DIGANTA DAS
Head-Finance
Enagic India Kangen Water Pvt. Ltd.
Diganta Pratim Das, the Head of Finance at Enagic India Kangen Water Pvt. Ltd., reflects on his career with a sense of pride and accomplishment. From humble beginnings as an Accounts Executive to leading the financial department of a USD 100 million Japanese company, his journey is marked by continuous learning and commitment to growth.
In the early stages of his career, Diganta embraced every opportunity for professional development. Each job change was not just a move up the corporate ladder, but a chance to take on new responsibilities and broaden his expertise. The first decade of his career was spent delving into all facets of accounting, finance, taxation, and reporting. This hands-on experience laid a solid foundation, equipping him with a deep understanding of the intricate details of each area. This comprehensive knowledge proved invaluable as he transitioned into managerial roles, where his ability to make informed decisions quickly established his credibility and leadership within the organization.
Diganta’s career trajectory was further shaped by his exposure to global perspectives. Working closely with leaders from various European countries, he gained insights into different work cultures and attitudes. This international experience not only broadened his professional outlook but also enriched his approach to leadership. Regular visits to foreign countries for workshops provided a platform for him to connect with peers from around the world, fostering an open-minded approach to his work. Over time, he evolved from being a mere conduit of instructions from the Board to becoming a mentor and guide for his team. His ability to lead with both authority and empathy has become a defining feature of his leadership style. Today, as the Head of Finance, Diganta showcases the power of experience, continuous learning, and the importance of embracing every opportunity to grow.
Navigating the Financial Landscape at Enagic India: A Leader's Perspective
At the core of Enagic India Kangen Water Pvt. Ltd.’s financial operations, Diganta plays a significant role in the company’s journey within the Indian market. As the exclusive importer and distributor of Enagic International’s water ionizer machines from Japan, Enagic India has carved out a substantial presence in the country, with a business footprint that reaches approximately USD 100 million. The company’s operations span across the collection, distribution, and trading of these machines, serving a vast network of local retail consumers. Enagic India’s operations are strategically managed from its registered and corporate office in Bangalore, with additional service centers in Hyderabad and Surat. These centers ensure the efficient repair and maintenance of products, supporting a network of around 100 employees and over ten thousand active independent distributors who are vital to the company’s sales efforts across India.
In his capacity as Head of Finance, Diganta shoulders a wide array of responsibilities. He oversees all aspects of accounting, finance, reporting, and taxation, ensuring that the Indian entity remains compliant with regulatory requirements. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, which includes foreign representatives, Diganta is tasked with updating Enagic Japan on various financial and operational matters. This communication is critical as Enagic Japan monitors its global entities closely, and he often collaborates with international teams and auditors to clarify cross-border tax positions and ensure compliance.
On the local front, Diganta is diligent in ensuring timely tax payments and the filing of statutory returns. He is also instrumental in establishing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for internal controls, addressing audit observations, and resolving any concerns raised by statutory auditors. His leadership extends to guiding and mentoring his team of 30 executives, including three managers who report directly to him. Regular performance reviews and a hands-on approach to team development are central to his management style. Budget preparation and variance analysis are also under Diganta’s purview, as is the organization of Board Meetings where he educates foreign directors on various tax and regulatory matters. He remains actively involved in risk assessment, evaluating legal, commercial, and compliance-related issues that may arise.
Additionally, Diganta participates in the ongoing implementation of Automation and digitalization, collaborating with the global team to ensure alignment with the company’s broader objectives. His role also requires periodic visits to the headquarters, where he engages with key managerial personnel to ensure that the Indian operations align with global expectations. Under his stewardship, Enagic India continues to navigate the complexities of the market, ensuring sustainable growth and compliance in an increasingly dynamic industry.
A Career Defined by Strategic Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Diganta has established himself as a key figure in the finance sector, demonstrating an impressive ability to navigate complex business challenges and deliver impactful results. His achievements reflect a deep understanding of both domestic and international financial landscapes, making him a valuable asset in the organizations he has served.
One of the notable highlights of Diganta’s career was his successful handling of an amalgamation between two Indian entities—Sames India Pvt Ltd and Kremlin Rexson India Pvt. Ltd.—both part of a foreign group company. This complex process required not only technical expertise but also the ability to align diverse interests and manage the intricacies of merging operations seamlessly. His experience also extends to being a significant member of a joint venture between two entities in India, each belonging to foreign groups. His role in this collaboration underscored his capacity to work across borders, balancing the expectations of international stakeholders while ensuring the success of the venture in the Indian market.
During his tenure at Prettl India, Diganta played a critical role in transitioning the company’s accounting system from Tally to SAP. This implementation was a significant upgrade, enhancing the company’s operational efficiency and financial management capabilities. His leadership in this initiative showcased his forward-thinking approach and his commitment to adopting technologies that drive business improvements. In addition to these accomplishments, he made a notable tax refund from the regulatory Authority during his time at Sames India Pvt. Ltd. This achievement not only demonstrated his meticulous attention, and skill of liaison with government departments to recover on time and it shows his ability to secure financial gains that benefited the company directly.
Diganta has also been instrumental in resolving various quasi-judicial litigation and tax matters, navigating these complex issues on merit and saving the companies he worked for from paying substantial fines and interest. His expertise in this area has been crucial in protecting the financial integrity of the organizations under his care. Moreover, he has frequently taken on the role of an intermediary, effectively bridging the gap between Indian and foreign board members. His ability to facilitate communication and foster understanding across cultural and corporate divides has been a cornerstone of his leadership style.
Recognizing his contributions to the finance industry, Trade Flock Business Magazine awarded Diganta as one of the “10 Best Leaders in Finance in India 2022.” This accolade is a testament to his impact and leadership in the field, underscoring his reputation as a distinguished finance professional who continues to excel in his career.
Embracing Change: A Finance Leader’s Perspective on Continuous Learning
According to Diganta, understanding the pulse of change is essential for success in today’s fast-paced business environment. He believes that the knowledge and skills that serve professionals today may become obsolete tomorrow, making it crucial for individuals to continually upgrade and adapt.
For him, the mantra of “learn, unlearn, and relearn” is not just a strategy but a necessity for the new generation of finance professionals. He underscores the pivotal role that technology plays in corporate life, asserting that no one can achieve a successful career without embracing technological advancements. Staying updated with the latest tools and trends, he insists, is key to maintaining relevance and driving success in the dynamic world of finance. Through his insights, Diganta advocates for a mindset of continuous learning and flexibility, encouraging professionals to stay ahead of the curve by being open to change and willing to evolve with the demands of the industry.
