Anju Rao
Bangalore,KA
Summary
Strategic HR Leader experienced in building and scaling HR functions in fast-growing startups. Achieved rapid team scaling and successful implementation of ATS/HRMS systems through expertise in HR operations, business partnering, and talent acquisition. Focused on driving employee engagement and ensuring statutory compliance with a data-driven approach to workforce planning and performance management.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
HR MANAGER
GST MANAGER
03.2025 - Current
- Built the HR function from ground zero in a fast-scaling financial firm, establishing structured HR processes and governance frameworks.
- Scaled the internal team from 5 to 20 employees within 45 days, supporting rapid organizational growth.
- Implemented KEKA HRMS & ATS end-to-end, managing employee lifecycle processes including recruitment, onboarding, attendance, leave, and payroll.
- Led HRMS migration from KEKA to ZOHO One after 8 months, ensuring seamless data transition, process continuity, and zero payroll disruption.
- Implemented and ensured statutory compliance including PF, ESIC, and Professional Tax, maintaining regulatory adherence.
- Managed monthly payroll processing, attendance validation, leave reconciliation, and statutory deductions
- Automated HR workflows to improve operational efficiency and reduce manual dependency.
- Drove employee engagement initiatives and partnered with leadership on workforce planning aligned with business objectives.
HR HEAD
AMBEE
11.2020 - 02.2025
- Led and managed the end-to-end HR function, owning people strategy, HR operations, compliance, talent acquisition, and organizational development.
- Scaled the organization from 11 to 120+ employees, driving workforce planning, org structuring, and sustainable growth.
- Hired and managed employees across India, US, and Israel, supporting global expansion and cross-border workforce coordination.
- Partnered with founders and leadership on strategic decision-making, headcount planning, budgeting, and culture-building initiatives.
- Designed and implemented comprehensive HR frameworks including talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management (KPIs), engagement, and retention strategies.
- Ensured 100% statutory compliance (PF, ESIC, labor laws), and led POSH governance, HR audits, and legal due diligence processes.
- Implemented and managed KEKA HRIS & ZOHO Payroll, overseeing payroll accuracy, attendance, leave management, and full employee lifecycle administration.
- Established and operationalized the Bangalore office setup, including vendor management, infrastructure planning, asset tracking systems, and annual company offsites to enhance employee experience.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
SAGAR INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
05.2016 - 05.2018
- Specialized in basic accounting, financial markets, business research, and human resource management to enhance curriculum relevance.
- Delivered lectures to MBA students and facilitated placement processes, contributing to student career readiness.
Education
HR Analytics
Indian Institute of Management
Lucknow04.2023
MBA - Finance and HR
Uttarakhand Technical University
Dehradun05.2015
B.Com -
D.D.U University
Gorakhpur05.2013
Skills
- Talent acquisition
- HR partnering
- Employee management
- HR analytics
- Performance tracking
- Compliance management
- Payroll administration
- HRMS implementation
- Engagement strategy
- Organizational development
- Vendor management
- Background verification
Languages
- English
- Hindi
Timeline
HR MANAGER
GST MANAGER
03.2025 - Current
HR HEAD
AMBEE
11.2020 - 02.2025
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
SAGAR INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
05.2016 - 05.2018
HR Analytics
Indian Institute of Management
MBA - Finance and HR
Uttarakhand Technical University
B.Com -
D.D.U University