Please be as expressive and genuine as possible in answering the following questions
We need to know your story. Describe everything in detail. Answer honestly.
Name of the student: :Vicky Kapadia
1. List out the universities and courses that you intend to apply for (mention sub-areas of
interests too).
Course: MBA
Country: India
Universities: Imperial Business School | Manchester Business School | Warwick Business School. -
Finance
Preferred Intake: Sep’25
Sub-areas of interest: What are the topics you intend to study? (You can refer to the university's
course curriculum) – orporate Finance, Strategic Management, and
Mergers & Acquisitions , Corporate Negotiations
2. Describe the reason/motivation to pursue the Master’s program. (Think, is there any
personal story attached to this, any specific instance that you can recall)
After nearly a decade in the finance sector with roles in print
packaging, media, and IT services, I’ve developed expertise in
financial control and strategic planning. My aspiration is to
transition from functional finance roles to business strategy
and M&A advisory. An MBA provides the knowledge and
network needed to achieve this shift. My motivation stems
from seeing the transformative impact of strategic finance on
businesses during my career, inspiring me to contribute at a
broader level.
1|Page
3. Describe your educational journey so far, right from High school to the last acquired
degree. (Graduation: - Why did you choose the particular stream) Highlight your
accomplishments, mention some noteworthy extracurricular activities.
High School: Studied commerce with a focus on accountancy, ranking among the top
scorers in my batch.
Graduation: Completed B.Com in 2013, which laid the foundation for understanding
business and finance principles.
Professional Certifications: Chartered Accountant (2017), Diploma in International
Tax & Transfer Pricing, and Advanced Management Program (2023).
These qualifications honed my technical skills and broadened my perspective, while my
active participation in college debates and cultural committees shaped my leadership
abilities
4. Detailed description about internships and Projects are required as to what were the
challenges and learning from them. Pick 1 or 2 major projects or accomplishments.
Two major accomplishments:
GST Implementation at HH Print: With the introduction of India’s landmark Goods and
Services Tax (GST) reform, I spearheaded the seamless implementation of GST compliance at
HH Print. This involved re-engineering tax workflows, training cross-functional teams, and in-
tegrating systems to ensure compliance with the new regulations. As a result, the organization
achieved 100% adherence to GST requirements without disruptions to operations.
Capital Infusion of ~$20 Million at Cotecna: At Cotecna Inspection, I played a pivotal role
in facilitating a capital infusion of $20 million. My responsibilities included preparing compre-
hensive financial models, conducting due diligence, and aligning stakeholders across regions.
This infusion bolstered the company’s financial health, allowing it to expand operations and ex-
plore new growth opportunities.
5. Brief description of your family background highlighting any significant point that you
feel is worth mentioning. (Is there anyone in your family who is in the same field? Who
inspires you?)
I grew up in a humble household, where my mother was a
homemaker and
my father was a daily wage earner. Being deprived of education he
started his
professional journey at the age of just14 toiled hard for 12-14 hours
daily to
fulfil the needs of family. His journey inspired the family and taught
us the
value of hard-work, persistence, frugality and the importance
ofgood
2|Page
education. I realised very early in life that a good education was the
surest
way to remove the constrains of penury. With an unwavering
determination, I
continued my preparation for CA along with a full-time job and
successfully
cleared it.
6. Professional Experience, which organizations you have worked in? Illustrate your role
and responsibilities. Again, highlight your accomplishments (rewards and recognitions),
and how have you linked your job with your career objectives. What are skills you have
gained in your professional journey. Cite suitable examples.
1. Conde Nast India Private Limited - Associate Director General
Accounting – March-25 to Present
Responsibilities - To oversee the maintenance of the books of
accounts in Workday accounting system as per the Accounting
Standards and Companies Act, 2013 2. Managing the monthly
Record to Report (R2R) exercise and maintain necessary controls
on the expense provisioning exercise 3. To review and scrutinise
the monthly Balance Sheet submissions and address any
exceptions in coordination with the finance team 4. To remain
updated and to disseminate information internally on changes in
relation to compliances pertaining to Accounting Standards and
Companies Act, 2013 5. To prepare statutory financials, cash flow
statements, and related schedules on a timely basis 6. To analyse
the reports and provide insights on the business performance
Accomplishments- 1. Lead the automation of Travel record
bookings and Expense report submission in workday. 2. Cleaned
up the Books of Accounts. 3. Driving the process of Fixed Asset
Tagging.
2. Epicenter Technologies Private Limited – Manager Finance – Aug-22 to Feb-24
Responisbilites- • Responsible for managing the P& L for ~₹ 15O Crore company,
in a team of 10. Handled the cost accounting, monthly receivables, payables,
management reporting on a monthly basis, including employee Payroll. •
Identified shortcomings towards Tax compliances, provided solutions that saved
₹ 72 lacs annually from tax losses • Created an automated process of daily
management reporting & Cash reporting. • Led and managed the cash flows of
the company, and treasury function, of investing over ~₹ 40 Crore per month, to
3|Page
generate a ROI of ~5% in short-term. • Focused on de-risking the portfolio with a
smart debt – equity investment strategy- which is revised every 6 months; Strong
skills in investment portfolio management. • Overseeing a team of 7 executives
Achievements - Cicero Award for outstanding oration and Shining
Star Employee of the Quarter (2022).
