Saramma Mathew

A self-driven professional with strong work ethics. 30+ years of professional experience and playing a pivotal role in organization building and team leadership. Ability to provide tailor made solutions to mitigate complexities, both in terms of changes within the organization as well as statutory amendments within the not-for-profit sector while ensuring compliance to all donor, statutory and organizational principles and policies. Proven track record of developing robust systems and practices that stand the test of time, volume and complexities without losing sight of efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Chief Finance & Administrative Officer and Secretary to the Trust - Anusandhan Trust - Mumbai, Maharashtra

(2010-01 - 2024-09)

Elevated to the post of Chief Finance & Administrative Officer along with being Secretary to the Trust. Responsible for all statutory, legal, donor, administrative, finance and human resource compliances.

• Achieved almost 100% compliance to various statutory and donor requirements
• Successfully managed FCRA renewals, Income Tax scrutiny/appeals and Charity Commissioner assessments
• Handled about 120 crore turnover with almost equal amount of foreign and local funding spread over more than 250 projects
• Dealt with over 90+ donor agencies including government funding, United Nations funding, Corporate Social Responsibility funds, foreign university funding and funds from Indian and foreign private foundations
• Managed teams of administration, human resource management, finance and accounts located at more than 4 locations with a total of over 13 members
• Negotiated a profitable property redevelopment deal for the organization
• Successfully handled statutory audit for 25+ years independently

Secretary to the Trust - Anusandhan Trust - Mumbai, Maharashtra

(2005-01 - 2010-12)

Elevated to the role of Secretary to the Trust which encompassed being responsible for all statutory, legal, donor, administrative, finance and human resource compliances.

• Conducted Board meetings, preparing and circulating agenda
• Ensured all relevant information is available with the Board for decision-making
• Written minutes of the meeting and follow up regarding decisions taken at the Board meeting
• Reported to the Board of Trustees
• Helped the organization to transition in terms of its structure in 2005
• Developed systems of decentralization and consolidation at the central level

Support Unit Staff (progression through hierarchy) - Anusandhan Trust - Mumbai, Maharashtra

(1994-07 - 2005-12)

Joined Anusandhan Trust, a health research and training Public Trust, at the inception stage of the organization. Climbed the hierarchy ladder through persistent work and effective results.

• Played an important, pivotal and central role in building the systems, practices and procedures from step one to an organization with robust system
• Developed administration, human resource management, legal, financial and accounts from inception
• Created various posts in the support units, worked out job responsibilities and developed appraisal system
• Played active role in grievance redressal mechanism
• Was part of putting in place the Policy against Sexual Harassment at Workplace
• Been part of all decision-making bodies and played an important role in shaping them

Criminal Lawyer - Self-Employed - Mumbai, Maharashtra

(2025-06)

Practicing as a Criminal Lawyer under a Senior Advocate.

Freelancer / Consultant - Various Organizations - Mumbai, Maharashtra

(2024-10)

Providing freelance services in compliance review and policy development.

• Registration of Trust / Society as a Freelancer
• Reviewing of compliances of Anusandhan Trust for the financial year 2024 – 2025
• Developed POSH policy for Mann – Centre for Individuals with Special Needs
• Developed Maternity Benefit Policy and provided framework for Human Resource Policy for Indian Society for Heating, Refridgeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Mumbai Chapter (ISHRAE)

Volunteer Lawyer - SHANTIGHAR

Worked on voluntary basis with a group of lawyers.

• Helped lawyers to draft plaints, petitions, written statements, etc.

Volunteer Accountant - MASUM

Played a very important role in computerizing accounts.

• Trained village workers to use MS – EXCEL for maintenance of accounts for an organisation MASUM that runs a rural bank

Volunteer Consultant - Forum for Medical Ethics Society

Developed financial and administrative systems.

• Developed basic financial and administrative management manual

Bachelor's Degree - Commerce - University of Mumbai (1994)

LLB - Law - University of Mumbai (1998)