Director - Finance & Accounts - Rural Development Sector

Director - Finance & Accounts

Organization: SEHGAL FOUNDATION

Job Title: DIRECTOR, FINANCE & ACCOUNTS (F&A)

Reports to: CEO

Location: GURUGRAM, HARYANA

INTRODUCTION:

- Every person across rural India deserves to lead a more secure, prosperous, and dignified life.

- With that vision in mind, Sehgal Foundation's mission is to strengthen community-led development initiatives to achieve positive social, economic, and environmental change across rural India.

- With support from the partners, S M Sehgal Foundation (Sehgal Foundation) designs and promotes rural development interventions that create opportunities, build resilience, and provide solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in India's poorest communities.

Read more about Sehgal Foundation's work at: https://www.smsfoundation.org/

REASON FOR THE HIRE:

- The Director, Finance & Accounts (F&A) is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of financial data and information.

- They will oversee all financial operations within the organization, including financial planning, analysis, budgeting, and reporting.

- This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to collaborate with senior management to ensure financial stability within the organization.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Leadership and Strategy:

- Lead the financial planning and analysis process, ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic goals.

- Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and controls to ensure sound financial management and accountability.

- Provide strategic financial insights to senior leadership to drive business decisions and long-term sustainability.

- Oversee budgeting and ensure funds are effectively allocated to meet organizational needs.

Financial Reporting:

- Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, including preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.

- Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations, tax laws, and accounting standards.

- Lead the preparation for internal and external audits, ensuring all necessary documentation and reports are provided.

- Manage tax filings, including income tax, GST, FCRA, statutory audits, and other statutory returns, ensuring all deadlines are met.

Fund Management and Cash Flow:

- Ensure effective management of donor funds and grants, ensuring proper allocation and utilization in line with donor agreements and organizational priorities.

- Maintain a fixed asset register and monitor its verification process.

Team Leadership and Development:

- Lead, mentor, and develop the finance and accounts team, ensuring they have the necessary skills and resources to perform effectively.

- Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the finance function, encouraging innovation and efficiency.

- Collaborate with other functions, providing financial guidance and support to ensure the smooth execution of organizational activities.

Support Fundraising and Implementation Teams:

- Provide financial input for grant proposals, donor communications, and funding strategies, supporting the fundraising and implementation teams.

Financial Systems and Technology:

- Implement and continuously improve financial systems, ensuring they meet the needs of the organization, maintain data integrity, and ensure compliance with best practices and regulatory requirements.

- Lead the adoption of new financial technologies and tools to improve financial processes, reporting, and analysis.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

EDUCATION:

- Chartered Accountant (CA) or MBA in Finance with at least 8 to 10 years of experience at managerial levels is preferred.

- A Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE:

- 15+ years of overall experience in related field

- Proven experience as Director, Finance or in a similar senior finance leadership role, preferably in a non-profit or mission-driven organization.

- Strong knowledge of financial management principles, accounting standards, and statutory regulations.

- Expertise in financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting.

- Strong understanding of ERP systems and financial software, with experience in system implementation.

SKILLS:

- Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.

- Ability to think strategically and provide financial guidance to senior leadership.

- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.