Lead - Finance & Accounts

Overview:

The role is responsible for providing strong financial support to business teams through insightful analysis, accurate reporting, and effective financial controls. The position plays a key role in tracking financial performance, supporting decisions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and strengthening financial governance. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, support audits and close processes, and contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and strategic initiatives, including IPO readiness.

• Partner with business teams to provide financial insights, performance tracking, and decision support to drive informed business outcomes.
• Prepare and analyze monthly Management Information System (MIS) reports, including variance analysis (Budget vs Actual vs Outlook) and present findings to management.
• Support monthly and quarterly financial close processes, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of financial data.
• Prepare audit schedules, working papers, and documentation; support statutory audits, internal audits, tax audits, and limited reviews.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, statutory, and internal financial requirements.
• Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and cost tracking exercises, including monitoring budget adherence and identifying cost optimization opportunities.
• Monitor working capital, cash flows, and key financial metrics; highlight risks and opportunities to stakeholders.
• Support IPO readiness initiatives, including financial documentation, process strengthening, governance requirements, and coordination with advisors.
• Identify process gaps and inefficiencies, and support the implementation of improved financial controls and standard operating procedures.
• Provide backup support during peak periods and team member absences; handle ad-hoc finance projects and management requests as needed.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timely and accurate completion of monthly and quarterly financial close activities.
• Accuracy and quality of MIS reports and variance analysis with minimal post-close adjustments.
• Adherence to budgets and the effectiveness of forecasting accuracy.
• Audit outcomes, including timely closure of audit observations and minimal audit findings.
• Compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements without delays or penalties.
• Effectiveness in monitoring and improving working capital metrics (e.g., DSO, DPO, cash conversion cycle).
• Contribution to cost optimization and process improvement initiatives.
• Stakeholder satisfaction and quality of financial insights provided to business teams.
• Readiness and progress on IPO-related financial documentation and governance milestones (if applicable).

Candidate Skills and Attributes

• Strong understanding of financial reporting, accounting principles, and financial analysis.
• Proven experience in MIS reporting, variance analysis, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Knowledge of audit processes, regulatory compliance, and internal financial controls.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional business teams and senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and financial systems/ERP tools; ability to work with large datasets.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate financial data into actionable insights.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of integrity, ownership, and commitment to accuracy and compliance.

Experience Range

• Experience: 6+ years of relevant experience in financial planning, analysis, controllership, or finance business partnering roles.
• Prior experience in audit support, budgeting, forecasting, and MIS reporting is required.
• Experience in a high-growth environment, IPO preparation, or listed company reporting is an added advantage.
• Exposure to working with cross-functional teams and senior leadership is preferred.