Nikitha Katanguri
Hyderabad
Summary
Experienced Risk & Compliance professional with 7 years in financial services focused on SOX compliance and control testing. Expertise in evaluating control design and operating effectiveness using the COSO Framework. Skilled in executing risk-based testing, identifying control gaps, and providing actionable remediation. Strong background in RCSA, internal controls assessment, and regulatory compliance, with a focus on designing effective testing frameworks and enhancing governance through audit validation.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Testing specialist
Wells Fargo
Hyderabad
10.2024 - Current
- Performed Independent Testing & Validation (Second Line of Defense) for consumer lending processes, strengthening internal controls and governance.
- Executed risk-based control testing (including SOX controls) to validate effectiveness, identify deficiencies, and recommend actionable remediation.
- Developed and implemented testing frameworks, control matrices, and test scripts to support ongoing SOX and internal control validation.
- Led Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSA) and supported SOX compliance initiatives by evaluating control design and operating effectiveness across key business processes.
- Identified control gaps, conducted root cause analysis, and assigned risk ratings to support effective risk mitigation strategies.
- Assessed control design against regulatory requirements and risk management frameworks to ensure alignment with compliance standards and business objectives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional stakeholders and process owners to enhance control environments and streamline compliance processes.
- Leveraged data analytics techniques (sampling, stratification, randomization) to improve accuracy and efficiency of control testing.
- Delivered concise testing reports and risk insights to senior management, highlighting findings, compliance gaps, and remediation actions.
Lead Business Execution Consultant (QA)
Wells Fargo
Hyderabad
03.2023 - 09.2024
- Executed Risk & Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) activities in Facilitation Support Team, aligning with program design and capturing RAU team perspectives for Phase 1 & Phase 2 assessments to enhance risk management framework.
- Supported annual RCSA refresh activities for Phase 1 & Phase 2 RAUs, ensuring risk assessments remained updated in response to changes in the operating environment and business processes.
- Managed end-to-end RCSA lifecycle activities, including pre-workshop preparation, workshop facilitation support, and post-workshop documentation and quality control.
- Collaborated with business stakeholders to develop and implement risk management practices, monitoring effectiveness to identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks within control management framework.
- Participated in SCQC Change Request (CR) process, conducting material change reviews and impact analysis, providing approval support to strengthen audit trails and ensure data quality.
Acting Team Leader
Wipro
Hyderabad
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Oversaw the daily activity of the team, drove daily and weekly team productivity SLAs, and projected performance with clients.
- Ensured team alignment by monitoring individual contributors, tracking stack reports, and conducting daily huddles to enhance communication and workflow.
- Drove training and survey modules, including weekly PKTs and floor updates, while coaching team members and tracking action plan status.
- Managed OJT batches, coordinating with trainer and quality team to deliver refresher training for new hires and existing team members.
- Identified attrition trends and facilitated backfilling while mentoring team members on career growth opportunities, fostering a supportive environment.
- Provided quarterly and annual appraisal feedback through 1-on-1 discussions, addressing overall performance metrics including production, quality, and participation in training sessions.
- Worked on repeated defaulters' workshops to get the quality/production back on track by action plans.
- Populated billable hours data and marked attendance while managing leave and unscheduled absenteeism for the team.
SME (Quality Analyst)
Wipro
Hyderabad
07.2020 - 08.2021
- Interactive sessions with clients on bugs and updates related to tools and processes (card verification and chargebacks)
- Giving training on latest updates and requirements from clients to the team and Taking Case studies on a weekly basis and daily SOD Session of the Day)
Worked on Bug sheets and made analysis to detect new fraud trends and Performing RCA (Root Cause Analysis) on quality misses by agents and reiterating the signals to avoid confusion. - Provided validation support and training to new team members.
- Trained the team on updates and requirements from clients, conducted weekly case studies, and facilitated daily sessions on operations.
- Oversaw OJT batches and provided feedback on production quality and audit results while assuming team leader responsibilities.
Associate (Risk Analyst)
Wipro
Hyderabad
09.2018 - 06.2020
- Protected customers and merchants from financial fraud by monitoring Google Wallet transactions, conducting in-depth investigations on user accounts for AML and KYC compliance, and making informed decisions on fraud types like ATO, chargebacks, and refunds based on available signals.
- Investigated chargeback reasons, provided documentation to customers to clarify charges and improve understanding.
- Conducted thorough appeal reviews for exceptional cases, resolving customer issues while ensuring compliance with internal guidelines.
Education
B.Tech -
Sumathi Reddy Institute of Technology For Women
HanamkondaSkills
- Independent Testing & Validation (Second Line of Defense)
- SOX Compliance/internal controls
- Testing/Audit Methodologies
- Testing Framework Development
- Risk Management
- Risk & Control Self-Assessment (RCSA)
- Control Gap Identification
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA) & Remediation Management
- Data validation & Trend Analysis
- Automation Exposure
- Problem-Solving
- Stakeholder Management
- Pursuing SQL & Power BI
Accomplishments
Received the Team Spotlight Award at Wells Fargo in recognition of consistent performance, strong collaboration, and valuable contributions to the team.
Timeline
Independent Testing specialist
Wells Fargo
10.2024 - Current
Lead Business Execution Consultant (QA)
Wells Fargo
03.2023 - 09.2024
Acting Team Leader
Wipro
09.2021 - 06.2022
SME (Quality Analyst)
Wipro
07.2020 - 08.2021
Associate (Risk Analyst)
Wipro
09.2018 - 06.2020
B.Tech -
Sumathi Reddy Institute of Technology For Women