Head of Finance and Strategic Partnerships

Position: AVP (Finance), Gurgaon

Department: Finance & Accounts

Qualification and Experience: CA/MBA Finance with 15+ years

Reporting to - India CFO

Summary:

AVP Finance is a senior leadership role responsible for managing financial operations, compliance, reporting and financial planning & analysis. The incumbent will play a critical role in steering the business by driving top line growth, margin improvement and cash flow management. The incumbent will also be responsible for driving Budgeting & Forecasting process, Product pricing evaluation, Review of financial performance, Evaluation of Business cases for New product development or product extension for each market. The incumbent will act as finance business partner for India Operations.

Mandatory Skill requirement:

• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) – Due diligence, valuation, deal structuring
• Fund Raising from Private Equity Firms – Investor pitch, financial modelling, transaction support
• Cross‑Border Transactions – Regulatory compliance, forex implications, transaction review

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Planning and Analysis

• Lead Annual budgeting process, forecasting, and scenario modelling for India operations
• Conduct profitability analysis and cost optimization
• Provide monthly/quarterly business scorecards, along with actionable insights by departments
• Establish rolling P&L and Global cash flow projections with 95%+ forecast accuracy and drive optimization of cash flows
• Forward forecasting and Predictive analytics on risk and opportunities
• Review overheads with all HODs on regular basis ensuring no overruns
• Identify and proactively manage risk and opportunities across business segments
• Evaluate large capex projects and provide ROI analysis basis NPV, IRR, DCF, Payback period, Sensitivity Analysis etc
• To support the cross functional team on LRP and finance team

2. Strategic Business Partnering

• 
  - Collaborate with all units to provide finance business support
• Evaluate large capex projects and provide ROI analysis basis NPV, IRR, DCF, Payback period, Sensitivity Analysis etc
• Provide financial insights for make-vs-buy decisions, outsourcing, and footprint optimization
• Periodic detailed review of product portfolio for pricing, gross margin and COGS optimisation
• Drive productivity agenda and mindset across functions

3. MIS and Reporting

• Monitor monthly, quarterly, yearly actual performance vs budget. Provide P&L with variance analysis vs plan, LE and previous year
• Track achievement vs Corporate Goals on monthly basis, identify risks and action plans in consultation with department heads
• Ensure high level of accuracy in MIS through reconciliation of MIS with Financial/reported numbers with Finance controller
• Develop dashboards to monitor KPIs
• Adhoc analysis as per business requirements

4. India business - finance business partner

• Partner in path to break even, LRP, budgeting and Reporting
• Strengthen financial controls related to provisions, sales returns, FSO etc
• Improve closing process in terms of timelines and hygiene
• Validate sales incentives and ensure it is followed in the letter and spirit
• Optimise working capital: receivables, inventory and highlight over dues and risks.
• Ensure and track statutory / regulatory compliance in all respects e.G. GST, TDS, Pharma specific requirements

5. Automation, use of AI and emerging technologies

• Automate finance function by leveraging technologies, data analytics and dashboards
• Use/build AI models for forecasting, compliance and risk management
• Build scalable finance processes and systems
• Partner with finance controller to ensure seamless ERP implementation/ improvements

6. Team Leadership

• Guide and mentor the team. Develop and retain top talent
• Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
• Ensure regular feedback and coaching
• Ensuring bi-annual performance review

7. Other domain experiences

• Accounting, Consolidation and Audit management with Big auditors
• Handling direct and indirect tax matters through accurate and timely payments and filings, response to notices/demands from authorities etc
• Treasury management i.E. Investment of surplus funds, Liaison with banks for short term or long term borrowings, Forex management etc
• Lead and support strategic transactions including Fund Raising, IPO readiness, and M&A.
• Manage Cross‑Border Transactions, including due diligence, deal structuring and contract reviews.

Competencies:

• Strong process and systems orientation.
• Exceptional MS Excel and PowerPoint skills (including infographics).
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and analytical ability.
• Ability to collaborate across geographies and multi‑country operating environments.
• Results‑driven with strong problem‑solving and analytical capability.
• High capability in talent development and team leadership.