The finance industry is undergoing a profound digital revolution, marked by a dramatic shift toward innovative technologies that reshape traditional practices. Digitalization is fundamentally altering the landscape, driving efficiency, transparency, and real-time insights. From automated processes and data analytics to blockchain and artificial intelligence, financial institutions are leveraging cutting-edge tools to enhance operational efficiency, streamline customer experiences, and stay ahead in a competitive market. Embracing this digital era is paramount for finance leaders, requiring a strategic focus on technology adoption, skill development, and continuous adaptation to emerging trends.

In the midst of this dynamic transformation, Priyanka Bairathi emerges as a seasoned leader navigating the intricacies of this evolving landscape. As the Head of Digital Transformation & Financial Advisory at REVOQUANT AI, Priyanka brings over 17 years of invaluable experience in transactional and financial analysis. Her expertise, extending beyond traditional financial roles, encompasses due diligence, consultancy, and a keen focus on industry benchmarking. Priyanka's strategic vision, coupled with a deep understanding of the digital landscape, positions her as a driving force in the transformative journey of the finance industry.

What are some important facets of your life and professional journey?

I am a qualified chartered accountant hailing from Jodhpur. All my schooling and professional qualifications were completed in my hometown. Qualifying as a CA in May 2005 was a major milestone in my life. Following this milestone, I pursued certification in information systems audit with a specialization in the security and financial markets. I ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing my consulting firm and later gained corporate experience in Delhi NCR, working with prominent firms and contributing significantly to product development. Joining REVOQUANT AI as a co-founder marked another significant turning point. At REVOQUANT AI, we provide a range of services in digital transformation, AI, and ML, along with developing products for business process automation, data mining, and fraud detection, aiming to offer cost-effective and efficient solutions to organizations.

Tell us about your educational background and previous industry experience.

My educational background includes qualification as a Chartered Accountant (CA), and my journey in the field has spanned over 17 years. I've been at the forefront of innovation, particularly during my CA journey when I took the lead in implementing services related to a major regulatory reform in corporate governance, becoming the first in the city to initiate these services. This experience has cultivated my keen interest in new technologies and automation, contributing to my proficiency in building work efficiency. My specialization lies in technologybased startups, and I have extensive knowledge of global business models, key performance indicators, emerging technologies, accounting, regulatory compliance, and automation. Over the years, I have actively contributed to product development, digitization, transaction advisory services, financial analysis, and provided tax and startup advisory services.

Introduce REVOQUANT AI and outline your roles and responsibilities as Head Digital.

REVOQUANT AI is a team of professionals with extensive experience in industry-leading companies and Fortune 500 firms globally. Our co-founders bring valuable expertise from their roles in major MNCs, shaping our focus on solving complex problems for organizations. Specializing in control and compliance, transaction advisory services, and operational efficiencies, we leverage advanced technology, including ML models and advanced algorithms, to provide quick and innovative solutions.

As the Head Digital, my current role involves building a robust team, establishing processes, and fostering a culture of quality deliverables. With a background in transaction advisory services for M&A, IT project management, and niche product design, my focus is on building unique solutions that bring automation and efficiency to our clients. One flagship product, 'Infra Red,' focuses on auditor analytics, utilizing data mining, machine learning, and deep learning to identify abnormal patterns and potential fraud, providing organizations with early alerts. I have played a key role in designing and conceptualizing these products, and my current responsibility is to scale up their implementation, ensuring end-to-end solutions for our clients.

What key challenges do you face at REVOQUANT AI, and how do you overcome them?

In my current role at REVOQUANT AI, one of the key challenges is navigating the fast-paced evolution of the technology industry. Given our focus on delivering value to clients through constant research and product/service improvement, staying updated with new technologies is paramount. Another significant challenge lies in human capital management, encompassing talent acquisition, training, and motivation. The diverse specializations of our co-founders sometimes result in a time lag in adopting new ideas or initiatives. To address these challenges, we consistently invest in technology and foster an openminded team culture aimed at enhancing efficiency. By encouraging team members to contribute ideas and take ownership of their tasks, we are actively building a culture of openness and excellence within our organization.

Share the most significant milestone in your professional journey to date.

The most significant milestone in my professional journey has been the transformation from a traditional Chartered Accountant to a consulting CA offering niche advisory services. Breaking away from the conventional role of handling tax returns and budgets, I ventured into the realm of technology-driven consulting. Establishing my own consulting firm in Delhi was a pivotal movement through which I gained valuable corporate experience in product building. Embracing an entrepreneurial mindset, I focused on providing unique services, combining transactional advisory services with digitization for organizations—a rare and distinctive combination in the global landscape.

How do you foresee digitization impacting the Indian finance industry? How must finance leaders align with these changes?

Digitization, especially post-COVID, has globally transformed industries, and its increasing importance is significantly impacting the Indian finance industry. The adoption of agile technology has made many processes opaque, demanding financial professionals to adapt and understand the technologies underpinning business transactions thoroughly. Digitization not only brings transparency but also provides real-time insights, fostering overall industry development. It facilitates the collection and analysis of vast amounts of data. Finance leaders must embrace modern technologies like cloud computing, AI, and blockchain to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experiences, and stay competitive. Skill development is crucial, requiring a continuous focus on training and upskilling employees to meet emerging technology demands and leverage digital tools effectively.

Priyanka Bairathi, Head Digital, Revoquant AI

Priyanka Bairathi, a seasoned Chartered Accountant, brings extensive consulting experience in financial analysis, due diligence, and research across diverse industries. Her prowess extends to driving business performance improvement, accounting, and auditing.