Associate Director - Business Finance - CA/IIM/ISB/MDI/FMS (8-12 yrs)

About the Role:

- We are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Associate Director, Business Finance to lead the financial operations for our Merchant Business - Offline segment.

- This role is pivotal in driving sustainable growth and profitability by providing comprehensive financial leadership and business partnering.

- The ideal candidate will be a seasoned finance professional with a strong understanding of the offline merchant ecosystem and a proven track record of delivering impactful financial insights and driving business performance.

Core Responsibilities:

Business Finance Leadership & Partnership:

- Serve as a strategic finance partner to the Merchant Business - Offline leadership team, providing financial insights and guidance to support key business decisions.

- Lead the end-to-end P&L management for the Offline Merchant segment, ensuring accurate reporting and analysis of financial performance.

- Develop and maintain strong relationships with cross-functional teams, including Product, Business, Marketing, Growth, and Procurement.

- Drive a culture of financial accountability and performance within the business unit.

Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting:

- Lead the development of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) for the Offline Merchant business, aligning financial targets with strategic objectives.

- Conduct quarterly forecast refreshes, incorporating market trends and business performance to provide accurate outlooks.

- Manage the planning, budgeting, and Monthly Expense Control (MEC) reviews for various business expenses, ensuring efficient resource allocation.

- Develop and implement robust financial models to support strategic initiatives and investment decisions.

Performance Analysis & Reporting:

- Conduct in-depth analysis of financial performance, including costs, pricing, variable contributions, and growth results.

- Prepare and present comprehensive weekly and monthly business review decks, highlighting key performance indicators, challenges, and action items.

- Analyze variances between actual performance and business plans, providing actionable insights and recommendations to drive improvements.

- Develop and maintain dashboards and reports to track key performance metrics and provide timely financial information to stakeholders.

Commercial Negotiations & Cost Optimization:

- Collaborate with the Business and Procurement teams to drive commercial closure and revisions for cost optimization initiatives.

- Lead commercial negotiations with key vendors and partners, ensuring favorable terms and conditions.

- Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities across the business unit, driving operational efficiency and profitability.

Market Analysis & Strategic Insights:

- Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify industry trends, competitive landscape, and growth opportunities.

- Bring "outside-in" perspectives, challenging existing assumptions and providing fresh insights to drive business innovation.

- Develop and present strategic recommendations to senior management, supporting informed decision-making.

Financial Control & Governance:

- Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and internal controls.

- Implement and maintain robust financial processes and procedures.

- Manage financial risk and ensure the integrity of financial data.

Requirements:

- Education: Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) or MBA from a premier institute.

- Experience: 8-12 years of relevant experience in business finance, corporate finance, or related roles, preferably within the fintech, e-commerce, or retail industry.

- Industry Knowledge: Extensive understanding of the offline merchant ecosystem, financial trends, and market dynamics.

- Financial Acumen: Strong financial modeling, analysis, and reporting skills.

- Business Partnership: Proven ability to build strong relationships with business leaders and provide strategic financial guidance.

- Communication & Presentation: Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

- Analytical Skills: Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.

- Leadership: Demonstrated leadership capabilities and the ability to motivate and manage teams.

- Software Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, and financial planning and analysis tools.

- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience in the payments industry or with offline merchant acquisition and management.

- Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements.

- Experience in a high-growth startup environment.