Navigating the complexities of the Asia Pacific Japan (APJ) region requires more than just financial acumen—it demands a strategic mindset, adaptability, and a commitment to collaboration. For Mehernaz Dalal, CFO APJ of Dayforce, this challenge is a daily reality. Her role blends financial strategy with a human touch, leveraging data and teamwork to drive innovation and growth across one of the most diverse and competitive markets.
“As a CFO, it’s not just about managing numbers. It’s about understanding the unique needs of each market and integrating them into a unified vision that serves the business and its people,” Mehernaz shares. From streamlining financial processes to embracing cutting-edge technology, her leadership has played a pivotal role in helping Dayforce thrive in the region.
Balancing Financial Strategy and Human Capital Technology
One of the greatest challenges for CFOs in the APJ region is balancing the demands of finance with the fast-paced evolution of technology. For Mehernaz, this involves integrating financial insights with strategy to ensure that Dayforce remains competitive while catering to the unique needs of the market.
“Data-driven decision-making is at the core of our approach,” Mehernaz explains. “For example, when evaluating market entry, we consider everything from market demand and product suitability to staffing needs and compliance. This ensures that our strategies are both informed and sustainable.”
A typical day for Mehernaz involves extensive collaboration across departments. From product strategy meetings to financial reviews and discussions with HR and legal teams, her role is deeply intertwined. “This cross-functional collaboration allows us to create strategies that are not only financially sound but also tailored to the specific needs of our customers and employees,” she adds. By taking this holistic approach, Mehernaz ensures that Dayforce remains agile and well-prepared for changes in the market.
Restructuring for Growth: A Unified Approach
The APJ region presents a unique challenge for any organisation: its diversity. The region’s business landscape often comprises companies with complex legal and organisational structures, especially when built through acquisitions. Under Mehernaz’s leadership, Dayforce undertook significant restructuring to streamline operations and create a unified approach to business.
“When I joined, Dayforce in APJ consisted of multiple entities inherited from various acquisitions. These duplications hindered agility and operational efficiency. Our first task was to consolidate and simplify. Today, we operate as a single entity in each country, optimising our footprint and enabling faster decision-making,” Mehernaz shares.
Her approach to restructuring is guided by her experience in turnaround projects. “We rely on financial data to validate decisions, but it’s not just about the numbers. Context is critical. By collaborating with teams across product, sales, and operations, we ensure that our decisions are well-rounded and aligned with on-the-ground realities,” she explains. This alignment has enabled Dayforce to operate more efficiently and respond quickly to market demands.
Overcoming Regulatory Challenges in APJ
Operating in the APJ region means navigating a highly complex regulatory landscape, where tax laws, labour requirements, and data privacy regulations differ vastly across countries. For Mehernaz and her team, ensuring seamless compliance while driving business growth is a balancing act.
“To address these challenges, we’ve built a robust compliance framework supported by independent consultants and legal experts in each country,” Mehernaz explains. This framework enables Dayforce to adapt quickly to regulatory changes, whether it’s adjusting hiring requirements, tax structures, or data privacy protocols.
Dayforce believes AI has a huge potential to revolutionise businesses and their workforces by fostering creativity, accelerating production, and drastically enhancing efficiency. Dayforce recognises the importance of taking a thoughtful and accountable approach to AI and the data that underpins the technology. Dayforce accomplishes this by using permission-based data usage in conjunction with ethical AI concepts.
Data privacy adds another layer of complexity, given the sensitive nature of the data Dayforce handles. “Our privacy and cybersecurity teams work tirelessly to ensure that we are not only compliant but also proactive in protecting customer and employee data. A breach could have serious financial and reputational consequences, so we prioritise this as part of our operational strategy,” she emphasises.
Innovation in HCM Technology: A Human-Centred Approach
The diversity and complexity of managing workforces in APJ call for innovative solutions, and Dayforce delivers precisely that. By offering a unified platform for HR, payroll, and workforce management, the company helps businesses streamline operations and reduce costs.
“Legacy systems are one of the biggest hurdles for organisations in this region. Many companies rely on multiple systems that don’t communicate well, leading to inefficiencies and increased risk,” Mehernaz explains. Dayforce consolidates these disparate systems into a single platform, enabling organisations to work more efficiently and make data-driven decisions with confidence.
A key example of this innovation is Dayforce Co-Pilot, a generative AI assistant designed to enhance productivity. “Co-Pilot surfaces information quickly and automates repetitive tasks, freeing employees to focus on strategic work. It’s not just about automation—it’s about enabling people to do their jobs better,” Mehernaz shares. Importantly, Dayforce adheres to rigorous ethical AI principles, ensuring that its solutions are transparent, secure, and human-centred.
Future-Proofing Businesses in APJ
As remote work and automation reshape the business landscape, agility has become a critical factor for success. Dayforce’s solutions are designed to help businesses in APJ adapt to this rapidly changing environment.
“Our Advanced Scheduling feature, for instance, uses historical data to forecast staffing needs. This helps businesses optimise their workforce and reduce costs while ensuring operational efficiency,” Mehernaz explains.
The focus on talent management is another cornerstone of Dayforce’s approach. “Finding and retaining the right talent is a major challenge in APJ. Our platform supports organisations from recruitment to retirement, providing a seamless and engaging employee experience,” she adds.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Mehernaz believes the future of workforce management lies in automation, personalisation, and sustainability. “Organisations will increasingly rely on data-driven insights to make informed decisions and remain competitive. At Dayforce, we contiunously innovate meet these needs, whether through AI-powered tools or enhanced compliance capabilities,” she says.
For the fifth year in a row, Dayforce was rated a Leader in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Cloud HCM Suites. Dayforce is constantly developing new ideas and working to make work-life better. In order to inform decisions and maintain sustainability, organisations will also desire additional data insights. The use of AI and automation will both rise in the future. More remote work options will be required to accommodate changing workforce demands, improve employee engagement, and promote DEI.
For finance leaders, her advice is simple: embrace collaboration, technology, and a customer-centric approach. “Scaling a business isn’t just about financial performance—it’s about aligning strategies with market needs and empowering teams to succeed,” Mehernaz emphasises.
Connect with Mehernaz Dalal
Mehernaz Dalal’s journey with Dayforce reflects the power of combining financial expertise with human-centred innovation. To learn more about her insights and Dayforce’s transformative solutions, connect with her on LinkedIn.
Discover how Dayforce continues to redefine workforce management across APJ, driving growth, engagement, and innovation for businesses of all sizes.
