New Delhi: Mahesh Kumar Sharma has assumed charge of Director (Finance) of NHPC Limited with effect from October 17. Prior to his appointment as Director (Finance) of NHPC, Sharma has served as Finance Head of Commercial Division of NHPC and Chief Finance Officer of NHPC Renewal Energy Ltd. (A wholly owned subsidiary of NHPC). Presently he is a Nominee Director on the Board of NHPC Renewable Energy Limited (NREL).
Sharma is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) with over 30 years of post-qualification experience. He also holds a Diploma in Information Systems Audit (DISA) from ICAI, securing All India 3rd Rank. He was elected as Executive Body Member of Faridabad branch of Northern India Regional Council of ICAI during the period 2004-07 and served the branch as Chairman during the year 2006-07. He was conferred the award for ‘Best Chairman’ of Northern India” by Northern India Regional Council of ICAI for the year 2006-07.
Sharma began his career in NHPC as an Accounts Officer from July 2000 and during his distinguished professional career spanning more than 25 years in NHPC, he has acquired extensive expertise across the core domains of Finance, Corporate Accounts, Treasury, Commercial and Contracts. His wide-ranging experience covers not only the Financial Management of large-scale infrastructure projects but also a deep and practical understanding of Tariff and Regulatory frameworks, which are crucial in the planning, development, and operation of hydroelectric power projects. Through his sense of responsibility, professional ethics, and dedication, he steadily rose up the organisational ladder.
His journey with NHPC started at Corporate Office, Faridabad, where he was part of Treasury management Team and was a core member of Initial Public offer implementation team till the listing of the company in Indian bourses. He has served Regional Office, Banikhet and subsequently Dhauliganga Power Station where he played a very active role in large scale restoration works of Dhauliganga Power Station caused by the flash floods of Uttarakhand in the year 2013, successfully completed the challenging task of, accounting for restoration works, capitalisation of new assets, closure of contracts, insurance claim settlement etc. Thereafter, he served as Head of Finance at the Pakaldul HE Project, along with the additional charge of Finance Division of Two projects under survey & investigation namely Kiru HEP and Kwar HEP under Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (a Joint Venture of NHPC and JKSPDC).
At Pakaldul Project, he handled Major Contracts (Civil and E&M) for construction of Dam and Power House which were awarded during his tenure at the project. Played a crucial role in implementing proper control systems for accounting of assets, employees and contractors’ payments in a non-ERP environment. Played an important role in resolving contractual issues and working out impact of GST on previously awarded contracts post implementation of GST Act in J&K.
Over the course of his tenure, Sharma has played a vital role in guiding the financial strategies of NHPC during diverse phases of project development right from survey and investigation stages to under-construction hydro projects and subsequently at the operational hydro power stations. His contributions include ensuring effective resource mobilization, compliance with regulatory requirements, efficient treasury operations and financial discipline in the execution of contracts and commercial agreements.
His humbled and patient leadership qualities, dedication, professional approach and hard work proved him as an outstanding finance professional which shall be beneficial for growth of the NHPC and power sector as well.
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