Suchita Gupta,Founder, Suchita Gupta

India's regulatory compliance consulting market is rapidly expanding due to an evolving regulatory landscape, digitalization, and the growing emphasis on ESG and data privacy standards. Furthermore, businesses across sectors including finance and healthcare face complex regulations that necessitate specialized compliance services. Also to note, the Digital India initiative is accelerating the adoption of technologies such as AI and blockchain for efficient compliance management. However, startups and new businesses often struggle to balance growth and compliance, as CEOs typically prioritize scaling over regulatory matters. To mitigate this, engaging a virtual CFO allows these businesses to access expert compliance services at a fraction of the cost of a full-time CFO.

As one of the emerging tech CFOs in the country, Shuchita Gupta brings a unique blend of financial expertise and hands-on operational skills to the table. Known for her proactive approach, she takes complete ownership of her responsibilities to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of work, regardless of any challenges that arise, such as unexpected personnel issues or the introduction of new technologies. Over the years, Shuchita has developed the ability to operate any software implemented at a client site, driven by her belief that understanding these tools is essential for effective feedback, process improvements, and training team members.

In an exclusive interview with Finance Outlook India, Shuchita Gupta delves into how she has been aiding businesses to overcome regulatory uncertainties while paving the way toward financial sturdiness.

Why should a prospective client partner with you? Tell us about some of the differentiating factors that set you apart from other players in the space.

I lead by example, consistently upskilling myself to stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape. With this, I have garnered extensive experience that has allowed me to adapt to significant industry shifts, such as the introduction of payment gateways, changes in tax reporting for the gaming industry, and the transition from VAT and CST to GST.

What sets me apart is my deep understanding of how technology influences business. I recognize, that to add value, I must have a comprehensive grasp of sales-capturing software, customer acquisition costs (CAC), search engine optimization (SEO), and backend data storage for analytics, to name a few. This knowledge allows me to derive meaningful metrics to improve operational efficiency and drive business growth. Rather than relying on others, I ensure that I independently assess and propose solutions based on the data at hand.

Furthermore, my commitment to continuous learning is evident in my pursuit of various online courses and my willingness to learn from colleagues. Additionally, in many of my roles, I have acted as a bridge between business and technology teams. By helping the tech department understand business requirements and guiding business stakeholders in presenting structured, actionable requests, often using flowcharts, I have ensured smoother communication and more efficient solution implementation.

The blend of financial acumen, technological understanding, and leadership style has positioned me today as a trusted advisor, capable of navigating complex challenges while driving both growth and innovation.

As one of the emerging tech CFOs in the country, give us an overview of the expertise that you bring to the table. Also, elucidate on the various services that you’re known in the market for while highlighting their USPs.

I believe in providing more than just standard financial services, and offer value-added solutions tailored to the unique needs of each business. One of my core strengths lies in providing periodic MIS reporting, including stock statements, debtor aging analysis, sales mix, and product mix reports, which are critical for SMEs and startups to make informed decisions. These predefined reports are sent at regular intervals to ensure businesses are always equipped with timely insights.

Moreover, I focus on devising customizable solutions. Every startup has distinct requirements, what works for an e-Commerce apparel company won’t be suitable for an advertising firm. The financial reports, processes, and forecasting necessary for these businesses are vastly different. As a virtual CFO, I also customize the skills and scope of work to fit the company’s specific needs, ensuring clients pay only for what is essential. Additionally, these services evolve as the business grows and changes, offering flexibility and scalability. This personalized approach distinguishes me in a space crowded with one-size-fits-all solutions.

What has been the approach in establishing strong and enduring relationships with clients?

I believe in the utmost sincerity and commitment, wherein I immerse myself in the clients' businesses, adapting financial strategies as they evolve through different revenue milestones. My diverse experience enables me to provide tailored guidance in training, staff evaluations, and strategic planning. When it comes to building strong, enduring relationships, I actively listen to clients' needs and conduct industry-specific research to deliver customized solutions. I prioritize clear communication, offering regular updates and fostering trust through transparency. My proactive approach and attention to detail ensure high-quality work, earning client referrals as their businesses grow.

How has the company charted out its map for the future, and what developments can we expect in the years to come?

As the gig economy continues to grow in the country, the regulatory landscape is evolving, with authorities debating how to formalize the sector and extend social security benefits to its workers. Owing to budgets and other factors, the acceptance for an outsourced CFO is also growing and investors are also open to such an arrangement in the initial years of a business. I work towards this by continuously reading and being abreast with the latest in the relevant industry within the country and outside, while upskilling myself regularly.

I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Law from the National Law University in Bangalore, which will further help me enhance my ability to navigate complex legal and financial landscapes for clients. The future holds exciting developments, with plans to offer even more specialized and legally informed financial guidance, adapting to the growing needs of businesses in the evolving economy.