The 3 Skills Every Future Head of Finance Must Master Today
Each has its own set of challenges, its own dreams, and its own version of success. For Ajay Haulkhory, the Head of Finance of Duraco Ltee, this role isn’t just about balancing books or crunching numbers — it’s about feeling the heartbeat of each business, understanding what makes it tick, and working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep them thriving, no matter how unpredictable the market may be.
He joined the Taylor smith group in 1999 and Duraco is more than just a manufacturer — it’s a story of innovation, resilience, and vision. Founded in 1991 as a joint venture with Australia’s Solco Ltd, Duraco revolutionized polyethylene product manufacturing in Mauritius with its pioneering rotomoulding process. But behind Duraco’s success lies the steady hand of leadership, especially in finance, which has been critical in steering the company through growth and change.
At the center of this leadership is Ajay Haulkhory. Managing reporting and budgeting across five companies, including Duraco, he has learned that numbers only tell part of the story. Behind every budget approval, forecast, and financial report is a chain of conversations, tough decisions, and strategic moves that shape the future of the business. His role goes far beyond making the numbers add up — it’s about making those numbers matter, creating real value that drives sustainable growth, stability, and resilience.
In this article, we invite you to discover what it truly means to lead finance in today’s fast-moving business world — and to learn from the lessons Ajay has gathered on his journey.
Skills That Make a Difference
Leading finance today isn’t just about technical know-how. It demands a unique blend of strategy, adaptability, and leadership — skills Ajay highlights as essential for any finance leader.
- Adaptability: For Ajay, this is more than just a skill — it’s a mindset. It means embracing change, learning new technologies, and staying ahead of evolving regulations and standards. It’s about being ready for whatever the business environment throws at you.
- Versatility: Handling everything from budgeting and forecasting to risk management and compliance requires flexibility and a broad skill set. Ajay’s ability to switch hats and tackle diverse financial challenges keeps operations smooth across multiple companies.
- Strategic Vision: Numbers alone aren’t enough. Seeing beyond the spreadsheets, Ajay aligns financial strategies with the long-term goals of each company, helping guide them through complex decisions and market shifts.
- Leadership & Communication: Finance doesn’t exist in a bubble. Ajay’s success comes from building strong teams and fostering collaboration across departments, ensuring that financial insights translate into action and that everyone moves forward together.
The Heartbeat of Business: Managing the Trade Cycle
One of Ajay’s most critical responsibilities is managing the trade cycle — the journey from purchasing inventory to selling products and collecting payment. It might sound technical, but it’s really about something simple: keeping the company’s cash flowing.
When the trade cycle is managed well, the business has enough money to pay its bills, invest in opportunities, and stay financially healthy without leaning too heavily on loans. But if the cycle drags on too long, cash gets tied up, borrowing costs rise, and growth slows down. By keeping this cycle efficient, Ajay helps ensure that the companies he manages stay agile, resilient, and ready to seize new opportunities.
Leading Beyond Numbers
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, the Head of Finance role is no longer just about crunching numbers — it’s about leading with vision, adaptability, and heart. From managing complex budgets across multiple companies to optimizing critical processes like the trade cycle, Ajay plays a vital role in shaping the future of these businesses.
The journey at Duraco shows us that effective financial leadership means turning raw data into actionable insights — insights that foster resilience, encourage innovation, and secure long-term success.
For anyone aspiring to lead in finance, embracing these lessons and skills is key to not just surviving, but thriving in a dynamic business environment.
