Chief Financial Officer

Job Title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Location: Nagpur, India

Job Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Managing Director (MD)

Objectives of this role

• Take responsibility (either directly or via staff) for all fund management, investments, insurance, budgeting, taxation and financial reporting, and help drive the company's financial strategy and hiring needs.
• Coordinate development of annual operating, capital, and program budgets, as well as reporting for the same.
• Ensure cash flow is compatible with operations by overseeing day-to-day accounting, recording, reporting, and internal-control activities of the organization.
• Develop and implement best practices and tools to ensure a well-controlled yet flexible organization that has strong fiscal management, project coordination, cross-team communications, and workflows.
• Comply with national and local financial requirements by studying existing and new legislation and taking appropriate action.

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Education :
• Chartered Accountant (CA), MBA in Finance, or equivalent postgraduate degree from a reputed institution.
• Certifications such as CFA, CPA, or CMA are highly desirable.
  • Experience :
  • 5 or more years of financial leadership experience in a senior role (CFO or equivalent).
  • Proven expertise in managing finances for large-scale industrial projects, preferably greenfield ventures.
    • Skills :
    • Advanced proficiency in financial modelling, budgeting, and forecasting for capital-intensive projects.
    • Expertise in Indian financial regulations, tax compliance, and corporate governance.
    • Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel for financial analysis and reporting.
    • Strong negotiation, leadership, and communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
    • Strategic mindset with the ability to balance short-term needs and long-term goals.
    • Personal Attributes :
    • Visionary leader with a proactive and solutions-oriented approach.
    • High ethical standards and commitment to financial transparency.
    • Ability to thrive in a startup environment with evolving challenges.
    • Strong decision-making skills under pressure.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Strategy and Leadership :

• Develop and implement financial strategies to support the steel project's objectives, from inception to operational stability.
• Lead annual budgeting, financial forecasting, and scenario planning to ensure project viability and growth.
• Provide strategic insights to the MD on investment opportunities, cost optimization, and market expansion.

Capital Raising and Investment Management :

• Spearhead fundraising efforts, including securing loans, equity investments, and government-backed incentives (e.g., PLI scheme, Make in India).
• Negotiate with financial institutions, private equity firms, and investors to structure favourable financing deals.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, and liquidity to support project timelines and operational needs.

Financial Operations and Reporting :

• Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, payroll, direct and indirect tax compliance, and financial reporting in line with Indian GAAP and IFRS standards.
• Prepare and present accurate financial reports, budgets, and performance analyses to stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Implement robust financial systems and processes to ensure transparency and efficiency.

Cost Control and Project Finance :

• Monitor and control costs related to plant construction, machinery procurement, Pre Commission finance expenses during project stage, raw material sourcing and costs during Operational period.
• Develop cost-effective financial models for project phases, ensuring alignment with budgetary constraints.
• Collaborate with project managers to track capital expenditures and optimize resource allocation.

Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance :

• Identify and mitigate financial risks, including commodity price volatility, foreign exchange fluctuations, and regulatory changes.
• Ensure compliance with Indian tax laws, SEBI regulations, and environmental standards for the steel industry.
• Establish internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent financial discrepancies.

Team Building and Mentorship :

• Build and lead a high-performing finance team to support the project's financial operations.
• Mentor team members to develop expertise in project finance, cost accounting, and financial analysis.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration within the finance department.

Stakeholder and Industry Engagement :

• Act as the primary financial liaison with investors, government agencies, and industry partners.
• Represent the company in financial negotiations, industry forums, and regulatory discussions.
• Build strategic partnerships to enhance the project's financial and operational success.