Professional Profile & Credentials

• Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA)
• Master of Commerce (M.Com)
• Post‑graduate studies in Banking and Business Finance
• ACCA‑regulated practitioner and practice leader
• Over 30 years of experience in finance, governance, and advisory roles

Career Journey (Chronological Authority)

Academia & Early Career

Kamlesh began his professional journey as an Honorary Lecturer in Banking and Business Finance at Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda (India), establishing strong foundations in finance, teaching, and analytical discipline.

Banking & Trade Finance (1986–1992)

He joined the UK banking sector in 1986, specialising in foreign exchange and import‑export trade finance, working across London, Birmingham, and Manchester. This period developed his deep understanding of international trade, cross‑border risk, and funding structures.

Corporate & Multinational Leadership (1993–2001)

From 1993 onwards, Kamlesh held senior executive roles within the software manufacturing, engineering, and textile industries. In 1997, he joined the Board of a software manufacturing start‑up that expanded operations across the UK, Germany, USA, India, Australia, and Qatar. He later served as Group Finance Executive for multinational organisations, overseeing finance, governance, quality systems, and international expansion.

Founder of Sterling Finance (UK) Limited

In 2002, Kamlesh founded Sterling Finance (UK) Limited in Greater Manchester with a clear strategic vision:

• To deliver technically excellent, ethically grounded professional services
• To combine compliance, advisory, and governance under one trusted firm
• To leverage technology to improve service quality and client outcomes

Under his leadership, Sterling Finance has grown into a nationally recognised practice, serving UK and international clients while maintaining strong professional and community values.

Practice Philosophy:

“Family Accountant for Family Entrepreneurs with Family Values.”

Authority in Business Planning & Funding

Kamlesh is widely regarded as a foremost authority in business planning and funding strategy. To date, he maintains a 100% success rate in securing business funding for business plans personally authored by him.

His extensive expertise in banking, business finance, equity finance, international trade, and accountancy provides a unique, multi-disciplinary perspective. This enables him to design business plans that address not only funding requirements, but also governance, scalability, risk management, and long-term sustainability.

In 2021, Kamlesh formally redefined the concept of a business plan, stating:

“A Business Plan is a process of examining and challenging the mind-map of an entrepreneur to convert it into a reliable and implementable roadmap.”

Copyright © Kamlesh Rajput 2021

This definition reflects his thought-leadership approach to business planning — moving beyond documents toward disciplined strategic thinking and execution.

Awards & Professional Recognition

Firm‑Led Awards (Founder‑Driven)

• British Accountancy Award – Winner (2019)
• Accounting Excellence Awards Finalist – 2020, 2021, 2022
• Asian Business Leader Awards – Finalist (2020)
• Pride of Tameside Awards – Employee Recognition (2018 & 2019)

Individual Recognition

• Gold Award – Highest Award of Achievement, Dale Carnegie Institute (1997)
• Fast 50 Awards – Fastest Growing Technology Business (North of England), Royal Bank of Scotland (2000 & 2001)

These awards reflect leadership quality, people development, innovation, and ethical practice governance.

Governance, Professional & Community Leadership

Current Appointments

• Founder & CEO – Sterling Finance (UK) Limited
• Founder & CEO – Sterling Will Writers Limited
• Founder & CEO – Sterling Finance IFA Limited
• Founder & CEO – Curry On Business Limited
• Governor – Ashton Sixth Form College, Manchester
• Trustee & Executive Board Member – Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Manchester
• President – Gujarati Rajput Samaj, Birmingham (UK)
• Chairman – Ashton Lady Smith Cricket Club, Manchester

Professional Leadership (Past)

• President – ACCA Manchester Members’ Panel (2005–2012)
• Vice President – ACCA Manchester Members’ Panel (2003–2005)
• External Examiner – University of Salford; University of Wales, Newport

Professional & Community Engagement

In 2011, Kamlesh founded CurryOnBusiness, a not-for-profit business network whose monthly meetings bring together entrepreneurs, professionals, and academics to share knowledge and experience.

He has been actively involved with BNI, serving as a Director Consultant for the Manchester North region and President of a BNI Stronghold Chapter. He has also contributed to community life as a radio show host on Asian Sound Radio and as a teacher at a local community school in the UK.

These roles demonstrate peer trust, governance capability, and stewardship responsibility.

Core Areas of Expertise

• Accounting, Taxation & Regulatory Compliance
• Strategic Advisory for Technology & Start-up Businesses
• Business Planning, Funding Strategy & Investment Readiness
• Corporate Governance & Risk Management
• Equity Finance Advisor
• Tax Investigation support services
• Corporate Finance, M&A, and Business Funding
• Venture Capital Finance Consultant
• International Tax & Cross‑Border Advisory
• Import‑Export Trade Finance
• Financial Planning, Control & Strategic Diversification
• FinTech Advisory & Practice Transformation
• Tax Investigations & Dispute Resolution
• Executive Mentoring & Business Leadership
• ISO 9000–2000 Quality Standards Implementation

Ethical & Professional Philosophy

Kamlesh is a strong advocate of:

• Integrity‑led decision making
• Responsible use of technology and AI in professional services
• Strong AML, sanctions, and governance frameworks
• Long‑term client relationships are built on trust rather than short‑term gain

He believes sustainable businesses are built on values, accountability, and professional competence.

Languages & Personal Interests

Languages: English, Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi

Interests: Reading, charity work, music, cricket