POOJA AWASTHI
Manager - KYC/AML Operations
Mumbai
Summary
Strategic leader with expertise in driving organizational transformation through innovative technology, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration. Proven track record in aligning global strategic initiatives, optimizing operations, and leading data-driven programs to enhance engineering practices and organizational efficiency. Adept at influencing senior stakeholders and fostering collaboration to achieve impactful results.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
Manager - Business Operations
Citicorp Services India Pvt Ltd
07.2024 - Current
- Spearheaded data-driven models to scale engineering best practices across APAC regions, improving productivity by 20%.
- Led cross-functional collaboration to optimize engineering efficiencies and drive alignment with global strategic initiatives.
- Developed and implemented productivity enhancement strategies across APAC, including optimizing resource allocation by identifying and leveraging strategic locations to achieve operational efficiency.
- Provided change management guidance during restructuring initiatives, ensuring seamless realignment of responsibilities within existing teams to maintain productivity and operational continuity.
- Conducted monthly stakeholder meetings with Country AML and presented periodic progress updates for all the Teams across APAC region to Managing Directors and Senior Management
- Monitored Singapore sanctions screening process in collaboration with Vice President, completed UAT testing for the sanctions screening process and provided compliance opinions
- Coordinated with team leaders across multiple regions via Zoom to ensure adherence to 30-day SLAs and deadlines for New Clients Onboarding.
- Developed monthly performance analytics reports, including cycle time improvement, productivity vs. volume, and operational efficiency metrics, presented to senior leadership.
- Managed inventory levels for 750+ clients across 8 hubs to meet demand without overstocking, reducing waste
- Coordinated cross-departmental projects, such as cross-training after the merging of two different teams, to ensure the timely and successful completion of ongoing BAU activities
- Participated in ad hoc activities, including the People Strategy Initiative, and spearheaded the Wall of Fame program for the APAC region in collaboration with the SVP, recognizing and rewarding top performers
- Completed Women's Prometheus program
KYC Operations Officer / Assistant Manager
Citicorp Services India Pvt Ltd
08.2020 - 06.2024
- Conducted comprehensive KYC due diligence for new client onboarding, including verifying client identity, gathering necessary documentation, and assessing risk
- Managed KYC renewals for existing clients, ensuring all information is up-to-date and compliant with regulatory standards
- Reviewed and analyzed client documentation, ensuring compliance with AML regulations and other relevant requirements
- Collaborate with internal teams, such as compliance, legal, and risk management, to resolve any discrepancies or issues related to client documentation
Credit Rating Analyst
First Cred Advisory Pvt. Ltd.
05.2019 - 06.2020
- Conducted credit assessments to evaluate the creditworthiness of companies in various sectors
- Assigned credit ratings based on thorough analysis and established rating criteria
- Developed financial models to project future performance and assessed the impact on credit quality
- Prepared comprehensive rating rationales and presented findings to stakeholders
Risk Analyst Quality Compliance
XL Dynamics India Pvt. Ltd.
06.2013 - 04.2018
- Underwrite and evaluated conventional, FHA, and VA loan applications
- Analyzed borrower financial documents and ensured compliance with guidelines
- Communicated with stakeholders to gather necessary documentation and provided status updates
- Conducted training of junior underwriters
Education
M.B.A - Finance
Prestige Institute of Management & Research
07.2011 - 05.2013
B.com - Hons
Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya
07.2008 - 06.2011
Skills
MS Powerpoint
Team Management
MS office
MS Excel
KYC and Enhanced Due Diligence
Power BI
Tableau
Stakeholder Management
Process Optimization
Data Analysis and Visualization
AML Compliance
Risk Management
Analytical Skills
Communication
Client service
Strategic planning
Onboarding and training
Data analytics
Financial data decision-making
Accomplishments
- Led strategic transformation projects, achieving a 26% improvement in cycle times and a 10% reduction in aging inventories across the APAC region.
- Enhanced engineering quality of life through initiatives focused on reducing operational inefficiencies and implementing best practices globally.
- Designed frameworks to track and monitor progress on strategic initiatives, ensuring cross-functional alignment and accountability.
Timeline
Manager - Business Operations
Citicorp Services India Pvt Ltd
07.2024 - Current
KYC Operations Officer / Assistant Manager
Citicorp Services India Pvt Ltd
08.2020 - 06.2024
Credit Rating Analyst
First Cred Advisory Pvt. Ltd.
05.2019 - 06.2020
Risk Analyst Quality Compliance
XL Dynamics India Pvt. Ltd.
06.2013 - 04.2018
M.B.A - Finance
Prestige Institute of Management & Research
07.2011 - 05.2013
B.com - Hons
Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya
07.2008 - 06.2011