Legal and Compliance Specialist - India Accounts

Key Responsibilities:

1. Legal Compliance:

o Ensure compliance with Indian laws and regulations relevant to financial and accounting operations, including the Companies Act, tax laws (GST, Income Tax), FEMA, and accounting standards.

o Provide legal support and advice on issues related to accounting, auditing, financial transactions, and reporting.

o Monitor and interpret changes in the legal and regulatory landscape affecting the business and accounts operations in India.

2. Financial Reporting & Regulatory Filings:

o Assist in ensuring that all financial reports, returns, and filings are completed accurately and on time as per Indian legal requirements.

o Oversee the preparation and submission of regulatory filings with authorities such as the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Income Tax Department, and other relevant agencies.

o Ensure compliance with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) laws, transfer pricing regulations, and other tax requirements.

3. Contract and Agreement Management:

o Review and draft contracts and agreements with respect to financial transactions, ensuring compliance with Indian laws and regulations.

o Negotiate terms and ensure all financial arrangements are legally sound and aligned with compliance standards.

4. Audit & Internal Controls:

o Ensure adherence to internal controls and accounting policies to mitigate legal and financial risks.

o Support and liaise with internal and external auditors, addressing any compliance-related concerns or queries.

o Conduct internal compliance audits to ensure the organizations operations and financial transactions are in compliance with applicable laws.

5. Corporate Governance and Compliance Framework:

o Assist in the implementation and monitoring of corporate governance policies and frameworks to ensure financial and accounting compliance.

o Work with other teams to integrate compliance requirements into financial and business operations.

o Ensure proper documentation of financial activities for audit and governance purposes.

6. Training & Awareness:

o Conduct training sessions for the finance, accounting, and other relevant departments on legal and compliance matters specific to Indias accounting environment.

o Raise awareness about key compliance risks and responsibilities related to financial operations.

7. Risk Mitigation & Reporting:

o Identify potential legal risks related to financial operations and provide advice on mitigating these risks.

o Assist in managing legal disputes and issues related to accounting or financial transactions.

o Prepare reports on legal and compliance risks for senior management and ensure timely resolution of issues.

8. Collaboration:

o Collaborate with the accounting, finance, legal, and tax teams to ensure seamless compliance with legal requirements.

o Serve as a point of contact for legal inquiries related to accounting practices and financial transactions.

Qualifications & Skills:

Education:

o Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Additional qualifications or certifications in compliance or financial law are a plus.

Skills:

o Strong knowledge of Indian financial regulations, including taxation, GST, transfer pricing, and accounting standards (Indian GAAP/IFRS).

o Familiarity with corporate governance, financial reporting laws, and regulatory compliance requirements.

o Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.

o Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

o Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal/compliance management software.

Personal Attributes:

Strong ethical standards and commitment to corporate integrity.

Ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively across teams.

Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with the utmost professionalism.

Proactive, with a solutions-oriented approach to compliance challenges.

Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.