3. Cotecnaa Inspection India Private Limited - Assistant Manager Finance – April’21
to May’22
Responsibilities & Achievements- • Responsible for trade negotiations,
Agreements, and compliances – for intra-group activities. Overall, managed
agreements of • total contract value of ~35 crore between the entities. Ensured
compliance with transfer pricing laws, suggested internal polices to ensure
related party transaction compliances. • Lead statutory Audits with zero
observations or qualifications from auditors, for annual audits • Strong skills in
book-keeping accounting, compliances and fund management while leading the
treasury function- Bank guarantee requisition, solvency certificate & FD
Placement. • Supervising a team of 3 executives
4. HH PRINT MANAGEMENT INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED - Taxation Lead- Dec’15 to Mar’21
Responsibilities & achievements• Responsible for the GST implementation, leading tax
assessment, audits, compliances, vendor compliances and collections • Delivered
process improvements to reduce the cost of the finance function, while ensuring
accounting compliances on time. • Automated monthly management reporting and
reporting as well as compliance requirements • Lead statutory audits, Tax Audits,
Transfer Pricing and assessments
7. Think of the challenges? How have you solved them? What have you learned out of it
and have you received any rewards for that work?
(If you are a fresher or have no full-time work experience, you can ignore this.)
was in ambiguity. My role was to lead this transformation at
HH Print andTo
navigate through this ambiguity I collaborated with experts
from multiple
backgrounds, put in extra hours understanding the GST law
took full
ownership to ensure successful timely implementation. This
led to a fast-
track promotion within just 2 years of my joining. Another
complex project
4|Page
which I led was when the firm had won a major tender with
Proctor Gamble
towards their Print Point of Sale advertising requisition but
with a significant
challenge of a 90day credit period (industry standard was 45
days), while it
was also struggling with working capital. Management had an
adverse opinion
about proceeding ahead with this significantly high credit
cycle and had asked
for a final opinion before rejecting it. But I looked at this a
huge business
opportunity for my firm and I devoted all mydisproportionate
time to resolve
the working capital issues , prepared a business plan for the
P&G business worked out the funding required requirement. I
streamlined vendor payments
to only twice a month from an unstructured payment system. I
got into
meetings with members of HQ to obtain funding for financing
the initial
business with P&G before it became a Business as Usual.
Finally, the HQ
agreed to provide 2.5 MN $ via rights issue via private
placement, which
eventually resulted in 1 st year business of 12 MN $ with P&G
and also
provided sufficient liquidity to business. These experiences of
leading complex
projects working with diverse organizations from Indian
enterprise to MNC’s
have equipped me with skills in corporate Finance Accounts.
8. Highlight the efforts that you have made to achieve your career objectives (online
courses, part-time jobs, or certifications).
I pursued advanced certifications (e.g.,Diploma in International Tax
and transfer pricing, GST Certification and Advanced Management
Program) to deepen my expertise. Mentoring underprivileged
students in the Lighthouse Project has also enhanced my
interpersonal skills.
5|Page
9. Has there been a gap year in your career or education? What have you done during that
year?
NO
10. Why now? Why do you feel that Master’s degree is imperative for you? Link
your career objectives with it. What do you want to do after the program? (short-term
and long-term goals are to be mentioned) (You can mention what kind of company you
would like to join, or you would like to be an entrepreneur, where do you see yourself in
this industry?)
Having built a solid foundation in finance, I feel the need to expand
my strategic and leadership abilities to transition into high-level
decision-making roles. An MBA will bridge this gap by equipping me
with global perspectives and advanced business acumen.
11. Why this particular course? What skills or knowledge are being enhanced through this
course? How this program will help to achieve your career goals?
After spending nearly a decade in the finance industry, I have honed my technical expertise in
areas such as financial control, budgeting, taxation, and process optimization. My current role as
Associate Director at Condé Nast India has given me invaluable exposure to leadership, cross-
functional collaboration, and driving organizational efficiency. However, as I envision my fu-
ture, I aspire to transition into strategic leadership roles in corporate finance, focusing on areas
such as M&A advisory and financial strategy.
While my technical knowledge and professional experience have laid a solid foundation, I recog-
nize that achieving my career goals requires a broader skill set. An MBA is imperative to bridge
the gap between my current expertise and the strategic, leadership, and global business acumen
needed to excel in high-impact roles.
An MBA at this stage in my career will provide me with:
1. Strategic Leadership Skills: To manage complex business challenges, lead global
teams, and drive impactful decisions.
2. Global Perspective: To navigate the dynamic, interconnected financial ecosystem and
make informed strategic decisions across borders.
