General Manager - Finance - CA

Description:

Company Description

We are hiring for one of the largest and established FMCG Distribution Company for their operations based out of Pune.

Overall, Job Objective:

The Business Head Finance will be a strategic partner to the Directors and leadership team, responsible for driving financial discipline, profitability, governance, and sustainable growth across the business. The role combines strategic finance leadership with hands-on control over financial operations, working capital, compliance, and business decision support.

Role Description:

Strategic & Business Finance:

- Partner with Directors and business leaders to drive profitability, cost optimization, and growth strategy

- Provide financial insights to support pricing, margins, channel mix, and route-to-market decisions

- Lead annual business planning, long-range forecasting, and scenario analysis

- Evaluate new business opportunities, expansions, distributor models, and investments

Financial Planning & Control:

- Own budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis across regions and functions

- Monitor key financial KPIs: gross margin, contribution margin, EBITDA, ROI, and cash flow

- Strengthen internal controls to minimize leakage, pilferage, and inefficiencies

- Ensure timely and accurate MIS for management and board reporting

Working Capital & Cash Flow Management:

- Drive tight control over receivables, credit policies, and collections

- Manage cash flow planning, banking relationships, and fund utilization

- Oversee financing, credit limits, and risk exposure

Compliance, Audit & Governance:

- Ensure compliance with statutory, tax, GST, and regulatory requirements

- Lead internal and external audits; address audit observations proactively

- Maintain robust governance standards aligned with company policies

- Liaise with statutory auditors, tax consultants, and legal advisors

Team Leadership & Capability Building:

- Lead and develop finance, accounts, audit, and commercial teams

- Build strong finance processes across HO, depots, and distribution points

- Drive automation, system improvements, and effectiveness

- Act as a mentor and capability builder within the finance function

Stakeholder Management:

- Work closely with all departments to align financial goals

- Interface with banks, lenders, auditors, consultants, and external partner

Qualifications:

- Chartered Accountant (CA) / MBA (Finance) mandatory

- 7-15 years of progressive finance leadership experience

- Strong experience in FMCG distribution, trade finance, or consumer goods

- Proven exposure to multi-location operations and distributor-led models

- Hands-on experience with systems and financial automation

- Deep understanding of distribution economics

- Expertise in working capital and cash flow management

- Knowledge of industry standards, compliance regulations, and corporate finance best practices