Financial Controller

POSITION SUMMARY

The Financial Controller is a key strategic role responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial operations at Ocean Lifespaces Pvt Ltd. This position manages day-to-day financial management, accounting functions, internal controls, compliance, and financial reporting for the organization. The Controller serves as the operational financial leader, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and strategic alignment with the company's long-term objectives while maintaining full compliance with all regulatory requirements including GST, VAT, and construction-specific accounting standards.

The Financial Controller will work closely with the CFO on strategic initiatives, project financial oversight, risk management, and ensure that financial systems and processes support the company's rapid growth in the construction and real estate development sectors across India and UAE markets.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

ACCOUNTING OPERATIONS & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

- Oversee all accounting functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger management, and bank reconciliations

- Implement and maintain robust accounting procedures, policies, and processes aligned with Indian GAAP and construction industry best practices

- Direct and supervise the accounting team, including hiring, training, and performance management of finance staff

- Maintain accurate and timely financial records for all projects and the organization as a whole

- Ensure all financial transactions are recorded properly in the ERP system with supporting documentation

- Reconcile all subsidiary ledgers (AP, AR, payroll) to the general ledger on a monthly basis

- Design and implement internal controls to prevent fraud and ensure financial accuracy

CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNTING & PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT

FINANCIAL REPORTING & ANALYSIS

COMPLIANCE & REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

CASH FLOW & TREASURY MANAGEMENT

RISK MANAGEMENT & INTERNAL CONTROLS

ERP SYSTEMS & FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY

STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATION & REPORTING

TEAM MANAGEMENT & DEPARTMENTAL EFFICIENCY

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

- Bachelor's degree in Commerce/Accounting, Finance, or related field (mandatory)

- Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Master's in Accounting/Finance (preferred)

- Relevant professional certification such as Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) (preferred)

EXPERIENCE

- **Minimum 8-12 years of progressive accounting and finance experience**, with at least 5-7 years in construction, real estate, or project-based industries

- Minimum 3-4 years in a supervisory or management role in accounting/finance department

- Demonstrated experience in job costing and construction accounting

- Prior experience with GST and VAT compliance management

- Experience with ERP systems implementation and management (Odoo, Zoho, SAP, IFS, or similar platforms)

- Background in financial planning, budgeting, and cash flow management

- Experience preparing financial statements and working with external auditors

- Track record of successful team management and accounting staff development

TECHNICAL SKILLS

- Advanced proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems

- Strong expertise in Microsoft Excel including advanced functions, pivot tables, and financial modeling

- Working knowledge of construction accounting principles and project-based costing methodologies

- Proficiency in accounting software such as Tally, Zoho Books, Odoo, SAP, or IFS

- Experience with data analysis and reporting tools

- Familiarity with GSTR filing systems and GST/VAT compliance platforms

- Technical knowledge of financial reporting requirements and accounting standards

REGULATORY & COMPLIANCE KNOWLEDGE

- In-depth knowledge of Indian Goods and Services Tax (GST) and VAT regulations

- Understanding of Indian tax laws including income tax, TDS, and corporate taxation

- Familiarity with construction industry regulations and compliance requirements

- Knowledge of UAE VAT regulations and international tax considerations (preferred)

- Understanding of audit requirements and external reporting standards

- Knowledge of statutory compliance and regulatory bodies in India

INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE

- Strong understanding of construction industry project financing and working capital management

- Knowledge of construction project management practices and terminology

- Familiarity with construction project billing cycles and payment terms

- Understanding of real estate development financing and project accounting

- Knowledge of construction KPIs and performance metrics

- Industry awareness of typical construction financial challenges and solutions

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

1. **Accounting & Finance:** Proficiency in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls

2. **Industry Expertise:** Deep knowledge of construction and real estate industry accounting practices and challenges

3. **ERP & Systems:** Hands-on experience with modern ERP systems and ability to optimize system configurations

4. **Tax Compliance:** Expertise in GST, VAT, and Indian tax compliance

5. **Team Leadership:** Ability to recruit, manage, and develop high-performing accounting teams

6. **Project Cost Management:** Strong capability in job costing, project accounting, and cost controls

7. **Cash Flow Management:** Expertise in working capital management and cash flow optimization

8. **Risk Management:** Ability to identify financial risks and implement effective mitigation strategies

9. **Communication:** Strong presentation and communication skills for internal and external stakeholders

10. **Analytical Skills:** Advanced financial analysis and interpretation of complex financial data

11. **Process Improvement:** Ability to identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements

12. **Strategic Planning:** Ability to contribute to financial strategy and long-term planning

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS & SUCCESS METRICS

The Financial Controller's performance will be evaluated based on:

- **Accuracy & Timeliness:** 100% accuracy in financial records; monthly reports delivered on schedule

- **Compliance:** Zero compliance violations; 100% adherence to GST/VAT filing deadlines

- **KPI Management:** Monthly variance analysis completion; financial KPI dashboards maintained and current

- **Cash Flow:** Improved cash flow forecasting accuracy; maintenance of healthy liquidity ratios

- **Team Development:** Successful recruitment and retention of accounting staff; team member skill development

- **Cost Management:** Year-over-year cost reductions or optimizations identified; project budget accuracy

- **System Efficiency:** Reduced manual processes; improved accounting system utilization

- **Audit Results:** Clean audit reports with minimal adjustments; positive auditor feedback

- **Process Improvements:** Number of process improvements implemented; efficiency gains achieved

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

- **Competitive salary package** commensurate with experience and qualifications

- **Provident Fund (PF)** as per statutory requirements

- **Health Insurance** for employee and family

- **Leave entitlements** including paid annual leave, sick leave, and casual leave

- **Professional development** and training opportunities

- **Performance bonuses** based on organizational and individual performance

- **Other statutory benefits** as per employment laws

KEY INTERFACES

- **Internal:** CFO, CEO, Project Managers, Operations Team, HR Department, IT Department, All Department Heads

- **External:** External Auditors, Tax Consultants/CPA Firms, Banks and Financial Institutions, Government Agencies (GST, Income Tax), Contractors and Vendors, Clients and Stakeholders

Language Requirements

- Fluent in English (read, write, speak)

- Hindi or Tamil proficiency preferred

- Familiarity with local language documentation beneficial

Certifications

Preferred certifications:

- Chartered Accountant (CA - India)

- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)