Hi, I’m
Balaji Gannapureddy
Menomonee Falls,USA
Summary
A highly driven, hands-on, and proactive senior manager with a proven track record of leading global teams to deliver innovative solutions and on-time implementations. With over 25 years of experience in the Payments Industry, I have spearheaded FIS Payment Products, including EFT Payments, EBT Government Solutions, and Money Movement (ACH, Wires, SWIFT, Real-Time Payments, and FedNow Payments). A collaborative and optimistic team player, I excel in effective communication with peers, clients, and leadership. Passionate about driving project success, I bring energy, focus, and strategic awareness to dynamic environments. Dedicated to contributing through hard work, meticulous attention to detail, and strong organizational skills.
Overview
25
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
FIS
Support Product Manager Money Movement
10.2021 - 03.2025
Job overview
- Responsible for Money Movement Products On-Premise and Hosted clients, managed 28 clients across North America and Chile.
- Supported applications including ACH, Wires, XCT, BP, RTP, and FedNow, with custom code and configurations. Worked through implementation of ISO20022 and SWIFT Standards for WIRES.
- Provided dedicated support to 10 On-Premise clients (BAML, BNYM, Comerica, FMAC, FTB, NFCU, PNC, TD, BCH, and Redeban) and 18 Hosted clients (AMEX, Amerant, Discover, EWB, WSFS, CNBF, CIBC, Ally, BT, 7 RTP, and 2 FedNow).
- Transitioned the support model from client-centered resourcing to a product-aligned approach, optimizing resource utilization and reducing costs by eliminating the need for additional hires with each new client.
- Managed distributed teams of 46 resources (15 Onsite and 31 Offshore) consisting of Development, QA & BA personnel and championed the client support process.
- Streamlined support process and enhanced visibility of the support tickets in Jira.
- Developed client-specific dashboards to provide real-time visibility into backlog, issue resolution metrics, and ticket statistics, categorized by status, priority, and assignee.
- Led team adoption of the new ticketing process from ServiceNow through comprehensive training sessions and established a clear support call tree in xMatters to streamline incident management.
- Redefined roles, responsibilities, and the escalation process in collaboration with internal support teams to enhance clarity, efficiency, and issue resolution timelines.
- Served as the End User Authentication Contact (EUAC) for Fed Online access management, acting as the primary liaison between FIS and the Federal Reserve. Led authentication and access control processes to ensure secure and seamless connectivity for Wires and FedNow clients.
FIS
Client Certification Product Manager EBT Payments
03.2017 - 10.2021
Job overview
- FIS EBT product is a comprehensive solution built on Connex HP Switch, Data Navigator, Fraud Navigator, and EBT-specific front-end web applications.
- FIS EBT serves 30 of the 50 U.S. states, processing Electronic Benefit Transfers through Connex HP Non-Stop Switches.
- Managed and driven the successful conversion of 11 states to FIS during my tenure with EBT.
- Worked with Release Management team to streamline the yearly Release calendar on code movement between the QA, CERT and Prod Environments with pre-scheduled dates for code freeze for each of the releases followed by code movement dates to the respective environments. This helped my team communicate fixed certifications dates to the clients and have their certification slots fixed.
- Managed the Master Data of EBT-participating merchants and recipients across 30 states in both UAT and production environments.
- Certified and deployed EBT-enabled terminals for merchants, enabling them to securely process EBT transactions and facilitate customer access to benefits.
- FIS EBT currently processes 1.43 billion transactions annually.
- During the 2020 pandemic, navigated critical challenges to implement Pandemic EBT (PEBT) across all states, ensuring millions of children received essential federal benefits. Additionally, spearheaded the implementation of Online EBT, enabling cardholders to purchase food online and receive home deliveries—revolutionizing the EBT program.
FIS
Program & Project Management
04.2010 - 03.2017
Job overview
- Managed PA-DSS audit program for over 2 years in parallel to QA Management for EFT Payment Products Connex HP, Connex IBM, IBM Settlement, Data Navigator, IST Switch, IST MAS, and Clearing, ensuring compliance with security standards.
- Project Manager for the biannual Network Mandates (Fall & Spring) for all EFT applications, including Cardbase, ensuring timely compliance with MasterCard, VISA, Shazam, NYCE, and Pulse requirements for both FIS Data Center and software clients.
- Successfully lead and managed annual software release projects for Data Navigator, ensuring seamless deployments, feature enhancements, optimal system performance and system stability.
- Pioneered and implemented project scheduling in Planview (PV) for Debit Payments, incorporating resource requests and task-level forecasting to improve planning efficiency.
- Actively contributed to PMO initiatives by generating biweekly reports and IA reports from Planview to support testing and implementation efforts.
- Maintained up-to-date project documentation in SharePoint, tracked risks and mitigation plans, and provided accurate forecasts and burn-down charts using Microsoft tools.
- Created detailed visual representations of requirement flows using Visio, ensuring alignment and clear communication among all stakeholders.
FIS
QA Manager EFT Debit Products
11.1999 - 05.2012
Job overview
- Managed QA teams for EFT debit products Connex HP, Connex IBM, and IBM Settlement, overseeing onsite resources in Milwaukee and offshore teams in Chennai.
- Represented QA during VOCALINK’s (UK Client) onsite visit to Milwaukee, playing a key role in securing contract renewal with FIS.
- Managed and coordinated the migration from ACI Base24 to FIS BCFS Connex switch for in-house processing, ensuring seamless integration with FIS Cardbase application while enhancing system efficiency and performance.
- Experienced in building Connex switch CED records and configuring transaction routing between acquiring and issuing PI’s, including AP setup for transaction processing.
