Job Title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Location: Chennai/ South India

About the Role

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board, providing leadership and direction across all financial functions of the organization. The CFO will oversee financial planning, reporting, risk management, taxation, investor relations, and capital structuring to support scalable growth and operational excellence. The role is critical in driving performance, enabling value creation, and ensuring the financial sustainability of the company's facility and security management business across a diverse real estate and client portfolio

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Leadership:

- Develop and execute the financial strategy aligned with UDS's long-term business objectives.

- Advise the CEO and Board on financial performance, capital allocation, and investment decisions

Budgeting & Forecasting:

- Lead the annual budgeting process and deliver robust forecasting models.

- Monitor financial performance against plans and provide insights to enable agile decision-making.

Cash Flow & Liquidity Management:

- Ensure adequate liquidity and efficient working capital management.

- Optimize cash flow through disciplined oversight of receivables, payables, and treasury operations.

Capital Structure & Fundraising:

- Determine optimal capital mix for business expansion.

- Manage banking relationships and secure funding through private, institutional, and strategic channels when required.

Return on Investment (ROI) & Cost Efficiency:

- Evaluate projects and business verticals for ROI potential.

- Drive cost optimization initiatives without compromising operational outcomes.

Financial Reporting & Governance:

- Ensure timely and accurate preparation of financial statements in compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

- Lead audits, internal controls, and compliance frameworks.

Investor Relations & Stakeholder Reporting:

- Build credibility with shareholders, investors, and analysts.

- Articulate business performance and financial strategy through structured and transparent communication.

Taxation & Risk Management:

- Implement tax planning strategies to optimize liabilities.

- Identify financial risks and ensure mitigation through policies, insurance, and governance.

Legal & Commercial Oversight:

- Provide financial oversight in commercial negotiations, contract structuring, and regulatory compliance in partnership with legal teams.

KPI:

- Budget Accuracy & Forecast Deviation Rate: Measures the accuracy of budget forecasts, ensuring financial planning aligns with actual performance.

- Working Capital Cycle & Cash Conversion Efficiency: Tracks the company's ability to manage cash flow, including the speed at which cash is converted into usable funds.

- Gross Margin & EBITDA Performance: Monitors profitability by evaluating gross margin and EBITDA to ensure sustainable earnings.

- ROI of Major Projects / Opex Efficiency: Measures the return on capital invested in large projects and Opex / expenditure to ensure financial viability and business growth.

- Fundraising Timeline & Cost of Capital: Evaluates the efficiency of raising capital and the cost involved, ensuring financing is secured within a reasonable timeframe and at the best terms.

- Tax Optimization Impact: Tracks the effectiveness of tax planning strategies in optimizing the company's tax liabilities and overall financial position.

- Audit & Compliance Score: Ensures that the company adheres to all internal and external auditing standards, with no significant findings or violations.

- Financial Reporting Timeliness & Accuracy: Measures on how efficiently and accurately financial reports are prepared and communicated to stakeholders.

Educational Requirements & Work Experience:

- Education Requirements: CA or / CFA

- Years of experience: 18 - 20+ years of progressive financial leadership experience; prior experience in infrastructure, real estate, or asset-heavy services industries is a strong plus

Work Experience Requirements:

- Proven track record in fundraising, capital markets, and M&A

- Experience in managing finance across geographically dispersed business units.

- Target Companies: Real Estate developers, Investment Firms, International PropertybConsultants, High-Growth startups.

Key Behavioral Capabilities

- Strategic Acumen - Connects financial planning with long-term business vision.

- Commercial Savvy - Understands market dynamics and cost levers.

- Analytical Rigor - Uses data-driven insights to inform high-stakes decisions.

- Leadership Presence - Influences stakeholders and drives accountability.

- Risk & Governance Orientation - Maintains strong financial controls and compliance.

- Collaboration - Works cross-functionally with Ops, Legal, HR, and Tech

- Communication - Translates complex financials into actionable narratives.

- Adaptability - Thrives in fast-paced, evolving business environments