Financial Strategist

Finance and Compliance LeadOverview:The Finance and Compliance Lead will be responsible for ensuring the financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and statutory obligations of our Centre of Excellence in AI.Key Responsibilities:Ensure end-to-end financial compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including proper tracking and reporting of government funds.Develop and manage annual and long-term financial plans, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.Oversee receipt, allocation, and utilization of funds from the Government of Karnataka, ensuring compliance with funding conditions.Monitor and ensure compliance in deployment of funds to startups in exchange for equity stakes, maintaining rigorous financial controls.Maintain and oversee accounting books, financial statements, and statutory filings in alignment with Indian accounting standards.Regulatory Oversight:Ensure full legal and regulatory compliance for the Centre of Excellence and all financial transactions related to startup investments.Manage statutory filings, financial audits, tax compliance (GST, TDS, corporate taxes), and government financial disclosures.Oversee regulatory adherence for equity stakes, liquidity events, startup funding agreements, and term sheets.Ensure compliance with relevant financial laws governing accelerator and investment activities.Serve as primary point of contact for financial audits and compliance reviews conducted by government agencies.Financial Reporting & Coordination:Prepare and submit financial and performance reports to the Government of Karnataka in line with funding commitments.Ensure detailed tracking and transparent reporting of fund utilization, providing necessary breakdowns and documentation as required.Represent the Centre of Excellence in financial discussions with government agencies and statutory bodies.Coordinate periodic government audits and reviews, ensuring timely and accurate responses to inquiries.Startup Financial Governance:Develop and enforce financial and compliance frameworks for startups receiving grants or equity investments.Monitor startup compliance with grant conditions, fund usage terms, and equity agreements.Provide financial advisory support to startups on tax, corporate filings, and regulatory matters.Identify and mitigate financial and legal risks associated with government-funded investments and startup equity holdings.Contract Oversight:Develop, review, and manage contracts, term sheets, MOUs, and funding agreements to protect our interests.Work with legal advisors to ensure contracts align with statutory requirements and investment guidelines.Ensure legal compliance in all financial dealings with startups, corporate partners, and sponsors.Strategic Financial Planning:Align financial and investment strategies with the long-term sustainability of our Centre of Excellence.Develop and implement systems to track financial performance, startup growth, and returns on investments.Support fundraising efforts, including government funding extensions, corporate partnerships, and potential equity monetization strategies.Qualifications & Experience:Education: CA / MBA in Finance preferred. A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Law, or Business Administration is required.Experience:o 10-12 years in finance, compliance, and statutory reporting roles.o Strong experience in government-funded projects, accelerators, venture capital, or Section 8 companies.o Proven expertise in startup investment compliance, fund management, and government financial reporting.Skills & Competencies:Compliance Mastery: Deep knowledge of SEBI norms, startup investment regulations, and financial compliance.Government Financial Reporting: Experience in structuring financial reports for government agencies and managing audit processes.Risk Management & Contracts: Ability to identify financial risks, draft/review contracts, and oversee regulatory adherence.Accounting & Tax Compliance: Proficiency in maintaining financial books, tax filings, GST, and TDS compliance.Stakeholder Communication: Strong ability to interface with government bodies, auditors, legal advisors, and startup founders.