Job description:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be a strategic partner to the CEO and the Board of Directors, responsible for the overall financial health and strategy of the company. This role is critical in steering the company through its next chapter of growth, including leading the entire IPO process from preparation to post-listing compliance. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in a senior financial leadership role within a manufacturing environment and must possess direct, hands-on experience in successfully taking a company public.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Financial Leadership & IPO Management:

- Act as a key strategic partner to the executive leadership team and the Board, providing financial insights and guidance on all aspects of the business.

- Spearhead the IPO readiness process, including the selection of merchant bankers, legal counsel, and other intermediaries.

- Lead the preparation of the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) and all associated regulatory filings with SEBI and other authorities.

- Act as a primary point of contact for investors, analysts, and stakeholders during roadshows and post-listing.

- Develop and implement a robust investor relations framework to ensure transparent and effective communication with the market.

2. Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A):

- Lead the annual budgeting process, long-term strategic planning, and rolling forecasts.

- Provide insightful analysis of financial performance, including variance analysis, profitability analysis, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

- Master and oversee all aspects of manufacturing cost accounting, including standard costing, material - and labor variance analysis, overhead allocation, and inventory valuation.

- Develop financial models to support strategic initiatives, capital allocation, and new business opportunities.

3. Controllership, Compliance & Reporting:

- Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of all financial reporting in compliance with Ind AS, SEBI regulations, and other statutory requirements.

- Oversee all accounting functions, including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets, and Revenue Recognition.

- Strengthen and manage a robust system of internal controls (IFC) to safeguard company assets and ensure financial discipline.

- Manage all direct and indirect tax matters, including GST, corporate income tax, and transfer pricing, ensuring full compliance and strategic tax planning.

4. Treasury & Capital Management:

- Manage the company's capital structure, optimizing the mix of debt and equity to support growth while minimizing cost of capital.

- Oversee cash flow planning, forecasting, and working capital management to ensure liquidity and operational efficiency.

- Cultivate and manage strong relationships with banks, financial institutions, and credit rating agencies.

- Lead fundraising activities, including debt financing and equity rounds, as required.

5. Team Leadership & Operations:

- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance and accounting team.

- Drive the adoption of technology and automation within the finance function, leveraging ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) to enhance efficiency and reporting capabilities.

- Collaborate closely with operations, supply chain, and sales teams to drive profitability and operational improvements.

Qualifications & Experience

- Mandatory: Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification is essential.

- An MBA in Finance from a premier institution is highly desirable.

- A minimum of 18-20 years of progressive experience in financial management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (CFO, Head of Finance, or equivalent).

- Non-Negotiable: Demonstrable, hands-on experience of having successfully led at least one company through the entire IPO process in India.

- Deep experience within the manufacturing sector is a must, with a strong grasp of the financial nuances of production, supply chain, and inventory management.

- Proven experience in interacting with Boards, Audit Committees, and external stakeholders.

Required Skills & Competencies:

- Strategic Mindset: Ability to think strategically and translate business goals into financial plans.

- Leadership: Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide a team.

- Communication: Articulate and persuasive communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex financial information to diverse audiences.

- Integrity: Unquestionable personal and professional integrity and ethical standards.

- Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of Ind AS, Company Law, SEBI regulations, and Indian taxation.

- Analytical Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.