Sowmya Devidj

Sowmya’s journey into finance began long before she formally chose it as a career. From a young age, she demonstrated a natural instinct for identifying value—whether negotiating better deals on household furniture or finding ways to save on everyday groceries. What started as an intuitive ability to recognize cost efficiencies gradually evolved into a passion for financial strategy and analysis. This early mindset laid the foundation for her transition into Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), where she could channel her strengths into driving meaningful business impact.

She began her professional career in audit, completing a rigorous three-year internship that sharpened her attention to detail and financial discipline. Transitioning into commercial finance, Sowmya joined Shell, where she advanced from a financial analyst to a senior financial analyst role. During her time there, she played a key role in forecasting and planning for a $1 billion retail business while contributing to initiatives that delivered significant bottom-line savings. Her work went beyond traditional reporting—she collaborated cross-functionally with business teams, influenced pricing strategies, and identified process gaps that resulted in over a million dollars in value creation and reduced leakage. For Sowmya, FP&A became more than numbers; it became a platform to influence decisions and shape business outcomes.

A chartered accountant from India, equivalent to a CPA in the United States, Sowmya brings over seven years of experience in FP&A and Business Intelligence. Her path into the corporate world was not without challenges, but the mentorship she received—particularly from a manager who encouraged her to speak up and share her insights—played a pivotal role in her growth and confidence. Now stepping into a finance manager role at a highly regarded organization, Sowmya remains driven by her passion for impact and strategic thinking. She aspires to continue advancing in her field, with a clear goal of becoming an FP&A Director within the next five years.