Finance Controller - CA (Startups)

About Company

A fast-growing tech firm offering AI- and IoT-based smart building solutions. Backed by top investors, it helps optimize energy, safety, and operations at scale.

Role Summary:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and hands-on Financial Controller to lead the finance function of our rapidly growing manufacturing startup specializing in project execution of Building Management Systems (BMS). This is a foundational role, ideal for someone who thrives on structure, precision, and accountability. You will be responsible for building robust financial systems, ensuring statutory compliance, managing risks, and supporting the business with timely, accurate insights.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Reporting & Compliance

Lead the monthly and annual closing processes, ensuring adherence to Indian GAAP and company policies.

Prepare financial statements, MIS, and board-level dashboards for internal and external stakeholders.

Consolidate financials across multiple project sites and cost centers.

Coordinate and support statutory, tax, and internal audits for timely and clean closures.

2. Accounting Operations

Oversee daily accounting including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, reimbursements, and fixed assets.

Ensure integrity of general ledger, revenue recognition, expense accruals, and provisioning.

Manage reconciliations (bank, vendor, customer) and monitor data accuracy.

Align project-wise accounting with execution milestones and billing cycles.

3. Internal Controls & Governance

Establish and enforce internal financial controls and accounting policies (SOPs).

Monitor compliance and conduct periodic reviews of accounting workflows.

Identify gaps and drive automation in processes such as procurement, expense claims, and project cost monitoring.

Ensure asset tracking, inventory control, and compliance with project warranties/commitments

4. Taxation & Regulatory Compliance

Ensure accurate and timely compliance with GST, TDS, Income Tax, and Companies Act requirements.

Liaise with consultants and legal advisors on assessments, filings, notices and regulatory changes.

Maintain proper documentation and ensure timely filing of statutory returns and ROC forms.

5. System Implementation & Process Optimization

Evaluate and implement scalable accounting systems and ERPs (e.g., Zoho, Tally Prime, NetSuite) or automation tools.

Lead digitization of workflows including approvals, documentation, and reporting.

Build systems for project budgeting, departmental level cost tracking, and cost control.

Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

Monitor daily cash flows, manage vendor and subcontractor payments, and optimize working capital.

Develop and maintain rolling cash flow forecasts and funding plans.

Work closely with project, procurement, and operations teams for cost efficiency and timely collections.

Key Skills and Competencies:

Strong understanding of project-based accounting and manufacturing costing

Expertise in Indian tax and regulatory frameworks (GST, TDS, etc.)

Experience in cash flow management, budgeting, and vendor negotiations

Hands-on and proactive approach, suited for startup environments

Proficiency in Tally, MS Excel, and financial reporting tools

Candidate Profile

Chartered Accountant (CA) with 58 years of relevant post-qualification experience

Strong understanding of Indian accounting standards, Companies Act, and tax laws

Proven experience in controllership, audit, or financial operations, preferably in project-based or manufacturing sectors

Ability to manage and implement financial systems and scalable controls

Advanced Excel skills and hands-on experience with accounting/ERP software.

Prior experience in a Big 4 firm

Exposure to manufacturing, BMS, EPC, or infrastructure project environments

Comfort with startup pace, ambiguity, and cross-functional collaboration