Finance Lead - CA (Startups)

About Company

The company operates in the digital wealth management and financial technology sector, providing technology-driven investment and portfolio management solutions.

Job Description

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Finance Lead with 2-3 years of progressive accounting experience to lead critical finance and accounting functions across our organization. This role is ideal for a Chartered Accountant (CA) professional who has thrived in a fast-paced startup environment and demonstrated the ability to own complex accounting challenges from initiation to resolution.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Management

• Books of Accounts & Statutory Compliance: Lead full cycle accounting operations including month-end/quarterend/ year-end close activities, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Audit Coordination: Manage relationships with external and internal auditors; prepare schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation; resolve audit observations independently
• Revenue Recognition & Computation: Own revenue computation across different product lines and jurisdictions; ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards (IFRS/Ind-AS); evaluate new product revenue models and streamline calculations
• Tax Compliance & Planning: Drive tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions; coordinate with tax advisors; identify tax optimization opportunities and implement strategies
• Accounts Receivable & Payable Management: Oversee AR aging, collections strategy, and invoice management; manage AP workflows and payment schedules; ensure timely and accurate reconciliations
• Journal Entries & Reconciliations: Prepare, review, and approve complex journal entries including revenue, deferred revenue, and intercompany transactions; maintain complete reconciliation schedules

Leadership & Process Ownership

• Issue Resolution & Closure: Proactively identify accounting discrepancies, outstanding items, and process gaps; drive issues to closure with accountability and without escalation dependency
• Process Development & Improvement: Document, formalize, and continuously improve accounting processes and internal controls; implement controls to strengthen compliance and reduce errors
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor accounting team members; assign responsibilities based on individual strengths; foster development opportunities and accountability
• Stakeholder Management: Liaise effectively with internal departments (Operations, Product, Legal) and external partners (auditors, fund houses, regulators); manage expectations and communicate financial insights clearly, including evaluating the financial viability of business initiatives to support strategic decision-making.

Revenue, Collections & Reporting

• Revenue Analytics & Forecasting: Revenue Analytics & Forecasting: Provide revenue forecasting, strategic forecasting, leakage analysis, variance reporting, and data analysis to management; conduct deep dives into business key metrics to identify revenue trends, anomalies, risks, opportunities, and performance drivers.
• Collections Management: Drive revenue and partner payment collections; monitor outstanding amounts; implement follow-up mechanisms to minimize delays
• Data Visualization & Insights: Create dashboards and reports for management consumption; translate complex financial data into actionable insights.
• Month-End Reporting: Prepare comprehensive monthly close reports including revenue reconciliations, deferred revenue schedules, and balance sheet analysis

Required Qualification & Experience

• CA with 2-3 years of progressive experience in Accounting, Controllership, Tax, Audit, or Book Close
• Proven experience with revenue computations and financial close processes
• Startup experience highly preferred - comfortable with ambiguity, multi-tasking, and wearing multiple hats
• Core Competencies - Strategic Accounting: Deep understanding of accounting principles (IFRS/Ind-AS), tax regulations, and audit requirements