3. M&A and Corporate Finance Expertise: To master frameworks and techniques for
evaluating mergers, acquisitions, and financial restructuring opportunities, aligning with
my long-term career aspirations.
6|Page
Additionally, the collaborative and diverse environment of an MBA program will enable me to
exchange ideas, broaden my perspectives, and build a global professional network. This will not
only refine my approach to leadership but also help me contribute meaningfully to the organiza-
tions I aim to serve in the future.
In summary, an MBA will serve as the perfect launchpad to transition from being a functional
expert to a strategic business leader, propelling me toward my short-term goal of joining a top-
tier consultancy or corporate finance team and my long-term aspiration of driving transformative
change in the industry.
12. Are you switching your field? If yes, what’s the reason behind your switching?
NA
13. What areas of research interest you and how do you think you will be able to contribute
to the same? (For a research-based program or applying for doctoral programs)
NA
14. Why this particular University / Country?
Justify reasons for pursuing this course in this University? Mention some specific
Features of the University that suit your requirements? (Please provide course link)
The UK is a global hub for education, renowned for its prestigious
business schools and diverse student communities. Its strategic
location provides unparalleled access to European and international
markets. Additionally, the UK’s focus on experiential learning and
strong ties to industries make it ideal for developing leadership skills
and global business acumen.
mperial’s MBA program stands out for its strong emphasis on
innovation and technology integration in business strategy, aligning
perfectly with my goal of leveraging modern tools for corporate
finance and M&A. The school’s location in London offers unmatched
networking opportunities with global leaders in finance and
consulting.
7|Page
lliance Manchester’s focus on experiential learning through live
projects and its strength in finance and strategy modules resonate
with my aspirations. The school’s robust alumni network and ties
with top-tier firms provide excellent career advancement
opportunities.
Warwick’s MBA program is recognized for its emphasis on strategic
leadership and sustainability, aligning with my vision to contribute
to long-term organizational growth. The diverse cohort and
extensive global network ensure a holistic learning experience and
lasting professional connections.
15. Describe the co-curricular activities, hobbies and social interests (community services)
that you regularly pursue and how they have helped you in shaping your personality.
Active in public speaking and debates, winning the Cicero
Award. My role in cultural committees honed my organizational
skills. Additionally, mentoring students in the Lighthouse
Project has given me a sense of purpose and community
connection.
16. How can you contribute to the university with your experiences/ interests? And how
well you are prepared for this particular degree and why they should take you?
I bring rich industry experience, a history of leadership, and a drive
for collaboration. My background in finance and passion for
mentoring will allow me to engage actively in case studies,
leadership programs, and cultural diversity initiatives.
17. What is your expectation on the SOP? How do you want us to write it? Specify word
limit? Do you want us to highlight any situation or project or achievement? Please
mention.
Word limit- 1000 words
Draft SOP- I grew up in a humble household, where my mother was
a homemaker and
my father was a daily wage earner. Being deprived of education he
started his
8|Page
professional journey at the age of just14 & toiled hard for 12-14
hours daily to
fulfil the needs of family. His journey inspired the family and taught
us the
value of hard-work, persistence, frugality and the importance
ofgood
education. I realised very early in life that a good education was the
surest
way to remove the constrains of penury. With an unwavering
determination, I
continued my preparation for CA along with a full-time job and
successfully
cleared it.
As I graduated to a CA in 2017, India underwent one of the biggest
overhauls
in its taxation with the introduction of Goods & Services Tax. Entire
industry
was in ambiguity. My role was to lead this transformation at HH Print
andTo
navigate through this ambiguity I collaborated with experts from
multiple
backgrounds, put in extra hours understanding the GST law & took
full
ownership to ensure successful & timely implementation. This led to
a fast-
track promotion within just 2 years of my joining. Another complex
project
9|Page
which I led was when the firm had won a major tender with Proctor
& Gamble
towards their Print & Point of Sale advertising requisition but with a
significant
challenge of a 90day credit period (industry standard was 45 days),
while it
was also struggling with working capital. Management had an
adverse opinion
about proceeding ahead with this significantly high credit cycle and
had asked
for a final opinion before rejecting it. But I looked at this a huge
business
opportunity for my firm and I devoted all mydisproportionate time to
resolve
the working capital issues &, prepared a business plan for the P&G
business
& worked out the funding requiredrequirement. I streamlined vendor
payments
to only twice a month from an unstructured payment system. I got
into
meetings with members of HQ to obtain funding for financing the
initial
business with P&G before it became a Business as Usual. Finally, the
HQ
agreed to provide 2.5 MN $ via rights issue via private placement,
which
eventually resulted in 1 st year business of 12 MN $ with P&G and
also
10 | P a g e
provided sufficient liquidity to business. These experiences of
leading complex
projects & working with diverse organizations from Indian enterprise
to MNC’s
have equipped me with skills in corporate Finance & Accounts. To
take the
next leap in my professional career an IMD MBA with my past
experience in
finance will pave the way for succeeding as an investment banker or
an M&A
Consultant.
11 | P a g e
