Suraj Challa

Experience

• 

  International Gemological Institute - IGI

  Sept 2016 - Apr 2018

  Gemology Lab Operations Manager

  In my role as the Lab Operations Manager, I was responsible for team formation, managing gemologists, allocation of gemstones, quality control and certification & evaluation of precious gemstones:• Overview: Manage the operations of a lab responsible for the certification and evaluation of gemstones.• Performance Review & Goal Management: Reviewed the team performance, assigned goals, ensured timely delivery, and maintained quality standards.• Priority Management: Prioritize material allocation and trend identification based on influx and demand.• Resource Allocation: Assign specific gemstones to gemologists based on their abilities.• Quality Control: Use different methods for the assessment of graded gemstones. Show less

• 

  UIcommons Inc.

  Apr 2018 - now

  •Continuous Workflow Improvement: Led the strategic recruitment and formation of a 6-member team with expertise in payment processing, financial data analysis, and compliance. Fostered a collaborative environment that maximized operational efficiency, ensuring accurate and timely payment management.•Payment Processing & Data Management: Expertly processed payments by extracting remittances from large volumes of raw data, utilizing advanced Excel skills to format and analyze data. Identified and addressed discrepancies in subscriber rates and payment adjustments, ensuring data integrity and financial accuracy.•Stakeholder Management & Risk Mitigation: Managed key stakeholder relationships to ensure smooth payment operations. Conducted thorough financial risk assessments and implemented strategies to mitigate potential risks, safeguarding the stability and integrity of payment processes.•Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated leadership in guiding teams to achieve critical financial milestones. Translated complex financial objectives into actionable tasks, streamlining payment workflows and ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.•Product & Process Optimization: Supported the payment processing team's market fit analysis by providing essential resources and training. Coordinated the development and deployment of a cutting-edge B2B payment system, focusing on compliance and efficiency. Implemented process improvements that contributed to the creation of new revenue streams and expanded market presence. I was responsible for overseeing engineering development, making critical decisions that were essential for the company's overall growth and ensuring its smooth functioning in the future.•Data-Driven Financial Insights: Leveraged data analytics and market research to optimize payment processes, ensuring compliance with evolving financial regulations.•Strategic Leadership•Product and Process Optimization• Data-Driven Talent Insights Show less •In this role, I was involved in aiding international business operations by providing detailed investor reporting and financial insights to drive informed decisions and support global expansion.•Project Coordination: Played a key role in guiding the team to achieve project milestones by translating complex goals into actionable tasks, ensuring streamlined execution aligned with organizational goals.•Financial Compliance and Reporting: Assisted in managing financial processes, including invoice verification and payment processing, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and company policies. Contributed to financial reporting by maintaining accurate records and supporting audits.•Compliance and Training: Supported the licensing process by providing necessary training and documentation. Ensured compliance with company policies and government regulations in all practices.•Technology-Driven Financial Decision Making: Leveraged data and technology tools, such as financial management systems and performance tracking software, to support decision-making, monitor financial progress, and enhance operational efficiency. Show less

  • Senior Financial Comptroller and Operations Manager

    Apr 2018 - now

  • Financial Comptroller & Operations Manager

    Apr 2018 - Nov 2019
• 

  Spicy Carrot Technologies

  Jan 2024 - now

  Part-time Consultant

  •Spicy Carrot Technologies is a global software company with a talent pool based in India, providing remote support to customers worldwide.•Ensuring the accurate and timely execution of payments is fundamental to maintaining smooth financial operations.•Led the development of the company’s vision and long-term strategic goals, ensuring alignment with market trends and customer needs.•Adhering to industry regulations and client-specific requirements is essential to avoid legal and financial repercussions.•Secured key partnerships and negotiated contracts with clients and vendors to drive business growth and operational efficiency. As the acting Director of Talent Acquisition and Business Strategy, I leveraged extensive technical recruitment experience to identify and meet company requirements, study job descriptions, and build a pipeline of qualified software engineers.•Addressing discrepancies and payment delays promptly is key to maintaining operational efficiency and stakeholder trust.•Continuously improving payment workflows is vital for enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. Show less