Head of Finance

Job Description

Role & responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

Financial Strategy

- Lead and oversee the financial operations of the Group, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Provide strategic financial guidance to the Founding Team and promoters in the establishment related to the expansion and growth plan.
- Develop and present financial models, projections, and feasibility studies to support growth and investment decisions.

Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting

- Develop, implement, and monitor budgets for both project and operational functions.
- Ensure financial planning supports the institutions short-term and long-term strategic goals.
- Conduct variance analysis and recommend corrective actions to optimize financial performance.

Statutory Compliance & Audit

- Oversee and ensure timely compliance with statutory requirements, including TDS, GST, and other tax laws.
- Oversee internal and external audits, ensuring adherence to applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
- Work closely with auditors, ensuring financial statements are prepared following applicable laws and regulations.

Internal Controls & Risk Management

- Develop and implement robust internal control systems to safeguard assets and ensure financial integrity.
- Ensure proper documentation, approvals, and substantiations for financial transactions to pass independent and statutory audits.
- Review and enhance financial policies and controls in collaboration with external consultants, including Big Four accounting firms.

Project Finance & Procurement Oversight

- Lead financial management for various group-level projects, ensuring prudent fund allocation and cost optimization.
- Supervise procurement processes, vendor management, and contract negotiations to ensure cost efficiency and compliance.
- Monitor project costs and funding to ensure timely completion of capital-intensive initiatives.

Banking & Cash Flow Management

- Oversee banking relationships, including project finance arrangements and compliance with foreign exchange regulations.
- Ensure efficient cash flow management, liquidity planning, and financial stability of the organization.
- Work with financial institutions to secure funding and optimize capital structure.

Financial Reporting & Governance

- Prepare and present periodic financial reports for Finance Sub-committee and Governing Board meetings.
- Maintain accuracy in financial tracking, reporting, and compliance with the chart of accounts.
- Ensure financial transparency and accountability across all operational and project-related expenditures.

Ground-Level Financial Operations & Support

- Guide and supervise teams to maintain accurate and complete financial records.
- Implement a robust financial control framework to ensure accuracy and compliance at the school level.
- Assist department leads in budget preparation and financial goal setting for sustainable growth.
- Ensure effective revenue management Collections, receivables, revenue recognition etc
- Co-ordinate statutory and internal audits
- Participate in the annual budgeting and planning process
- Conceptualize and implement cost optimization initiatives
- Manage the cash flow of the Group
- Ensure compliance to University Act and Statutes
- Ensure fixed assets / capex are properly accounted and effectively utilized.

Taxation & Regulatory Compliance

- Ensure compliance with direct and indirect tax regulations, including corporate tax, withholding taxes, and expatriate staff social security requirements.
- Address and manage any taxation issues in coordination with legal and financial advisors.

Process Improvement & Systems Implementation

- Implement financial systems and tools to improve financial management efficiency.
- Introduce best practices in financial operations, leveraging technology to enhance accuracy and reporting.
- Continuously improve financial processes to achieve cost efficiency and operational effectiveness.

Stakeholder & Board Engagement

- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to drive financial sustainability and compliance.
- Communicate financial insights and recommendations to senior leadership for informed decision-making.
- Engage with donors, investors, and funding agencies as required to support financial growth initiatives.

People & Team Management

- Lead and mentor the finance team to enhance professional development and performance.
- Ensure appropriate staffing and resource allocation to meet business needs and financial goals.
- Foster a culture of financial discipline and accountability within the organization.

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