Finance Head

About the Role:

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Finance Head who will be the custodian of our financial integrity and the driving force behind our finance operations. This is not a role for someone who just oversees accounting—this is for a leader who proactively shapes financial systems, confidently engages with donors on complex financial matters, builds and mentors a strong finance team, and ensures our organization remains financially robust and compliant. You'll be our financial voice in strategic discussions, our compliance guardian in a complex regulatory landscape, and the problem-solver who finds solutions rather than waiting for instructions. If you're someone who sees what needs to be done and makes it happen, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic financial guidance to senior management and Board of Directors
• Lead financial planning, budgeting and forecasting processes for the organization
• Analyze financial performance, identify trends, and recommend corrective actions
• Develop and implement financial policies, systems and internal controls
• Ensure optimal cash flow management and working capital optimization
• Advise leadership on financial implications of programmatic decisions and growth plans
• Identify financial risks and develop mitigation strategies

Donor Relations & Compliance Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all donor financial queries and clarifications
• Review and interpret donor financial guidelines and ensure organizational compliance
• Lead financial discussions during donor meetings, proposal reviews and audit visits
• Prepare and present financial reports, utilization certificates and acquittals for diverse donors
• Ensure timely submission of all donor financial reports and documentation
• Build and maintain strong relationships with funding partners through transparent communication
• Navigate complex donor requirements (CSR, bilateral agencies, foundations, government schemes)
• Handle FCRA compliance, reporting and liaison with regulatory authorities

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations and ensure accuracy of financial records
• Review and approve all significant financial transactions, payments and reconciliations
• Ensure proper fund accounting, project-wise cost allocation and budget tracking
• Supervise bank operations, treasury management and investment decisions
• Implement robust internal control systems to prevent errors and irregularities
• Streamline financial processes for efficiency while maintaining compliance
• Leverage technology (Tally, Excel, other tools) to enhance financial management

Statutory Compliance & Audits

• Ensure compliance with all statutory requirements (Income Tax, GST, TDS, Professional Tax, etc.)
• Maintain organizational registrations (12A, 80G, FCRA, CSR-1, etc.) and ensure timely renewals
• Coordinate and manage statutory audits, donor audits, tax audits and internal audits
• Prepare audit schedules, respond to audit queries and implement audit recommendations
• Liaise with chartered accountants, tax consultants and legal advisors
• Stay updated on changes in NGO regulations, taxation and compliance requirements
• Ensure proper maintenance of statutory records and registers

Team Management & Development

• Lead, mentor and develop the finance team (accountants, junior staff)
• Set clear goals, delegate effectively and monitor team performance
• Build team capabilities through training, guidance and skill development
• Foster a culture of accuracy, integrity and continuous improvement
• Conduct regular team meetings to review work, address challenges and share learning
• Handle performance management, conflict resolution and team motivation

Systems & Process Improvement

• Continuously evaluate and improve financial systems, policies and procedures
• Identify bottlenecks in financial processes and implement solutions proactively
• Standardize financial templates, formats and documentation practices
• Drive digitization and automation of routine financial tasks
• Develop financial dashboards and MIS for management decision-making
• Document financial processes for consistency and knowledge management

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with program teams to support project budgeting and financial planning
• Guide HR on salary structures, benefits administration and compliance
• Support procurement with financial vetting of major purchases and contracts
• Collaborate with fundraising team on proposal budgets and financial projections
• Participate in organizational planning, decision-making and strategic initiatives

Essential Qualifications:

• CA (Chartered Accountant) or ICWA/CMA; MBA Finance with CA-Inter is also acceptable
• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive finance experience with at least 5 years in NGO/development sector (non-negotiable)
• At least 3-4 years of team management experience
• Deep understanding of NGO accounting, compliance, taxation and regulatory framework
• Proven experience managing donor relationships and financial reporting for diverse funding sources
• Strong knowledge of Tally ERP, advanced Excel and financial management tools

Must-Have Traits & Skills:

• NGO sector expertise
   - comprehensive understanding of development sector finance landscape: fund accounting, donor compliance, FCRA, tax exemptions, CSR regulations, audit requirements
• Proactive go-getter
   - identifies what needs to be done and does it without waiting for instructions; takes initiative; brings solutions, not just problems
• Strategic thinker
   - sees the big picture; connects financial decisions to organizational mission and sustainability
• Strong communicator
   - articulates complex financial matters clearly to non-finance stakeholders; confident in donor interactions
• Decision-maker
   - makes sound judgments based on financial prudence and organizational best interest; doesn't shy away from tough calls
• Problem-solver
   - navigates complex compliance issues, donor requirements and operational challenges with practical solutions
• Team builder
   - develops people, delegates effectively, creates accountability while being supportive
• Detail-oriented despite seniority
   - maintains oversight on details while managing strategic responsibilities
• High integrity
   - uncompromising ethics in financial matters; serves as moral compass for finance function
• Adaptable & resilient
   - handles pressure during audits, tight deadlines, donor scrutiny without getting overwhelmed
• Ownership mindset
   - treats organizational finances as personal responsibility; loses sleep if something is wrong

What Makes a Candidate Stand Out:

• Experience managing finances for large, multi-state NGO operations (annual budget 10+ crores)
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex donor audits without major observations
• Experience with diverse funding sources: CSR, bilateral donors (USAID, FCDO, etc.), Indian foundations, government schemes
• Strong network with CA firms, legal advisors specializing in NGO sector
• Experience implementing financial management systems or ERPs in NGO context
• Previous exposure to Board-level financial reporting and governance
• Knowledge of program finance in health/education/livelihoods/rural development sectors

Personal Attributes We're Looking For:

• Ears and eyes of finance
  : You notice everything—from a misclassified expense to a potential compliance risk to a team member struggling; nothing escapes your attention
• Independent thinker
  : You don't need a manual for every situation; you assess, analyze and decide what's best for the organization
• Confident yet humble
  : You can hold your ground with donors and auditors while being open to learning and feedback
• Mission-aligned
  : You understand that finance in NGO sector isn't just about numbers—it's about enabling social impact
• Relocation readiness
  : You're genuinely willing to move to Ahmedabad and establish yourself here for the long term
• Energy & drive
  : You bring enthusiasm to work; your team feels motivated by your presence and leadership

Why This Role Matters:

As Finance Head, you are not just managing money—you are safeguarding trust. Every donor who funds us, every beneficiary we serve, every employee who works here depends on the financial integrity you uphold. Your strategic guidance shapes what we can achieve. Your donor relationships determine what resources we can mobilize. Your team management ensures operational excellence. Your compliance vigilance protects the organization from risks. This is a role where your expertise directly translates into greater social impact. If you're ready to be not just a Finance Head but a strategic partner in our mission, we want to meet you.

What This Role Is NOT:

This is not a role where you can just supervise from a distance or wait for others to tell you what to do. This is not for someone who says "that's not in the guidelines" without finding solutions. This is not for someone who sees finance as a control function rather than an enabling function. If you need constant direction, prefer staying in your comfort zone, or view finance work as just following rules, this won't be the right fit.

What We Offer:

• Leadership role with genuine decision-making authority and strategic influence
• Opportunity to shape financial systems and policies from the ground up
• Direct interaction with donors, Board members and organizational leadership
• Chance to build and develop a finance team
• Meaningful work where your financial expertise serves communities across 13 states
• Professional growth in a dynamic, mission-driven organization