Finance Controller

A senior finance leader responsible for the full spectrum of financial management from

accounting operations and book closure to strategic planning, treasury, taxation, and regulatory

compliance. The role combines hands-on controllership with leadership accountability, ensuring the organisation's financial records are accurate, controls are robust, and the business has timely,

reliable financial intelligence to make decisions. The incumbent will also own end-to-end compliance across the retail store network.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations

Own the complete accounting function including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts

receivable, and bank reconciliations.

Lead month-end and year-end book closure journal entries, accruals, provisions, and

prepayments ensuring all ledgers are clean and audit-ready at all times.

Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow)

in accordance with Ind AS / GAAP.

Produce management reporting packs covering variance commentary vs budget and prior

year for leadership review.

2. Treasury & Working Capital Management

Manage cash flow forecasting, working capital cycles, and banking relationships.

Oversee fund utilisation, credit facilities, and investment of surplus funds within approved

policy.

Monitor AP and AR aging, ensuring vendors are paid within terms and receivables are

collected on time.

3. Taxation & Statutory Compliance

Ensure accurate and timely filing of all direct and indirect tax obligations GST returns, TDS

deductions and payments, advance tax, income tax, and professional tax.

Maintain documentation for assessments, notices, and transfer pricing where applicable.

Liaise with tax consultants and manage responses to any tax authority queries or notices.

4. Audit Management

Serve as the primary point of contact for statutory, internal, and tax auditors.

Prepare schedules, coordinate information requests, respond to audit queries, and ensure

findings are resolved within agreed timelines.

Maintain documentation standards that withstand rigorous audit scrutiny.

5. Internal Controls & Process Excellence

Design, implement, and periodically review the internal control framework and SOPs across

the finance function.

Conduct control self-assessments and enforce segregation of duties at all times.

Ensure ERP data integrity through master data management and sub-ledger reconciliations.

Drive automation or standardisation wherever possible to improve efficiency and reduce

manual error.

6. Store & Retail Compliance

Own end-to-end compliance across the retail store network Shop & Establishment Act

registrations, trade licences, FSSAI certificates, fire NOCs, and all applicable local body

permits.

Build and maintain a live compliance tracker covering licence expiry dates, renewal deadlines,

and responsible owners across every store location.

Coordinate with store operations, legal counsel, and local authorities to ensure zero-lapse

compliance status at all times.

Prepare responses to regulatory notices and represent the organisation in local compliance

inspections as required.

7. Team Leadership & Development

Build and manage a high-performing finance and accounts team.

Define KPIs, conduct regular performance reviews, and actively develop the talent pipeline

within the function.

Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement across the team.

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

Deep technical accounting knowledge with strong command of Ind AS / GAAP.

Expertise in direct and indirect taxation (GST, TDS, Income Tax).

Experience designing and enforcing internal control frameworks and SOPs.

Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP / Oracle / Tally) and advanced Excel.

Ability to translate financial complexity into clear business language for non-finance

stakeholders.

Proven ability to manage audits and engage with regulatory and tax authorities.

High integrity, detail orientation, and ability to manage multiple workstreams under tight

deadlines.

Prior experience managing multi-location retail or store compliance is strongly preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

CA or CMA mandatory.

58 years of post-qualification experience with demonstrable exposure to both strategic

finance leadership and hands-on controllership.

Prior experience in retail, D2C, FMCG, or multi-location consumer businesses is an

advantage.