Noel Krisnandar Yahja, CFO, SGMW Multifinance Indonesia has carved a niche for himself in the complex world of finance. In his current role, the dynamic leader works to reduce financial risks by developing effective risk management strategies and regulating cash flow.
In an attempt to keep up with the changing regulatory environment, such as tax laws, accounting standards, and technological advancements, Yahja also spends time in learning and implementing what he has learnt in the service of organisational growth. In an interview with Business Frontier, Yahja talks about his strategies of coping in a changing business environment and how he keeps his team steer ahead of their contemporaries.
Q. What are your primary responsibilities at SGMW Multifinance Indonesia?
I am part of the board of directors of the company that is focused on Finance and Risk Management. I handle finance-related functions including accounting, budgeting, taxation, reporting, finance operations and treasury functions. In addition, I cover the full scope of Risk Management within the company. I am actively involved and take the lead in many new projects to enhance company growth, based on agreement among the Board of Directors.
Q. As a CFO, what strategies do you use to develop talent within your team?
As one of the founders of the company, I understand the importance of building a team that works hand in hand to give the best to the company. To make a strong team, we need to keep undergoing changes and have the same short-term and long-term goals.
Along the way, I also keep my eyes on any possibility of role rotation to match an individual’s specific skills and knowledge. I spend a lot of time reviewing the process of getting results and award the deserving team.
I also make sure that underperformers are given extra training and that their team spirit and keenness to achieve goals is not affected. I am directly and indirectly involved in the execution of these processes with the goal to increase inclusiveness, development of team members and growth of stronger bonds within my team.
I believe that it is the success of the team that is responsible for my success and in turn, the success of the organisation. Hence, I work towards creating a positive and collaborative environment that leads to growth and development. This approach helps create a sense of community and belonging in the team, boost morale and lead to increased productivity. I also like to grow with my team and believe that investing in their growth and development will benefit the organisation on the whole.
Q. What are the most exciting and challenging aspects of your job?
Being the founder of the company and an intrinsic part of its extensive growth inspires me to keep thinking of new ideas and their immediate implementation. The positive environment at work helps in the evolution of my skills that involve direct involvement at all levels of the company. This, in turn, leads to a sense of fulfillment and inspires me to continuously bring about changes.
Q. What principles have helped you stay ahead of the curve?
I believe that the only thing that remains constant in life is change and that helps keep my spirits up personally and professionally.
Q. What legacy do you hope to leave in your current role?
I maintain momentum in pursuing ongoing growth amidst shifting environments and evolving business demands. As a professional, I foster a team culture that actively strategizes new initiatives to ensure the company’s sustainability.
I always ensure that my entire team is ready to improve as I strongly believe that this would improve the quality of my team and make it stay abreast with the changing trends of the industry.
Q. Looking ahead, what changes or trends do you anticipate in your field?
I keep updating myself continuously with the immediate change in the business environment and am ready to face any changes. This includes gathering updated information, improving technical skills and developing strategies to compete in a changing business environment.