- Directed and managed end-to-end testing for EMV enablement across all EFT products, ensuring regulatory compliance, robust security, and seamless integration with existing systems.
- Coordinated SAS 70 QA audits for all EP products, ensuring compliance in collaboration with offshore teams.
- Represented QA in high-level discussions on the Connex 2009 'Big Switch' initiative during an on-site engagement in Toronto.
- Established the first automation team in EFT Payments and initiated regression automation, enhancing testing efficiency.
- Revised Release & Deployment Management process from the excel spreadsheets to Sharepoint site for collaboration between Dev, QA, Cert and RCC teams to review and signoff on the changes scheduled in a release.
- Implemented automation using QTP, significantly reducing configuration and setup time for IST Switch (three versions and four platforms) in PA-DSS audits.
- Exposure to Agile development frameworks and methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban.
- Learned and deployed the FINSim automation tool for POS and ATM transaction testing in Connex HP/IBM, installed and maintained seven FINSim servers across India, the U.S., and Canada.
- Automated CITI client regression scripts using FINSim, reducing execution time from 24 hours to just over 15 minutes. This also enabled CITI to conduct its first performance test on the Connex HP product.
- Designed and developed a standardized estimation worksheet for QA, improving project planning and resource allocation.
- Implemented HP Quality Center for test tracking and redesigned the QA estimation sheet to serve as a data source for loading projects into the system.
- Deployed JIRA as a defect tracking tool for EFT Debit, streamlining issue management.
- Led QA activities for PULSE’s upgrade from V1.1 to V1.5, traveling to their Houston headquarters to set the foundation. Reviewed over 700+ latent reports and developed a detailed upgrade plan, earning PULSE’s confidence in FIS QA capabilities. This became one of the highest revenue-generating projects in 2010.
Education
Andhra University
Bachelor from Computer Science
Skills
- Technology Strategy & Software Development
- Release & Deployment Management,
- Technology & Process Innovation,
- Professional Services & Client engagements
- Client relationship management, support & excellence,
- Budget & Cost, IT Governance & Quality Audit
- Program/Project Management (SCRUM/Agile/Waterfall)
- Product strategy & development
- Product backlog management & Timeline management
- Cross functional leadership & Vendor management
Certification
- Contributed to achieving CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) Level 3 certification.
- Databricks Fundamentals Accreditation Certified
Accomplishments
- Received the prestigious FIS Oscar Award for leading the State of California’s EBT conversion.
- Honored with 2 Teach Learn Challenge (TLC) PIN awards in 2020
- For PEBT program successful implementation.
- For transitioning PR EBT transaction switching from US Bank/Elavon Network to Fiserv via EBTG<>NYCE<>BCFS<>Evertec<>PR
Professional Highlights
· Over 25 years of dedicated service with FIS, contributing expertise, leadership, and innovation to drive organizational success.
· Served as a Production Support Product Manager in the Money Movement Line of Business (LOB) for OPF North America, overseeing product support for 28 clients across North America and Chile.
· Worked as a Client Certification Product Manager for EBT Government Solutions, overseeing QA and certification processes. Successfully managed and maintained the EBT Master Data for 30 states, ensuring regulatory compliance, data integrity, and operational efficiency.
· Served as Program Manager for PA-DSS audits, overseeing compliance across all EFT Debit and IST products to ensure adherence to industry security standards. Revised Release & Deployment Management process.
· QA Manager in EFT Debit. Managed QA deliverables for the products Connex HP/IBM, Data Navigator & Fraud Navigator applications, ensuring quality, reliability, and seamless performance.
· Worked as Project Manager and managed the end to delivery of Network Mandatescompliance projects for MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Shazam, NYCE & Pulse across EFT Debit Projects.
· Generated and distributed weekly and monthly reports to all stakeholders, providing insights into key performance metrics, issue resolution status, project progress, and support trends.
· Extensive knowledge in financial banking, EFT(Electronic Funds Transfer), EBT(Electronic Benefits Transfer), and Money Movement, including ACH, Wires, XCT, BP, Real-Time Payments, and FedNow Payments. Experienced in Payment Application Data Security Standards (PA-DSS) audits, SAS 70 audits, and PCI audits for payment applications. Knowledge in ISO20022 and SWIFT Standards for WIRES.
· Contributed to achieving CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) Level 3 certification.
· Proficient in project management tools, security management tools, and QA testing tools.
· Conducted gap analysis of business rules, requirements, and process flows through interactions with process owners and stakeholders, identifying areas for improvement and optimization.
Timeline
Support Product Manager Money Movement
FIS
10.2021 - 03.2025
Client Certification Product Manager EBT Payments
FIS
03.2017 - 10.2021
Program & Project Management
FIS
04.2010 - 03.2017
QA Manager EFT Debit Products
FIS
11.1999 - 05.2012
Andhra University
Bachelor from Computer Science
Similar Profiles
Yamika PoulardYamika Poulard
Level 2 Associate at FISLevel 2 Associate at FIS
Buddhika (Budd) BandaranayakeBuddhika (Budd) Bandaranayake
Product Owner at FISProduct Owner at FIS
Abhinav KumarAbhinav Kumar
Web Developer| Production Support L3 at FISWeb Developer| Production Support L3 at FIS
Marco NorbiatoMarco Norbiato
Solution Architect Senior Manager at FISSolution Architect Senior Manager at FIS
Earl DoyleEarl Doyle
Director Global Engineering Operations • Global Centers Sales Support at Johnson Controls, Inc.Director Global Engineering Operations • Global Centers Sales Support at Johnson Controls, Inc.