Finance Head

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly strategic and experienced Finance Head to lead the financial operations of our chemical manufacturing firm in Surat. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Finance Head will drive financial planning, manage corporate risk, optimize working capital, and ensure the long-term financial health of the organization. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of product costing, capital expenditure (CapEx) management, and statutory compliances specific to the chemical manufacturing and processing industry.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Planning & Management

• Partner with the Board of Directors to develop long-term financial strategies and business plans.
• Drive annual budgeting, financial forecasting, and cash flow management to support plant operations and expansion initiatives.
• Evaluate and advise on the financial impact of long-range planning, introduction of new product lines, and regulatory changes.

International Trade, Forex & Regulatory Reporting

• Lead the financial structuring of all import and export activities, safeguarding the company against global market volatility.
• Monitor and clear EDPMS (Export) and IDPMS (Import) entries rigorously, resolving any bank pendencies, open bills, or regulatory flags promptly.
• Ensure 100% compliance with FEMA guidelines, RBI master directions, and international trade laws for all inward and outward remittances.
• Execute robust Forex risk management and hedging strategies to protect unit economics against currency fluctuations.
• Negotiate and manage complex trade finance facilities with domestic and international banks, maximizing favorable terms for LCs, BGs, and Export Packing Credit.
• Evaluate and capitalize on the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), leveraging export incentives and duty drawback programs to reduce overall landed costs.

Costing & Plant Finance

• Oversee robust product costing mechanisms to accurately track the cost of raw materials, utilities, and overheads.
• Conduct detailed variance analysis (budget vs. actual) and implement cost-control measures across the manufacturing facility.
• Manage inventory valuation and strictly monitor working capital cycles.

Treasury, Funding & Banking

• Manage relationships with banks, financial institutions, and investors.
• Lead fund-raising initiatives (debt and equity) for capacity expansion, plant modernization, or automation projects.
• Optimize cash flow and manage foreign exchange (forex) risks associated with the import of raw materials and export of finished chemicals.

Compliance, Taxation & Audits

• Ensure strict compliance with all statutory requirements, including Direct and Indirect Taxation (Income Tax, GST, Customs, and Excise).
• Oversee the finalization of corporate accounts in compliance with Indian Accounting Standards.
• Direct and coordinate internal, statutory, and tax audits, ensuring zero non-compliance issues.
• Manage legal, secretarial, and regulatory compliances related to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and environmental bodies where financially relevant.

Team Leadership & ERP Optimization

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance, accounts, and costing team.
• Drive the successful implementation and optimization of ERP systems to automate financial reporting and enhance data accuracy.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA). An additional MBA in Finance, ICWA (CMA), or CS qualification is a strong advantage.
• Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of progressive financial leadership experience.
• Industry Requirement: Extensive experience in a mid-to-large-scale manufacturing environment, Specific experience in Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, or Petrochemicals is highly preferred.
• Technical Skills: Deep expertise in corporate finance, Indian tax laws, financial modeling, and supply chain/manufacturing unit economics. Hands-on experience with ERP systems.
• Communication: Exceptional presentation and communication skills for board-level reporting. Fluency in English, Hindi, and Gujarati (preferred).
• Leadership: Proven ability to build cross-functional relationships, drive change management, and lead a large finance department.

Working Conditions

• Executive role based at the corporate office in Surat.
• Requires occasional travel for banking, investor meetings, and industry conferences.