Finance Manager (Beverages Industry)

Job Title:

Department:

Job Purpose:

To lead the financial planning, analysis, accounting, and cost control functions of the beverage manufacturing unit, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance, and strategic cost optimization. The role focuses on supporting plant operations through effective financial management, budgeting, and business partnering with production, supply chain, and procurement teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A):

• Prepare and monitor annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, and rolling financial plans.
  
• Conduct variance analysis between actual performance and budgeted targets, highlighting key business drivers.
  
• Support the Factory Manager and central finance team with actionable insights for cost and productivity improvements.
  

Costing & Control:

• Maintain accurate product costing, including raw materials, packaging, utilities, and overhead allocations.
  
• Analyze production cost variances and suggest cost-saving initiatives.
  
• Track yield losses, wastage, and conversion costs to improve profitability.
  

Accounting & Reporting:

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations at the plant, including AP/AR, general ledger, and asset accounting.
  
• Ensure timely closure of monthly, quarterly, and annual books in compliance with company and statutory standards.
  
• Prepare and submit plant MIS, profitability statements, and management reports.
  

Compliance & Governance:

• Ensure adherence to all statutory compliances (GST, TDS, Income Tax, etc.).
  
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors, ensuring timely completion of audits and resolution of audit queries.
  
• Implement strong internal controls to safeguard assets and maintain data integrity.
  

Inventory & Working Capital Management:

• Monitor and control inventory valuation and reconciliation (raw materials, packaging, spares, and finished goods).
  
• Manage working capital metrics — receivables, payables, and cash flow.
  
• Liaise with procurement and stores teams to optimize inventory holding and payment cycles.
  

Business Partnering & Coordination:

• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to align financial performance with operational goals.
  
• Support CAPEX evaluations, feasibility studies, and return on investment (ROI) analysis for plant expansions or upgrades.
  
• Work closely with the central finance team on financial consolidation and reporting.
  

Team Management & Development:

• Lead and mentor the plant finance and accounts team.
  
• Build functional capability through process training, knowledge sharing, and performance tracking.
  
• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes and reporting accuracy.
  

Key Requirements:

Education:

• Chartered Accountant (CA) or Cost Accountant (ICWA) preferred.
  
• MBA in Finance or equivalent qualification from a reputed institute (optional but desirable).
  

Experience:

• 8–15 years of relevant experience in plant or manufacturing finance, preferably in the

  beverages / FMCG / food processing

  industry.
• Minimum 3–5 years in a managerial capacity handling unit-level finance independently.
  

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of financial accounting, cost accounting, and management reporting.
  
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred) and MS Excel for data analysis.
  
• Sound understanding of statutory compliance and internal audit processes.
  
• Excellent analytical, business partnering, and leadership skills.
  
• Ability to work cross-functionally with operations and drive cost efficiencies.