Chief Finance Officer/Head - Center Of Excellence (15-25 yrs)

The CFO / Head of Finance - Shared Services will be responsible for leading the financial strategy, operations, and governance of the shared services function. This role requires deep expertise in financial controllership, FP&A, compliance, and process optimization within a shared services or global business services (GBS) environment. The ideal candidate will drive cost efficiency, operational excellence, and digital transformation to enhance financial performance across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Leadership & Strategy:

- Define and execute the financial strategy for the shared services function, aligning with corporate objectives.

- Drive cost optimization, financial efficiency, and scalability of shared services operations.

- Provide financial insights to support decision-making and operational improvements.

2. Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A):

- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for shared services.

- Monitor key financial metrics and implement performance improvement strategies.

- Develop financial models to assess cost allocations, pricing strategies, and service chargebacks.

3. Controllership & Compliance:

- Oversee accounting, financial reporting, and statutory compliance in line with IFRS / GAAP.

- Implement strong internal controls, risk management frameworks, and governance policies.

- Ensure compliance with tax regulations, transfer pricing, and inter-company transactions.

4. Cost Management & Operational Efficiency:

- Optimize the cost structure of shared services, identifying opportunities for automation and efficiency.

- Implement financial best practices to enhance productivity and cost transparency.

- Drive lean finance initiatives, benchmarking against industry best practices.

5. Treasury & Working Capital Management:

- Oversee cash flow management, intercompany funding, and treasury operations.

- Develop strategies to optimize working capital and reduce financial risks.

- Manage banking relationships, credit facilities, and foreign exchange exposure.

6. Business Partnering & Stakeholder Management:

- Collaborate with global and regional leadership teams to align financial operations with business goals.

- Act as a strategic advisor to senior management on financial planning and operational improvements.

- Manage relationships with auditors, regulators, and external stakeholders.

7. Digital Transformation & Process Automation:

- Lead digital initiatives, including ERP enhancements, RPA, and AI-driven financial analytics.

- Standardize and automate financial processes to drive operational efficiency.

- Implement data-driven decision-making frameworks to enhance financial insights.

8. Team Leadership & Capability Development:

- Build and lead a high-performing finance team within the shared services function.

- Develop financial talent, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

- Establish strong governance and performance monitoring mechanisms for the finance team.

Key Qualifications & Experience:

- Chartered Accountant (CA), CPA, CMA, MBA (Finance), or equivalent qualification.

- 15+ years of experience in finance leadership roles, with expertise in shared services / GBS.

- Strong background in financial controllership, FP&A, and cost optimization.

- Experience in setting up and scaling shared services or captive finance operations.

- Deep understanding of financial regulations, tax laws, and transfer pricing principles.

- Hands-on experience with ERP systems.

- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.