Finance Head

About Client - They are building next-generation biotechnology platforms powered by synthetic biology, precision fermentation, metabolic engineering, and advanced bioprocessing. We are developing scalable, sustainable, and commercially viable bio-based products for global markets.

As a Finance Lead, you will establish the finance and accounting function from the ground up for a new or expanding food manufacturing plant. You will bridge the gap between plant floor operations and executive leadership, ensuring that every batch produced aligns with company targets.

Key Responsibilities
1. Costing & Margin Control

• Standard Costing: Set up and manage standard product costs, Bill of Materials (BOM) governance, and yield variances.
• COGS Analysis: Monitor the Cost of Goods Sold, including raw material fluctuations, direct labor, packaging, and co-manufacturing overheads.
• Margin Optimization: Analyze margins and perform unit economic analysis across various product lines and SKUs.

2. Inventory & Supply Chain Finance

• Landed Costing: Ensure accurate allocation of procurement costs, freight, customs, and raw material storage expenses.
• Inventory Valuation: Conduct accurate inventory audits, track wastage/shrinkage, and implement controls to minimize "Cost of Poor Quality".

3. Cash Flow & Working Capital Management

• Working Capital Cycle: Manage cash flows specifically impacted by raw material bulk purchases and delayed retail or distributor receivables.
• Capital Expenditures (CapEx): Evaluate the financial viability of new machinery, facility upgrades, and food safety compliance equipment.

4. Financial Planning, Reporting & Controls

• MIS & Forecasting: Develop and review budgets, monthly P&L, and rolling forecasts.
• Internal Controls: Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent fraud and maintain financial discipline.
• ERP Implementation: Support the deployment or configuration of accounting/ERP software (e.g., Tally, SAP, Oracle NetSuite) suited for inventory-heavy businesses.

5. Statutory Compliance & Audits

• Taxation: Ensure rigorous compliance with GST, TDS, and corporate taxation frameworks.
• Regulatory: Oversee Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) compliance documentation, labor laws, and ROC filings.
• Audits: Coordinate with statutory auditors and manage internal audit schedules.

Ideal Qualifications

• Education: Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA), CPA, or MBA (Finance) from top-tier institutions.
• Experience: 5 to 10 years of experience in financial management, with at least 3 years handling plant-level operations, inventory, or FMCG/food manufacturing environments.
• Skills: Advanced Microsoft Excel, strong knowledge of ERP systems, cost accounting expertise, and excellent cross-functional stakeholder management.