Audit and Compliance Head

POSITION SUMMARY

Our partner organization is seeking an experienced professional to serve as the Audit and Compliance Head at its coordination office in Anand. The incumbent will lead the Audit & Compliance department, enhance financial systems and procedures, supervise audit & compliance operations, and ensure the organization meets all statutory requirements. Additionally, the role involves overseeing and enforcing statutory compliances and policies, offering assurance on business-process risks and controls, and supporting operational sustainability functions in the evolving statutory & legal landscape.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, implement, and monitor compliance with financial controls to ensure organizational protection from risk.
• Evaluate organizational risks, identify ways to minimize them, and design effective control systems. Handle deviations and implement necessary system improvements.
• Conduct regular training as necessary.
• Work independently to evaluate and improve processes across various functions, focusing on operational effectiveness, financial management, reporting reliability, and compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Systematically evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, governance, accounting processes, and compliance with laws & regulations. Offer risk management insights and solutions for problems and lapses.
• Coordinate across multiple domains to ensure proper documentation and uniform adherence to financial systems and compliance requirements across the organization.
• Ensure legal compliance regarding Income Tax, FCRA, Societies Registration Act, GST, CSR, and other relevant laws & Acts. Ensure timely remittance of government dues, taxes, and statutory payments.
• Ensure adherence to administrative & financial procedures. Work with HR for the induction and capacity building of stakeholders on compliance, financial systems, and processes. Promote the use of technology for automation and better financial record-keeping.
• Lead audits and financial reviews, including internal audits, statutory audits, sub-grantee audits, donor audits, etc. Address audit observations, evaluate causes, risks, and corrective actions, and integrate solutions into processes.
• Manage the Internal & External Audit Cycle and strengthen the audit function across all locations. Support financial year-end closure and the finalization of financial statements.
• Prepare agenda notes for the Finance and Audit Committee, and for the Board of Governors meetings related to audits and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and controls by examining and analyzing records, reports, and operating practices. Suggest and ensure integration of necessary changes in systems and processes.
• Ensure reconciliation of all accounts related to compliance monitoring, and verify the validity of accounting documentation and entries.
• Provide inputs on funder MoUs, vendor contracts, agreements, and other legal documents related to compliance, statutory, and financial aspects.
• Perform any other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES:

• CA / ICWA / MBA in Finance or specialized qualifications in Audit, Accounting, and Finance.
• 12+ years of relevant experience in the development sector.
• In-depth understanding of accounting, management controls, and financial principles.
• Extensive knowledge of Indian laws related to non-profits, including FCRA, CSR, GST, and financial practices within the sector. 
• Experience handling scrutiny proceedings. Strong problem-solving ability and the ability to multi-task effectively. 
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve organizational goals. 
• Strong adaptability, systems thinking, and integrity to build trust. Service-oriented approach in a staff function.