Unnamalai Ramanathan’s career journey is a remarkable tale of ambition, resilience, and leadership, marked by her transition from a determined student in India to spearheading the tax implementation for the Middle East’s largest convention and exhibition centre to being a controller for a reputed private equity firm in New York City. Her story, unfolding against the backdrop of personal challenges, cultural transitions, and global crises, is a testament to her perseverance and commitment to excellence.
Early Beginnings in India: The Foundation of Ambition
Born and raised in India in a family that deeply valued education, Unnamalai credits her upbringing for instilling a sense of discipline and determination. “My parents always encouraged me to pursue my interests. They gave me the freedom to fly and choose my path,” she reflects. Observing her father, a finance professional, she developed an early fascination with numbers and financial systems, which eventually became her career compass.
Unnamalai’s academic pursuits reflected her ambition. She earned a BBA in Finance and Accountancy from Christ University, setting the foundation for her understanding of financial principles. Alongside her undergraduate studies, she pursued rigorous certifications, including the CMA (Certified Management Accounting) and ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). “Education was never just a phase for me; it was a continuous journey to equip myself for the complexities of the financial world,” she says.
Determined to expand her horizons, Unnamalai went on to complete a Master’s in Professional Accountancy from the University of London while balancing the demands of full-time work. This dual commitment to work and study exemplified her dedication to self-improvement. Yet, one of her proudest academic milestones came later, with her acceptance into the EY Tech MBA from Hult University—an honor enjoyed by less than 1% of EY’s global workforce (EY had over 395,000 employees in 2023) . “It was not just about the title; it was about redefining the intersection of finance and technology,” she explains.
A Career Built on Challenges and Milestones
Unnamalai’s professional journey began with roles that emphasized compliance and financial reporting. These early experiences grounded her understanding of regulatory frameworks and set the stage for her later roles. But it was her transition to Ernst & Young (EY) as a Senior Financial Accountant that proved to be a pivotal moment in her career. “Handling fund accounting clients and financial statements for Fortune 500 companies taught me the intricacies of controllership and instilled the confidence to take on larger challenges,” she shares.
Her tenure at EY not only deepened her technical expertise but also honed her leadership skills. She gained a reputation for managing complex projects with precision, paving the way for her eventual move to working with Middle East’s largest convention and exhibition centre.
Diversity and Adaptability
As an Indian woman in the global finance arena, Unnamalai’s journey was not without its challenges. Navigating cultural differences, gender biases, and high-stakes projects demanded resilience and adaptability. “Coming from India and working globally taught me the importance of understanding and embracing different perspectives,” she notes.
Her diverse background often served as an asset, allowing her to approach problems with a unique lens. However, breaking into leadership roles required persistence. “There were moments when I felt underestimated, but I focused on delivering exceptional results and building strong professional relationships. ” she shares.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Unnamalai attributes much of her success to her commitment to continuous learning. Whether it was balancing demanding roles with further education or mentoring young finance professionals, her career has been marked by an unwavering focus on growth. “Education and mentorship are my ways of giving back. I believe in empowering the next generation to navigate the financial world with confidence,” she says.
Looking ahead, Unnamalai envisions herself in more strategic leadership roles. She hopes to continue influencing financial practices while fostering innovation and inclusivity. “I want to leave behind a legacy of continuous learning and development, inspiring others to embrace the same values. Technology is growing at a constant pace impacting the way we work, it is important and quintessential for us to continually upskill ourselves to outsmart technology ” she states.
A Story of Resilience and Leadership
Unnamalai Ramanathan’s journey is not just about professional milestones—it is a story of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence. From her academic achievements in India to her role at EY and her career trajectory reflects her ability to navigate complexities with grace and determination.
“I’ve always believed that challenges are opportunities in disguise. Each step of my journey, no matter how difficult, has taught me something invaluable,” she concludes. Her story serves as an inspiration to those striving to make their mark in the global financial landscape.
