Head of Finance

On behalf of our client, Dr Wamser + Batra India Pvt. Ltd. is seeking to appoint a Head of Finance based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their updated CV along with a detailed cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to [email removed]. Please note that applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Finance & Accounting

• Establish and take ownership of the Finance and Accounting function for the Indian entity from the outset.
• Set up appropriate processes for accounting, reporting, cash management, budgeting, tax, audit preparation, and financial controls.
• Ensure accurate and timely accounting, statutory reporting, GST compliance, and related tax and regulatory filings.
• Oversee customs-related financial processes and coordinate with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide clear financial analysis, management reports, and business updates to the local management team, Board, and German headquarters.

Compliance, Controls & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with applicable Indian finance, tax, labour, commercial, customs, and corporate regulations.
• Maintain effective communication and timely follow-up with tax authorities, government offices, auditors, banks, and other institutions.
• Help design, implement, and monitor internal control mechanisms, compliance standards, and risk-appropriate operating procedures.
• Promote a culture of integrity, transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to laws and company policies.

Operations & Organisation Building

• Act as the operational right hand to the management team and independently coordinate day-to-day Finance, Administration, and operational topics.
• Build the local organisational structure, workflows, management rules, and documentation required for a growing subsidiary.
• Support the development of digital and administrative infrastructure, including the evaluation and coordination of external service providers.
• Assess future manpower and functional requirements and gradually delegate operational responsibilities as the local team develops.

Stakeholder & Cross-Cultural Collaboration

• Serve as an effective bridge between the Indian team, German headquarters, European stakeholders, customers, suppliers, and business partners.
• Represent the company professionally before authorities, partners, customers, and other external stakeholders when required.
• Build trusted relationships with local government institutions, suppliers, customers, and business partners to support sustainable growth.
• Translate local business, regulatory, and operational realities into clear, structured communication for international stakeholders.

REQUIRED KEY SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field; Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification is good to have.
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience, including proven senior-level responsibility in Finance, Administration, and/or Operations.
• Strong knowledge of Indian finance, tax, GST, customs, labour, commercial, and corporate compliance requirements.
• Experience in the trading industry, with a strong understanding of import and export operations, international trade regulations, customs procedures, and cross-border transactions.
• Demonstrated experience establishing Finance functions, organisational structures, and processes in a start-up, or newly formed subsidiary environment.
• Experience working in multinational companies or German-/European-owned organisations is highly preferred.
• Experience with international or intercultural teams and cross-border reporting is required.
• Proficiency in standard Microsoft tools is required, while familiarity with SAP would be an advantage.
• Fluent English and Hindi skills. German language skills would be an advantage.