From Big Four beginnings to shaping strategic financial hubs across continents, Sanjay Khetrapal, Founder and Director of ACCVAT Tax Consultancy, is a name that resonates with over 35 years of leadership in finance, taxation, and business transformation.
A Chartered Accountant since 1987, Khetrapal has worked across dynamic regions — from the Middle East to Africa and the Caspian — and led high-impact finance roles for global giants like Ernst & Young (E&Y) and Smith International/Schlumberger. His depth of experience has made him not only an expert in taxation and finance but also a builder of operational excellence, a trusted advisor, and a thought leader in the region’s fast-changing fiscal landscape.
From Multinational Finance to Entrepreneurial Purpose
Khetrapal’s shift from corporate executive to entrepreneur wasn’t born of necessity — it was driven by vision.
“Finance today is not just support; it’s a strategic partner,” he says. “Whether you’re a startup or a multinational, your finance team must be proactive, tech-savvy, and globally aware.”
That belief is what inspired the launch of ACCVAT Tax Consultancy — a firm designed to serve the growing complexity of taxation and compliance in the Middle East, especially post-VAT implementation in the UAE and rising corporate tax considerations.
ACCVAT stands out for its practical, cross-border expertise and client-first advisory model. It draws from Khetrapal’s vast experience in setting up global product entities, demand forecasting systems, legal entity structuring, and ERP transformations. The firm has developed collaborations with top-tier specialists to offer holistic solutions — from indirect taxation and transfer pricing to due diligence and compliance consulting.
Career Milestones that Shaped a Leader
Across his distinguished career, Khetrapal has:
- Set up a regional Finance Hub in Dubai recognized as a “Center of Excellence”
- Implemented global tax structures ensuring compliance with direct and indirect tax regimes across borders
- Led due diligence and integration for several acquired businesses across the MEA region
- Executed the migration to Oracle ERP, setting a benchmark within the organization
- Designed internal control systems for remote offices, strengthening governance and audit outcomes
- Launched an end-to-end inventory movement ERP, increasing visibility and cost-efficiency across supply chains
His ability to see finance as more than just numbers has made him a sought-after figure among regional CFOs and entrepreneurs alike.
Leadership with Perspective
On LinkedIn, Khetrapal is described as “solution-focused”, globally oriented, and a believer in growth through collaboration. That’s evident not just in the way he runs his firm, but in how he mentors teams, supports SME growth, and aligns finance with core business functions — from logistics and technology to commercial strategy.
“A finance leader today needs to understand supply chains, product flows, digital systems — and make decisions that touch every part of the business,” he shares.
Scaling Smart in a Regulated World
With the UAE enforcing new tax regimes and compliance frameworks (such as ESR and Transfer Pricing), Khetrapal is helping businesses navigate uncertainty with structure. His firm, ACCVAT, guides clients on setting up entities, registering for VAT, preparing for audits, and streamlining financial operations for scale.
He is particularly passionate about helping family businesses and mid-sized firms transition into structured, compliant, and growth-ready entities, drawing from his past success in integrating operations across international regions.
A Vision Rooted in National Growth
As an Indian Chartered Accountant based in the UAE, Khetrapal also views his entrepreneurial journey as a contribution to regional development. He envisions ACCVAT playing a role in positioning the UAE as a compliant, globally trusted hub for financial services and investment.
“I’ve always believed that businesses thrive when finance functions are empowered, digitized, and forward-looking. That’s what ACCVAT stands for,” he says.
In a region hungry for ethical, informed, and adaptable financial leadership, Sanjay Khetrapal’s story is one of relevance, resilience, and reinvention. With ACCVAT, he’s not just consulting — he’s reshaping how businesses view finance in the Gulf and beyond.
For entrepreneurs and enterprises looking to stay ahead of the curve, Khetrapal’s message is clear: “In today’s business world, finance is not at the back of the room — it’s at the decision table.”