Chief Financial Strategist

Job Title:

As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will play a crucial role in shaping the organization's financial strategy and direction. You will be responsible for leading and overseeing the financial operations of the Group, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

You will 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 institution's 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.