Financial Controller and Company Secretary

Job Title: Finance Controller & Company SecretaryCompany: For a European Luxury BrandSummary:This dual role is responsible for ensuring financial control, compliance, and corporate governance for the Company's India Market. The position acts as a key business partner to brand management, providing financial clarity and contributing to strategic decision-making. It also ensures compliance with statutory requirements and the Companies Act, interfacing with government agencies and Company's legal and tax teams.Key Responsibilities:- Finance Controller: Budgeting, monthly closing & reporting, internal control & process improvement, financial analysis, and liaison with finance teams and brand HQs.- Company Secretary: Corporate governance, secretarial services, compliance with corporate laws, representation before government bodies, and support for finance and accounting services.Detailed ResponsibilitiesFinance Controller Responsibilities:- Business Partner:- Works closely with local Brand Management to provide clarity on all financial matters and facilitate decision-making.- Acts as a key contact of Brand Headquarters to comment and explain financial performance.- Contributes to the development of a financial/internal control culture within the Brands.Budgeting:- Lead brands’ budget processes including preparation, analysis, and submission of budgets, latest estimates & rolling forecasts, and mid-term strategy planning in the Group’s financial reporting systems.- Ensure alignment with Brands and Group requirements and standards.Monthly Closing and Reporting:- Work efficiently with the Accounting team to ensure all relevant accounting entries are booked properly, in line with IFRS and Group standards.- Deliver timely and accurate monthly reports to the brands (sales reports, detailed P&Ls, Capex monitoring, scorecards, management reporting, ad hoc analysis).- Calculate accruals compliant with IFRS/Group standards and liaise with Accounting for timely booking of entries.- Analyse gross margin and discount levels, reporting any deviations from brand targets.- Review SOSI reports and support brands on all flows including sale on approval, duty impact calculations.- Review inventories (including ageing, provisions, stock adjustments) and coordinate with the Brand to address potential issues.- Prepare and analyse Brand P&L (by Boutique/Department) and balance sheet; alert local Brand Management/Headquarters of risks or deviations.- Follow up on main brand costs (communication, selling costs, personnel costs, etc.).- Elaborate and distribute Brands’ scorecards (or other relevant reports).- Prepare and share yearly reports (e.g., Boutique reporting, Environment reporting).- Ensure completion of required documentation for price adjustments.- Ensure partner agreements are in place.Internal Control & Process Improvement:- Monitor internal controls within the subsidiary.- Contribute to formalization or continuous improvement of SOPs and processes.- Drive improvement of controlling processes and systems by identifying gaps and leading initiatives.- Share best practices across the department.Interactions:- Liaise with other Finance Department teams (Accounting, Accounts Receivable, Retail Finance Operations), local Brand teams, Company functions (IT, Logistics, HR, Customer Service), Brand HQs, and Group Finance.Company Secretary Responsibilities:- Corporate Governance Services:- Advise on good governance practices and compliance with Corporate Governance norms under Corporate, Securities, and other business laws.- Run an effective and efficient corporate compliance programme.- Corporate Secretarial Services:- Promotion, formation, and incorporation of companies.- Filing/registering documents, forms, returns, and applications as an authorized representative.- Maintenance of secretarial records, statutory books, and registers.- Arranging board/general meetings and preparing minutes.- Manage all work relating to shares, transfers, and transmission.- Representation Services:- Represent the company before:- Ministry of Corporate Affairs- Other government and quasi-judicial bodies and TribunalsFinance and Accounting Services (in coordination with Finance):- Support Internal and External Audit.- Ensure ICS (Internal Control System) conformance.- Review financial statements.Education:- Professional: Company Secretary (CS), and Chartered Accountant / MBA FinanceRequired Experience:- At least 8–10 years of relevant experience in Business Controlling / FP&A- At least 10–12 years of relevant experience in Business Controlling (for MBA Finance candidates)Personal Attributes:Team player, proactive, detail-oriented, able to work under pressure, and diligent.Technical Skills / Abilities:- Strong analytical, numerical, controlling, and reporting skills- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills- Proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel and PowerPoint)Personal Skills:Team player, proactive, detail-oriented, excellent communication skills, able to work under pressure, and diligent.