Chief Finance & Accounts Officer (CFAO) / Finance Officer (FO)

Position Overview

We are seeking an accomplished and strategic finance professional to lead the Finance & Accounts function. The incumbent will provide financial leadership, strengthen governance and internal controls, ensure statutory and regulatory compliance, and drive effective financial planning and institutional sustainability.

Experience in a University, Higher Education Institution, Educational Group, or other large and complex organization will be an added advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership and advise senior management on financial planning, budgeting, investments, cost optimization, and risk management.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow planning, and monitoring of budget utilization and financial performance.
• Oversee the complete Finance & Accounts function, including accounting, financial reporting, finalization of accounts, receivables, payables, fixed assets, and reconciliations.
• Ensure robust financial governance, internal controls, policies, SOPs, and effective risk-management practices.
• Lead statutory, internal, and tax audits and ensure timely closure of audit observations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Income Tax, TDS, GST, accounting standards, and other statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Manage treasury operations, cash flow, banking relationships, investments, and optimal utilization of funds.
• Oversee revenue and receivables management, including student fee collections, scholarships, refunds, grants, and institutional funds, where applicable.
• Develop MIS, financial dashboards, and analytical reports to support senior management decision-making.
• Drive ERP adoption, automation, digitization, and continuous improvement of financial processes.
• Provide financial oversight for procurement, vendor payments, contracts, and major institutional investments.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Finance & Accounts team while collaborating effectively with senior leadership, auditors, banks, consultants, and regulatory authorities.
• Preferred Experience – University / Higher Education
• Candidates with experience in the University or Education sector will be preferred, particularly those with exposure to institutional budgeting, student fee management, grants, sponsored projects, regulatory and accreditation requirements, audits, and financial governance.

Qualification & Experience

• CA / CA Intermediate / MBA or PGDM in Finance from a recognized institution.
• Minimum 10+ years of relevant experience in Finance & Accounts.
• Significant experience in a leadership or senior managerial role is preferred.
• Strong expertise in financial planning, budgeting, accounting, taxation, audit, compliance, treasury, MIS, internal controls, and team leadership.
• Key Competencies
• Strategic financial and commercial acumen
• Strong leadership and people-management capabilities
• Financial governance, compliance, and risk management
• Analytical and decision-making skills
• High standards of integrity and professional ethics
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Technology-driven and process-improvement mindset