Project Finance Lead

Role Summary

The Project Finance Management Lead will oversee the financial governance, controlling, and performance management of a large and complex project portfolio for a strategic business with annual turnover exceeding ?4,000 crore. This leadership role requires strong project finance expertise, FP&A capability, commercial acumen, and the ability to partner effectively with business leaders and cross-functional teams. The individual will drive transparency, financial discipline, scenario planning, portfolio insights, and ensure alignment to organizational standards of ethics and controllership.

Key Responsibilities

1. Portfolio Governance & Financial Controllership

• Provide end-to-end financial oversight of the business entire project portfolio, including P&L, Balance Sheet, cash flows, and working capital.
• Ensure strict adherence to finance policies, contracting norms, commercial terms, and internal governance frameworks.
• Lead monthly project reviews, validate cost-to-complete (CTC), assess margin trends, and ensure accuracy of project forecasts.
• Drive closure of aged/sticky Balance Sheet items and ensure appropriate provisioning, revenue recognition, and cost allocations.
• Strengthen financial rigor across sites and projects through process improvements, controls, and data-driven insights.

2. Strategic FP&A & Business Decision Support

• Lead AOP, monthly forecasts, long-range plan, and scenario modelling for the project portfolio.
• Provide decision-support to senior leadership through insightful variance analysis and risk-opportunity assessments.
• Challenge assumptions constructively and influence commercial, operational, and strategic decisions.
• Track portfolio performance, identify financial early warnings, and propose corrective actions.

3. Business Partnering & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary finance partner for project leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Confidently manage senior stakeholders and present complex financial information clearly.
• Handle tough discussions with maturity, ensuring fact-based and solution-led conversations.
• Coordinate with customers on financial matters, reporting, and commercial terms when required.

4. Commercial & Contractual Excellence

• Review major project contracts for commercial and financial clauses.
• Support claims preparation, change order evaluation, and negotiations.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives and maximize working capital efficiency.
• Ensure timely and accurate contractual reporting.

5. Leadership, Coaching & Team Development

• Lead and mentor project finance and site finance teams.
• Build capabilities in financial analysis, risk assessment, and business partnering.
• Promote a culture of ethics, transparency, and accountability.
• Foster collaboration between central finance and project execution teams.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strong expertise in Project Finance, Controllership, FP&A, and Commercial Finance.
• Knowledge of contracts, costing, taxation basics, and revenue recognition.
• Advanced skills in financial modelling and forecasting.
• Strong command of working capital metrics and project accounting.

Behavioural Competencies

• High integrity and ethical decision-making.
• Strong influencing, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Resilient and composed during high-pressure situations.
• Strategic mindset with a solution-oriented approach.
• Team player with leadership presence.

Qualifications & Experience

• CA / CWA preferred.
• 1418 years experience in project-driven industries.
• Experience managing large project portfolios and multi-location finance teams.
• Strong exposure to contracts, controlling, and project operations.