Finance Controller/CFO

Role & responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and fixed assets accounting.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Maintain accurate records of all financial transactions and ensure adherence to company accounting policies.
• Ensure compliance with Indian Accounting Standards (Ind-AS) and other applicable statutory regulations (GST, TDS, etc.).
• Prepare and file all statutory financial reports and ensure timely submission of regulatory filings, including tax returns and other required reports.
• Coordinate with external auditors and ensure successful completion of statutory audits.
• Implement and enforce robust internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of financial reporting.
• Lead internal audits to identify potential financial risks and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial policies and procedures, reviewing them periodically to ensure they meet current business needs and legal requirements.
• Lead and mentor the accounting team, providing guidance on best practices in accounting processes and encouraging professional development.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and performance management of the accounting staff to ensure a high level of accuracy and efficiency.
• Continuously review accounting processes and workflows to identify opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements.
• Work with IT and other departments to implement accounting software upgrades or new systems to streamline processes and improve reporting accuracy.
• Oversee month-end and year-end closing activities, including reconciliation of all balance sheet accounts, revenue and expense recognition, and adjustments.
• Ensure timely reconciliation of key accounts, including cash, inventory, intercompany accounts, and fixed assets.
• Provide accurate financial reports to senior management for decision-making purposes.
• Develop and present periodic accounting reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements to the leadership team.
• Ensure accurate and timely accounting for all direct and indirect taxes (GST, TDS) within the financial statements.
• Collaborate with the tax team to ensure compliance and accurate tax calculations within the accounting function

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of Indian Accounting Standards (Ind-AS), taxation principles, and proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
• Leadership Skills: Ability to lead and develop a high-performing accounting team.
• Detail-Oriented: High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and compliance.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills to interpret financial data and ensure accounting accuracy.

Educational Background and Work Experience

• Education: Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent accounting certification.
• Experience: Minimum 18+ years of experience in accounting, with at least 5-8 years in a leadership role. Experience in managing corporate accounting functions is preferred.

Competencies

• Accounting Expertise: In-depth knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and preparation of profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Taxation Proficiency: Strong understanding of Indian tax laws, including GST and income tax, and experience in compliance and filing.
• Budgeting & Cost Control: Ability to manage the budgeting process, analyze variances, and implement effective cost management strategies.
• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements in accounting, ensuring adherence to statutory audits and reporting standards.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., SAP, Tally) and advanced Excel skills for data analysis, reporting, and process automation.

Working relationships Stakeholders

Internal:

• Finance Team: Direct reports, including accountants, financial analysts, and other finance personnel, who collaborate on financial reporting and compliance.
• Senior Management: Executives (e.g., CFO, CEO) who rely on the Accounts Head for accurate financial data, insights, and updates on accounting matters.
• Operations Team: Departments involved in daily operations that interact with finance for budgeting, cost management, and resource allocation.
• Human Resources: Works with HR for payroll processing, employee compensation, and benefits accounting.
• Internal Audit Team: Collaborates to ensure compliance with internal controls and auditing procedures.

External:

• Auditors: External auditors who conduct annual audits and require accurate financial statements and records for review.
• Tax Authorities: Government bodies (e.g., Income Tax Department, GST authorities) involved in tax compliance and regulations.
• Bankers and Financial Institutions: Banks that manage corporate accounts and may require financial documentation for loans or credit facilities.
• Vendors and Suppliers: External partners that may require payment processing and account reconciliation.
• Regulatory Bodies: Organizations that oversee compliance with accounting standards and financial reporting regulations.