Biography

Vishnu Viswanathan is a Senior Manager in the Audit & Assurance department at CLA Emirates, with more than 11 years of post-qualification experience in external audit, financial reporting, assurance, and advisory services across the Middle East and India.

A Chartered Accountant qualified with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Vishnu has built his career with leading international firms including EY, KPMG, and BDO. His experience covers both listed and privately held organisations across a range of industries and jurisdictions, giving him a broad perspective on the financial, regulatory, and operational challenges businesses face.

Throughout his career, Vishnu has led and managed complex audit and financial reporting engagements across banking, insurance, airlines, non-banking financial institutions, manufacturing, construction, hospitality, retail, trading, and oil & gas. His areas of expertise include statutory audits, IFRS reporting, consolidation, risk assessment, internal controls, and assurance services.

He has also worked extensively on multi-location engagements, coordinating teams across geographies and working closely with senior stakeholders to deliver high-quality results. His experience with BDO in Oman, EY Global Delivery Services, KPMG Global Delivery Centre, and EY’s Middle East practices in Kuwait and Oman has provided him with exposure to diverse markets, business models, and regulatory environments.

At CLA Emirates, Vishnu works closely with business owners, boards, and management teams to understand their priorities and provide practical, risk-focused assurance solutions. He takes a hands-on approach to addressing complex financial reporting and regulatory matters, with an emphasis on clear communication and insights that can support sound decision-making and effective governance.

Vishnu is also interested in the use of technology and digital audit methodologies to make assurance more effective and efficient. He believes that audit should go beyond compliance and provide insights that help organisations identify risks, strengthen processes, and create long-term value.

With experience across the GCC and India, Vishnu brings together strong technical knowledge, a collaborative approach, and commitment to quality. He is passionate about developing people, maintaining high professional standards, and building long-term relationships with clients.

Areas of Expertise

  • Audit and Assurance Services
  • Financial Reporting under IFRS
  • International Standards on Auditing (ISA)
  • Financial Services Audits (Banking, Insurance and NBFCs)
  • Accounting Advisory and Technical IFRS Support
  • Digital Audit and Data Analytics
  • Audit Quality Management and Engagement Reviews
  • Stakeholder and Board-Level Communications
  • Leadership, Coaching and Talent Development

Qualifications & Certifications

  • Chartered Accountant (CA), Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
  • Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Mahatma Gandhi University

Industry Experience

  • Banking and Financial Services
  • Insurance
  • Airlines and Aviation
  • Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFCs)
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction and Contracting
  • Retail and Consumer Markets
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Trading and Distribution