Anand Rathi - Finance & Accounts Lead -CA

Role Overview:

We are looking for a qualified Chartered Accountant with 5 - 8 years of post-qualification experience to lead and manage the Finance & Accounts function for a candidate with an Insurance background. The role will be responsible for financial reporting, P&L management, GST and taxation, accounting operations, statutory compliance, budgeting, MIS, audits, and financial controls.

The ideal candidate should have strong hands-on experience in Finance & Accounts along with the ability to lead a team, work closely with senior management, and drive process improvements.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Finance & Accounts Leadership:

• Lead the overall Finance & Accounts function and ensure smooth day-to-day financial operations.
• Oversee accounting, general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations and month-end/year-end closing.
• Ensure accuracy and timely completion of books of accounts.
• Develop and strengthen financial processes, controls and accounting policies.
• Lead and mentor the Finance & Accounts team.

2. P&L and Financial Reporting:

• Take ownership of P&L preparation, analysis and review.
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements and MIS.
• Analyze revenue, expenses, margins, profitability and key financial indicators.
• Provide meaningful financial insights and variance analysis to management.
• Monitor actual performance against budgets and forecasts.
• Support management in financial planning and decision-making.

3. GST & Taxation:

• Manage end-to-end GST compliance, including GSTR filings, reconciliations and input tax credit management.
• Ensure timely and accurate GST returns and other applicable tax compliances.
• Handle GST audits, notices, assessments and departmental queries in coordination with consultants, wherever required.
• Ensure proper accounting and reconciliation of GST, TDS and other statutory liabilities.
• Coordinate with tax consultants and auditors for direct and indirect tax matters.
• Keep the organisation updated on relevant changes in taxation laws and regulations.

4. Audit & Statutory Compliance:

• Coordinate with Statutory Auditors, Internal Auditors and Tax Auditors.
• Ensure timely completion of statutory and internal audits.
• Prepare audit schedules, supporting documents and financial information.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, Companies Act and other regulatory requirements.
• Track and close audit observations and ensure implementation of corrective actions.

5. Budgeting & Financial Planning:

• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process.
• Prepare business plans, financial projections and scenario analysis.
• Monitor budget utilisation and identify areas of cost optimisation.
• Work with business/function heads to understand financial performance and improve profitability.

6. MIS & Management Reporting:

• Develop and present monthly MIS and management reports.
• Provide analysis on revenue, expenses, profitability, working capital and business performance.
• Prepare dashboards and financial reports for senior management.
• Identify trends, risks and opportunities and provide actionable recommendations.

7. Working Capital & Cash Flow Management:

• Monitor cash flows, receivables, payables and working capital requirements.
• Prepare and review cash flow forecasts.
• Ensure timely collection of receivables and effective management of payables.
• Work with internal stakeholders to improve cash conversion and liquidity management.

8. Process Improvement & Controls:

• Establish and strengthen financial controls and governance mechanisms.
• Identify process gaps and implement improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Drive automation and digitization of Finance & Accounts processes wherever possible.
• Ensure proper documentation and adherence to internal financial policies.
• Hands-on experience with Oracle or other ERP systems.
• Knowledge / working understanding of Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS).