Venkat Raman –
One of the most devoted members of the profession of finance has just been honoured with just recognition and accreditation.
Ragavan Rengachariar, always known as ‘Ragavan Sir’ with affection and reverence, has been elected to the coveted post of Branch President of the Northern Region of the New Zealand Credit & Finance Institute (NZCFI).
In that post, he also heads the Executive Committee, whose other members include Craig Sanson (PricewaterhouseCoopers), James Cochrane (Solicitor, Fee Langstone), Liz Keena (KPMG), Mark Sparks, Michael Wright (Lumley Insurance), Ravi Dwivedi (Receivables Management NZ Limited) and Rose Easter (Personnel Recruitment Business Changing Jobs). Ms Easter and Mr Wright also represent the Northern Region of the Institute in their role as National Directors.
Creditable Organisation
Established in 1985, with independently registered regional branches, NZCFI became a single legal entity ten years later and is today recognised as specialist on all aspects of credit management. Government Bodies and Select Committees seek and receive its advice on changes to the law affecting Company and Insolvency Law Reform and other matters that affect credit issues.
The Institute conducts monthly luncheon lectures, educational seminars and conferences throughout New Zealand with the participation of credit and finance professionals, credit controllers, credit managers, insolvency specialists, solicitors, collection specialists, industry executives, government departments and private undertakings.
Professional Unity
Mr Ragavan said that the Institute aims to promote professional unity amongst people professions engaged in credit and finance and foster cooperation and mutual assistance between them.
“NZCFI also promotes general education and knowledge on specific issues and assists in the professional advancement of people. The Institute is focused on being the representative body responsible for submissions and lobbying the Government on legislative matters affecting credit and finance,” he said.
Describing credit management as a ‘critical component’ of sound finance management and commercial success of an organisation, he said that a high level of competency in finance must be balanced by a clear understanding of human nature set within a commercial framework.
Great goals
“An experienced and professional Credit Manager plays an important role to ensure that risk is identified and controlled in the overall achievement of business goals. It is the goal of the NZCFI to support its members and supporters to achieve this by providing training and resource to help contribute to a healthy economy today and tomorrow,” he said.
Large Group
As the National Credit Manager and Group Internal Auditor of the East Tamaki based United Industries Limited (UIL), Mr Ragavan not only puts to test the qualities of credible credit management but also enhances the value of the profession through his expertise and experience gained at a number of national and international organisation for almost four decades in India and New Zealand.
UIL is a large building products Group, incorporating ten companies including Akarana Timbers, Knobs n Knockers, Metalcraft Industries, Metalcraft Insulated Panel Systems, Millier Reinforcing, Pipe Makers, Pipes NZ, ReoFab, United Steel and Styrobeck Plastics.
Credible associations
His initial qualification in Commerce (B Com) encouraged Mr Ragavan to earn fellowship in a number of professional organisations. These include Certificated Associate of the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (CAIIB), Fellow of the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants (FICWA) of India, Fellow Member, Fiji Institute of Bankers (FFIB), Fellow of the New Zealand Credit & Finance Institute Incorporated (FNZCFI) and Associate of the New Zealand Institute of Management (ANZIM).
His previous assignments include in the departments of International and Corporate Credit, Merchant Banking and Investment operations in India and abroad of Bank of Baroda.
Inspiring interests
NZCFI accorded him fellowship in July 2012 and benefited from his expertise when he became a member of its Executive Committee and its National Vice-President.
Outside his professional affiliations, Mr Ragavan is deeply religious and a prime choice of the Hindu community in New Zealand as a ‘performing priest’ at Temple opening ceremonies and other festivals. He has a keen ear for Carnatic Music and is associated with the New Zealand Carnatic Music Society.
