The success of a consulting firm depends on delivering exceptional client service and adding value through the expertise of its employees. Investing in the right people and engaging them with humility is the key to a successful organization.

Creating a positive and collaborative work environment is crucial for the leadership of a firm. This involves guiding teams with a clear vision, encouraging transparent communication, and fostering a supportive environment where all employees can excel. Through emphasizing teamwork, mentorship, and ongoing education, Directors like Deepika Naharas significantly influence the culture of their organizations. Deepika's empathetic and inspiring management style nurtures growth and boosts team morale.

Deepika Naharas brings over 26 years of diverse industry experience. Her journey began as a determined student managing the challenges of partially funding her education abroad. Her journey began with juggling multiple jobs during her MBA in finance at Clark University, showcasing her resilience and strong work ethic from the outset. A pivotal move to California without a job, highlighted her willingness to embrace risk, a trait that has defined her career trajectory ever since. Later, throughout her professional journey, Deepika has held various roles, including managing finance, HR, and marketing departments at her first startup, and serving as a Controller/Director for renowned companies thereafter. Parenthood brought a shift in priorities, prompting her to seek remote work opportunities that allowed her to balance career and family effectively.

Joining KONGBASILECONSULTING marked a significant milestone, where Deepika experienced working with the firm that encourages work-life balance and provides abundant opportunities for value add, coaching, and growth. Her journey underscores the importance of persistence, adaptability, and the value of a supportive work environment, shaping her into a versatile professional ready to tackle new challenges head-on.

Today, Deepika Naharas, Director at KONGBASILECONSULTING, is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in accounting, finance, operations, and leadership. Her dynamic career trajectory reflects her strategic acumen, problem-solving skills, and visionary leadership qualities, making her a valuable asset in the finance and accounting industry.

Below is an excerpt of Deepika Naharas’ exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneurs Review magazine.

Tell us about the key areas of expertise you have developed in the finance and operations functions, over the years.

Over the course of my career, I've developed a strong expertise in both finance and operations, honing skills that are pivotal for organizational success. In finance, I have a varied range of experience in setting up the entire finance department for a small startup to managing a global team in North America, Asia, and Europe for a multibillion-dollar public semiconductor company. With my open mindset, I embraced unexplored areas and gained experience in preparing GAAP financials, building Financial models, Budgeting and Forecasting, Audits, Tax Compliance, Financial Analysis, SaaS Metrics, and Technical Accounting. Throughout my career, I have been involved in fundraising for multiple startups, collaborated with VCs, and supported due diligence efforts during acquisitions. This enhanced my comprehensive expertise in finance and accounting.

On the operations side, I excel at effectively managing people and teams. I believe that strong teamwork and collaboration are the foundations of successful operations. I've led diverse teams across various projects, ensuring alignment with common goals and efficiently achieving them. My experience has taught me the importance of clear communication, problem-solving, and adapting to dynamic situations.

My primary expertise lies in finance, accounting, and operations encompassing financial management, strategic planning, team leadership, and operational efficiency. These skills have enabled me to make significant contributions to my current role and have equipped me to take on new challenges and drive continuous improvement.

Introduce us to KONGBASILECONSULTING. What are the key responsibilities you shoulder as the Director at the company?

KONGBASILECONSULTING (KBC) is a renowned finance and accounting outsourcing firm in San Francisco, thriving on stellar reputation and referrals. KBC is an operational and finance partner to multiple venture-backed technology start-ups from seed to Pre IPO.

As a Director, I manage multiple clients across diverse industries like life sciences, food, insurance, marketplace, education, AI, and more, overseeing finance and accounting operations. My responsibilities include understanding client needs, leading teams, reviewing deliverables like financial statements and operational processes, and providing strategic guidance in budgeting, forecasting, audits, and system implementations.

Additionally, I contribute to quality initiatives, knowledge sharing, and marketing efforts, including content creation such as blogs, to showcase our expertise and attract new opportunities.

My role combines strategic leadership, client management, operational oversight, and a commitment to driving excellence in all aspects of our services.

What have been the most critical challenges you encounter in your current role? How do you overcome the said roadblocks?

While technical challenges have been manageable with proactive learning and resourcefulness in my current role, the most critical hurdles often revolve around client satisfaction and team dynamics. Previously, a major challenge I encountered was navigating rigorous due diligence processes, particularly when collaborating with external partners across various time zones. Managing late-night work sessions and stringent deadlines was demanding but necessary to meet client expectations. For my current clients, ensuring consistent client satisfaction and avoiding surprises requires constant communication and proactive checks. Additionally, promptly, and transparently addressing issues is vital for preserving trust and providing excellent client service.

On the people front, challenges arise from managing team dynamics and performance issues. Motivating and inspiring team members, especially during challenging projects or periods of low morale, demands time and effort. I've found that open communication, regular feedback sessions, and providing support tailored to individual needs are effective strategies to overcome these challenges.

While these challenges can be demanding, they also present opportunities for growth, collaboration, and fostering a positive work environment conducive to success.

Throw light on the most important professional milestone you have achieved throughout your professional journey.

One of the most significant professional milestones I've achieved is earning the trust and respect of my peers and managers throughout my career. I pride myself on being a diligent and resourceful professional who tackles challenges head-on, regardless of their complexity or novelty. Every task I undertake is approached with a commitment to excellence and a willingness to learn and adapt.

Continuous learning has been a cornerstone of my success. Despite having a solid educational background, I understand that knowledge is ever-evolving. Whether it's through formal courses like my recent M&A course or informal methods like webinars and industry insights, I strive to stay updated and relevant. Building and maintaining connections with former managers and colleagues has been crucial, highlighting my ability to nurture lasting professional relationships. As trust is paramount in the finance industry, I am honored that individuals have entrusted me with sensitive information and critical tasks.

My journey has been marked by a commitment to continuous improvement, accountability, and professional networking.

In the evolving business landscape, how do you envision your role evolving in both the near and distant future?

In the evolving business landscape, I envision my role evolving significantly in both the near and distant future. With technologies like AI becoming increasingly prominent, adaptation and continuous learning are key. Instead of fearing job displacement, I aim to embrace these changes by upskilling and exploring how AI can augment my role rather than replace it entirely, also I believe in being proactive and open to new opportunities and industries that are shaping the upcoming years. Further, by expanding my skill set and staying informed about market trends, I aim to remain relevant and adaptable. While AI may automate certain tasks, I believe the human element of creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving will continue to be invaluable in driving innovation and growth.

Deepika Naharas, Director, KONGBASILECONSULTING

Deepika Naharas is a seasoned Director at KONGBASILECONSULT­ING, specializing in accounting, finance, and operations. With a strong background in strategic leadership, team management, and fostering a positive work culture, Deepika plays a pivotal role in driving financial excel­lence and organizational growth.