Asish Datta

Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer Congruent Info-Tech | October 2008 – Present As COO & CFO at Congruent Info-Tech, I lead operational execution and financial stewardship inside a live IT services organization — managing delivery pressure, client expectations, people leadership, financial discipline, and long-term sustainability simultaneously. This is not a support role. It is operational and financial leadership from the inside — making real decisions inside ambiguity, constraints, and competing priorities, every day. What I have built and led over 17+ years: • Built and stabilized operating structures — processes, accountability frameworks, and governance systems — that support scale and predictable delivery without depending on individuals • Designed and strengthened financial systems and controls that improved decision quality, resource allocation, and margin discipline across growth cycles • Established people and HR operating systems — hiring discipline, performance frameworks, and succession planning — that reduced leadership dependency and improved retention • Led the organization through economic uncertainty, client pressure, and delivery risk while maintaining business continuity and organizational stability • Mentored and developed managers operating under real delivery, client, and cross-functional pressure — building execution credibility at the leadership layer • Created a common operating language and discipline across functions — reducing firefighting, improving risk visibility, and building a culture of ownership and closure This lived reality — building systems, stabilizing operations, and leading people through uncertainty and pressure — is what shapes everything I do.

As Manager of Application Services at Congruent Info-Tech, I led a team of 100+ technical professionals in delivering high-quality software solutions across Microsoft Dynamics and custom software development projects. My focus remained on driving profitability, optimizing resource utilization, and fostering a culture of technical excellence. • Successfully delivered multiple complex software projects, exceeding client expectations and resulting in a remarkable increase in client satisfaction ratings. • Improved project profitability through effective resource allocation, optimized project planning, and efficient utilization of project management methodologies. • Implemented Agile methodologies (Scrum), leading to a major improvement in project delivery timelines and enhanced team collaboration within the technology team. • Championed new technology initiatives, including the adoption of new development tools and frameworks, resulting in increased team productivity and expanded service offerings. • Developed and delivered training programs for technical teams, fostering skill development and promoting a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence.

As Head of Business Solutions at Congruent Info-Tech, I spearheaded the Microsoft Dynamics practice, overseeing a team of 32 consultants and engineers delivering ERP solutions to clients across various geographies. My responsibilities encompassed business development, project delivery, client relationship management, and team leadership. • Led the Microsoft Dynamics Business Group, overseeing projects across AX, NAV, SL, GP, and CRM in the US, Maldives, Australia, and India. • Managed a team of 32 professionals, including Project Leaders, Technical Consultants, and Engineers, ensuring smooth project delivery from initiation to post-implementation support. • Directed all stages of the project lifecycle, including client meetings, commercial estimation, implementation, account management, and support planning. • Successfully delivered 8 large-scale implementations, along with several medium and small-sized projects. • Secured repeat business from two major clients through effective project execution and solution delivery. • Played a pivotal role in winning back lost accounts through relationship-building and consistent follow-ups. • Led efforts to facilitate seamless transitions from legacy systems by organizing simultaneous testing, implementation, and corrections.

Alongside my COO & CFO role in IT, I selectively coach IT delivery leaders 1:1 outside work hours — applied directly to live situations, grounded in 25+ years of IT delivery reality. Capability or hard work is rarely the issue. Uncertainty and pressure are permanent. Performing consistently despite them is. Through the Leadership MRI Accelerator, I work with IT delivery leaders carrying accountability without full authority and seeking stronger control, credibility, trust, visibility, and consistent performance under pressure. The work is applied to live situations — escalations, dependencies, stakeholder pressure, unclear ownership, follow-up gaps, cross-functional friction, and visibility challenges. Core focus: • Maturity — control and judgment under pressure • Relationship — trust through reliability • Interaction — movement without authority • Early risk anticipation and no-surprises discipline • Communication, follow-through, and closure discipline • Escalation judgment and stakeholder alignment Core belief Reliability under pressure → Trust → Visibility → Career progression Background • Coached 500+ IT delivery professionals on operating discipline, execution credibility, and performance under pressure • Draws from 35+ years in operational and financial leadership, including 25+ years inside IT delivery reality • Author of two books on Self-Leadership, Team Dynamics, and Organizational Culture

As Project Manager at Quintegra Solutions, I successfully managed a 9-member team to deliver a key project for a US-based Telecom client. This role involved significant client interaction, including 6 months onsite in the USA, demanding strong communication and stakeholder management skills. • Managed a 9-member project team for a prominent US-based telecom client, overseeing all aspects of project delivery. • Led the team onsite in the US for 6 months, ensuring timely and effective execution of the project. • Coordinated closely with clients, ensuring alignment with business goals and project requirements. • Recognized by the Managing Director for the successful and efficient management of the Nebraska project for Watchmark, USA.

At Arkin Systems, I took on the dual role of Manager - Business Solutions and Functional Consultant for ERP projects. My key responsibilities included managing a team of ERP consultants, driving successful project implementations, and providing expert functional consultancy to clients. • Led the team in customizing and implementing the first-ever Indian tax module for Microsoft Solomon ERP, demonstrating technical expertise and adaptability to meet specific client needs. • Successfully implemented ERP solutions for diverse clients, resulting in streamlined business processes, improved data visibility, and increased operational efficiency. • Conducted comprehensive gap analysis and business process studies to identify areas for improvement and recommend optimal ERP solutions. • Collaborated effectively with technical teams to translate business requirements into functional specifications, ensuring successful system design and implementation.

As a Functional Consultant at Soffia Software, I specialized in delivering ERP solutions, conducting system and process studies, and crafting tailored solutions for a diverse range of clients. • Led ERP solution projects by conducting system and process studies, analyzing client needs, and proposing tailored system solutions. • Managed the creation of Software Requirement Specifications (SRS) and collaborated with technical teams to design and implement system solutions. • Applied business process re-engineering to develop optimal processes and solutions for clients. • Spearheaded 3 major ERP implementations, including: • Production Monitoring System for an automobile accessories manufacturer, covering production planning, sales/purchase order processing, inventory control, and costing. • Financial Accounting System for an automobile fuel injection manufacturer. • Enterprise Solution for a windmill generation company, including production planning, procurement, and inventory management.

Starting as a Senior Accounts Executive, I progressed to head the Commercial Department of the Low Voltage Switchboard factory at Siemens. My key responsibilities included managing factory financials, implementing cost control measures, and driving process improvements. • Led benchmarking and restructuring initiatives that delivered considerable bottom-line improvements, demonstrating strong financial acumen and strategic thinking. • Automated key commercial functions, resulting in increased productivity, reduced manual effort, and improved data accuracy. • Played an instrumental role in implementing SAP MM and FICO modules, streamlining financial processes, and enhancing data visibility across the factory operations.

At Crompton Greaves, I managed sales accounting and branch financials for the Ahmedabad and Baroda offices, honing my skills in financial management and team supervision. • Successfully managed sales invoicing, collections accounting, and depot stock administration, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting. • Received public appreciation from the Regional Director for exceeding performance expectations within a short period, demonstrating strong work ethic and commitment.

My tenure at A.F. Ferguson provided a strong foundation in auditing and accounting principles. I gained invaluable experience working with diverse industries, including banking, manufacturing, and consumer goods, while conducting audits for renowned organizations like Standard Chartered Bank, Hindustan Lever, TISCO, and Siemens. • Successfully conducted audits for a wide range of clients, demonstrating a thorough understanding of auditing standards and financial reporting requirements. • Entrusted with auditing a major Hindustan Lever factory in my second year, reflecting strong technical skills and the ability to handle responsibility early on.

Secured All India Rank in CA Intermediate