might not have an answer.

And this won’t happen on day one; you'll master it as each day passes. 💡

2] Your articleship experience shapes your future after you qualify! 🚀

Stop taking it for granted. During the first year of your articleship, devote yourself to learning the ins and outs of your profile. Aim to improve and become a well-informed professional.

Take on new tasks, say yes to opportunities, and ask lots of questions. Always run behind the WHY of things! 🔍

3] A degree should be part of your personality, not define it. 🎓

Yes, you are a CA, but be someone beyond that.

If someone takes away this prefix from your name, you should still be someone, not no one.

Build something beyond your degree. You might be mocked for it at first, but later, you'll be valued for it. 💪

Lately, I’ve realized that my audience doesn’t follow me just because I’m a CA, creator, or traveler—they follow me because I am all three at the same time, embracing the journey. 🌟

Always strive to go that extra mile to achieve something extraordinary — bit by bit, step by step. 🚶‍♂️

Hope this helps. Follow for more amazing content! 🙌

I used to earn more from content writing than what I made during my CA articleship.

And it was real money. Consistent. Scalable. Fun.

So the obvious question came up.

Should I quit CA and go all in on content?

Many people told me to do it. Some creators even said I was wasting time by studying.

But I didn’t listen, because I was looking at the bigger picture.

Content writing was great in the short term.

Clearing CA in the first attempt was what would help me play the long game.

So in my exam year, I stopped every content writing gig and studied full time.

Today I see many people doing the same mistake I almost did.

Quitting studies or leaving a strong degree because content or influencing pays a little more right now.

My honest advice, don’t do it.

Only a tiny fraction of creators become big.
The rest get buried on the internet, forgotten in a few months.

Content creation can give you a short bull run.
Your academics and work experience give you a long runway.

I meet so many CA finalists who get into content.

But when exams come, they are unable to deliver.

This leads to multiple attempts, self doubt and a long cycle of stress.

I am not against content. I still do it. I enjoy it.

But it works only when your foundation is strong.

So chase the long term game. Build your base first.

Content can wait. Your future cannot.

------------ 
 
If you’re confused about balancing studies, career and content, book a 30 or 60 minute Topmate session. We can go deeper into your plan and figure out what works for you.

Startups are a great place to work at given the dynamic culture and innovative work profiles. 

The most lucrative profiles offered by startup include Business Finance which is largely dominated by MBAs and CAs. 

Here is what you will exactly do in these profiles 

1] Analysis metrics depending upon the industry you work in!

For example, if you are a fintech company like PhonePe, your focus will be on the number of active users, transactions per user, quantum of transactions, product concentration and revenue per product, commission and platform fee, overall trends etc

2] Margin analysis at all horizons. 

Customer margins, product margins, LOB margins etc depending upon the industry and working upon the gaps, strategizing and thinking through to maximise the margins. 

3] Overall strategizing and growth

Budgeting and setting target of the metrics and business overall, tracking them closely over different periods and planning for overall growth and strategy to improve profitability and overall entity position in the market

-----

I interviewed for this role in startups across E-Comm, Fintech, and Logistics sector 

and probably the interviewer will give you different scenarios where you would have to startgise what metric you will measure and work on, what strategy you will adopt, whether you will enter or exit the market, and what will increase your overall EBITDA level proftability. 

It’s def an interesting profile and worth a shot if you are more inclided toards the startup world!

---

Have queries on how to crack finance interviews? Book a detailed Topmate session with me. Link in comments.

I had one of the worst interview experiences after becoming CA in 2024!
 
And trust me, it taught me more about companies than any HR handbook ever could.
 
The panel was late by 35 minutes to the video call
 
They had not even glanced at my CV.
 
They kept asking irrelevant questions, then cut me off midway.
 
At one point, two interviewers were gossiping with each other while I just sat there.
 
And the best part?
 
They thought this behaviour was normal.
 
People say candidates should prepare well. True!
 
But can we talk about how some companies treat interviews like a favour they are doing for us?
 
A job interview is supposed to be a two way conversation.
Not an interrogation room.
Not a place to show dominance.
Not a test of how much a candidate can tolerate.
 
If a company cannot respect your time, your work or your presence during interviews, imagine what they will be like once you join.
 
My advice is simple. Walk away from places that cannot get the basics right.
 
A poor interview experience is usually a trailer of a poor work culture.
 
What do you think about this? Do let me know in the comments!
 
-----
 
If you’re preparing for finance or Big 4 interviews and want to discuss strategy, mock questions or red flags to watch out for, book a 30 or 60 minute Topmate session. We can go deeper into your specific situation.

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