Head of Finance & Accounts

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the overall Finance & Accounts function, ensuring strong financial governance and controls.
- Drive financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, MIS, variance analysis, and management reporting.
- Provide strategic financial insights to the leadership team to support business and R&D decisions.
- Oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, month-end and year-end closure.
- Ensure compliance with applicable Indian accounting standards, taxation, statutory requirements, and regulatory frameworks.
- Develop and strengthen internal financial controls, processes, policies, and risk-management frameworks.
- Manage cash flow, working capital, treasury, receivables, payables, and overall financial discipline.
- Partner closely with R&D, Commercial, Operations, Procurement, HR, and Senior Management on financial matters.
- Evaluate the financial impact of R&D projects, investments, capital expenditure, and strategic initiatives.
- Coordinate with statutory auditors, internal auditors, tax advisors, consultants, banks, and other external stakeholders.
- Lead annual audits and ensure timely closure of audit observations.
- Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data and management dashboards.
- Identify opportunities for cost optimization, process improvement, automation, and operational efficiency.
- Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing finance team.
- Support senior leadership with business cases, financial modelling, scenario planning, and strategic decision support.

Candidate Profile

- Chartered Accountant (CA) from ICAI is mandatory.
- 12–15 years of overall experience, with substantial experience in Finance & Accounts leadership.
- Relevant experience in Pharma / Life Sciences / Biotechnology / Research & Development is strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of accounting, taxation, financial controls, audit, budgeting, forecasting, and MIS.
- Experience in working with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Strong commercial acumen and ability to translate financial data into actionable business insights.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
- Experience managing and developing finance teams.
- Strong proficiency in ERP systems and MS Excel / financial reporting tools.
- Candidates who have worked in a renowned pharmaceutical or R&D organization will be preferred.

Key Competencies

- Strategic Financial Leadership
- Financial Planning & Analysis
- Accounting & Controllership
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Statutory & Tax Compliance
- Internal Controls & Governance
- Cost Management
- Treasury & Working Capital
- Audit Management
- Business Partnering
- Team Leadership
- Financial Risk Management