Group Chief Financial Officer - CA (20-26 yrs)

Position Summary:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be responsible for overseeing all financial operations of company and its various entities. The ideal candidate should have significant exposure to raising various forms of debt, managing finance in asset-heavy businesses, and experience in cash flow management. In addition, the role demands expertise in implementing tech-led growth strategies in finance operations. The CFO will play a pivotal role in driving financial strategy, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring the financial health and growth of the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Strategy & Leadership:

- Develop and execute a comprehensive financial strategy that aligns with the organization's goals and long-term growth plans.

- Provide strategic insights to the executive leadership team to support decision-making and ensure the financial sustainability of the organization.

- Lead efforts to scale the organization's financial infrastructure in line with its tech-driven growth objectives.

Debt Management & Capital Raising:

- Manage the process of raising various forms of debt, including working capital loans, term loans, and structured debt solutions.

- Maintain relationships with banks, financial institutions, and investors to secure capital for expansion, asset management, and operational growth.

- Oversee capital structure and optimize cost of debt for ongoing business operations.

Asset Heavy Business Management:

- Manage financial operations related to the asset-heavy nature of the business, ensuring optimal asset utilization and cost control.

- Provide leadership in investment planning and funding for capital-intensive projects, including new campuses or infrastructure expansions.

Cash Flow & Financial Management:

- Oversee cash flow management, ensuring liquidity for operations across all entities including educational institutions, franchises, and other outlets.

- Ensure effective working capital management, balance sheet strength, and long-term financial health.

- Lead financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes to ensure alignment with business objectives.

Tech-led Financial Operations:

- Drive the adoption of technology in finance operations, automating processes for efficiency and scalability.

- Implement advanced financial systems, reporting tools, and analytics to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.

- Champion digital transformation initiatives in finance to support the organization's long-term growth strategy.

Compliance & Governance:

- Ensure full compliance with all statutory regulations, tax policies, and financial reporting standards in India.

- Work closely with legal and compliance teams to mitigate risks and safeguard the organization's financial integrity.

Team Leadership & Development:

- Lead and mentor a 25-member finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and accountability.

- Ensure robust succession planning, team performance management, and the development of future finance leaders within the organization.

Key Qualifications & Experience:

Education: Chartered Accountant (CA) is mandatory. An additional LLB degree is highly preferred.

Experience:

- Over 20 years of experience in finance roles, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership capacity such as CFO, Head of Finance or VP Finance.

- Proven expertise in raising various forms of debt and managing finance in asset-heavy businesses.

- Experience in cash flow management, particularly in businesses with multiple outlets such as educational institutions, franchises, multi-outlet stores, or hospitals.

- Strong background in implementing tech-led growth strategies in finance operations.

Skills:

- Strong financial acumen with expertise in financial planning, analysis, and reporting.

- Demonstrated experience in capital markets, investor relations, and working with financial institutions.

- Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills with a track record of leading high-performing teams.

- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a focus on growth and innovation.

Personal Attributes:

- Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities.

- High integrity and ethical standards, with a commitment to transparency.

- Ability to manage complex financial operations in a dynamic, growth-oriented organization.

- Strong leadership presence with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.