Finance Controller

Location: DelhiExperience: 8-15 YearsWe are looking for a hands-on yet strategic Finance Controller who can own controllership end-to-end, build scalable systems, and be a true business partner to founders.Role Overview : You will be the responsible for:Building robust accounting and controllership processesOwning exports-related finance and compliances across multiple geographiesMoving us from a largely outsourced, tactical setup to a strong in-house finance enginePartnering with leadership on banking, working capital, and future fundraises / due diligenceThis is a role for someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves today, while designing for scale over the next 3–5 years.Key Responsibilities1. Controllership & AccountingOwn end-to-end accounting, book closure, and statutory compliances for all entities (India and overseas).Gradually transition accounting in-house (from current outsourced model), including hiring and developing a lean, high-quality finance team.Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements under applicable GAAP.Design and implement strong internal controls, SOPs, and approval workflows to reduce leakages and errors.2. Exports & International OperationsOversee all export-related transactions: shipping bills, export documentation, filings, export incentives/benefits, realization tracking, and related compliances.Work closely with operations and commercial teams to structure order flows across geographies (India, US, UK, etc.) in a way that is tax-efficient and minimizes FX loss.Ensure proper accounting treatment of cross-border transactions, inter-company arrangements, and transfer pricing in coordination with external advisors.3. Financial Planning, Working Capital & BankingPartner with leadership to forecast cash flows, track burn, and proactively manage working capital.Build and streamline working capital lines and banking facilities (OD, WC lines, export finance, etc.) in partnership with existing and new bankers.Continuously monitor receivables, payables, inventory, and credit terms to optimize cash conversion cycles.Prepare periodic MIS dashboards for management with clear, actionable insights.4. Systems, Processes & ScaleMove the finance function from tactical firefighting to robust, scalable systems.Evaluate and implement the right tools/ERPs for accounting, invoicing, inventory, and multi-entity consolidation.Standardize processes for order-to-cash and procure-to-pay across India and international entities.Build simple, founder-friendly reports that enable faster and better decision-making.5. Stakeholder Management & Due DiligenceBe the single point of contact (SPOC) for auditors, tax consultants, and other external partners (including existing outsourced firms like Areete).Prepare and manage investor and lender due diligence (DD) – data rooms, reconciliations, analyses and Q&A.Work closely with the founders and board on strategic finance topics, including new market entry, product economics, and capital allocation.What Success Looks Like in 12–18 MonthsMajority of core accounting has moved in-house with a small, capable team in place.Strong internal controls and SOPs are documented and followed across entities.Working capital lines and banking relationships are streamlined, with clear visibility on cash and limits.Exports and cross-border transactions run smoothly and compliantly, with minimal last-minute firefighting.The finance function operates with a strategic lens, not just transactional – giving founders proactive insight, not just historical data.Ideal Candidate Profile :Must-have:Qualification: CA / CPA / equivalent. MBA (Finance) is a plus.Experience: 8–15 years of experience in finance & controllership roles, with:Significant exposure to F&B / FMCG / CPG companies, ideally at least one top-tier F&B or consumer brand.Hands-on exports experience – shipping bills, export documentation, incentives, and cross-border compliances.Strong grounding in accounting, tax, and regulatory compliances in India (GST, TDS, Companies Act, etc.).Demonstrated experience in building or leading a small finance team, not just managing outsourced partners.Prior involvement in fundraise / investor or lender due diligence, data rooms, and financial analysis.Nice-to-have:Experience working with multi-entity / multi-country structures (e.g. India + UK).Exposure to setting up or optimizing working capital / banking lines.Experience in early-stage or growth-stage startups where systems were being built, not just maintained.You are someone who:Moves comfortably between detail and strategy – you can close books and design processes.Enjoys building from scratch and bringing order to chaos.Communicates clearly with non-finance stakeholders and can push back when needed.Is proactive, ownership-driven, and comfortable working directly with founders.