Head of Finance

Company Overview:

As an India Head of Finance, you will be responsible to support the integration of the newly acquired entity within Group with an importance given to accurate finance reporting and enforcing the compliance in the country.

Purpose of the role:

The India Head of Finance will play three key roles in the integration of this new Country within the Group:

• Facilitating integration of new acquisitions in India within the Group
• Being the primary interface with the Group (Regional management / Global management)
• Helping the Group to understand the Indian business/culture in all aspects
• Participating actively and monitoring the Post Merger & Integration process (PMI) for all new acquisitions
• Monitoring compliance with both Local regulations (tax, social security, legal compliance, customer contract compliance with laws) and Group procedures regarding cash management, business regulations, and internal control
• Controlling Accounting transactions and leading directly the Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Monitoring the financial performances,
• Improve finance operating processes
• Supporting local finance teams to comply with Statutory and Group procedures for reporting requirements,

Location

Bangalore

Reporting line:

APAC CFO

Main roles and responsibilities:

Cash Management

• Implement, improve and manage cash management processes, focusing on Working Capital improvement
• Implement and manage 13 weeks cash flow forecast
• Insure strict respect of cash delegation according to Group guidance
• Monitor and validate any movement of petty cash

Compliance:

• Ensure full compliance with Group internal control rules (Code of Conduct, Ethic, Bribery, Cash, Business regulations, etc)
• Ensure accurate & timely compliance regarding tax matters: submission of tax declaration, coordination with tax advisors, communication with tax authorities
• Ensure accurate & timely compliance with social security matters: monthly declaration & payment, communication with government bodies

Accounting & Financial Controls:

• Ensure strict respect of all accounting processes
• Formally validate (i) all “manual” booking transactions and (ii) reconciliation between operating systems and accounting
• Validate formally bank reconciliations, aged balances (A/R & A/P)
• Ensure all statutory and contractual obligations are properly fulfilled – any changes in local regulations anticipated and implemented
• Ensure accrual basis accounting on all P&L positions is implemented on a monthly basis – directly in charge of determining and booking all month end entries
• Ensure monthly preparation of balance sheet schedules & reconciliations
• Ensure Group accounting policies and procedures are enforced in all countries;
• Oversee the coordination and activities of external auditors and the preparation of the annual financial statements is in accordance with local GAAP and IFRS

Financial Reporting and analysis:

• Act as the Controller for the Country: Analyze and interpret financial and operational data trends and provides insights and recommendations to APAC GM and CFO
• Prepare all reporting:
• Monthly P&L, BS, FCF and non-financial KPIs reporting to the Group;
• Quarterly reporting for Consolidation purpose;
• Provide financial support for the preparation of monthly Business Review;

Process improvements & Internal Control:

• Drive initiatives to improve finance operational processes (including implementation of new accounting software if required)
• Clarify the internal governance for key controls and also the split of roles and responsibilities across functions
• Support the deployment of new accounting systems/finance tools if required

Acquisitions:

• Ensure that all acquisitions are rapidly integrated in company Finance systems and processes and comply with internal policies
• Assist management in operation integration

Experience and Skills:

• Well-rounded professional with a hand-on approach to activities & people management
• Willingness to get into the details, understand the topics at hand, and provide solutions
• Proven ability to effectively manage stakeholder relationships and navigate conflicts
• Able to stand his ground, and be a credible sparring partners to senior leaders of the business
• Finance professional close to the business and who can influence decision: ability beyond accounting & reporting
• Proven experience in managing legal entities in India, including merger & consolidation
• Proactive to kick-off self-initiatives and demonstrate a “can do” attitude
• 8 years of relevant experience with a first experience in “big 4” Audit Firm as preference;
• CPA or CA designation
• Strong knowledge of finance, accounting, and cost control principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles;
• Knowledge / exposure on operating finance process design: Order to Cash (OTC) / Procure to Pay (PTP)
• Strong level of written and oral communication skills with ability to participate in and facilitate transverse projects;
• Ability to analyze financial data and identify trends;
• Used to prepare financial reports, statements;
• Good knowledge on compliance matters and ability to enforce them and escalate to HQ upon discovery
• Ability to manage and motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects;
• First experiences in an MNC company in India is a plus;
• Languages: English fluent;
• References required;