The Controller is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring robust financial governance, accuracy in reporting, and end-to-end control across Ayekart Retail's multi-location operations. This position leads a large team of warehouse accountants and regional finance executives, ensuring strong compliance, timely reporting, and seamless integration between finance and operations.

The role is central to ensuring financial discipline, integrity of books, and high-quality MIS for management decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

A. Financial Accounting & Controls:

- Lead and supervise 35+ accountants across HO and warehouses; ensure standardisation of accounting practices.

- Oversee complete accounting operations: payables, receivables, revenue recognition, stock accounting, and expense controls.

- Ensure timely month-end and year-end closure with zero non-compliances.

- Implement and monitor strong internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent leakages.

B. Financial Reporting & MIS:

- Drive accurate, timely branch-wise/warehouse-wise profitability reporting.

- Prepare and review Corporate MIS, management dashboards, and variance analyses.

- Support strategic decisions through Business Planning & Analysis.

C. Compliance, Audit & Governance:

- Coordinate and manage Statutory, Internal & Stock Audits across multiple locations.

- Implement audit findings, strengthen SOPs, and build a compliance-first culture.

- Ensure GST, TDS and financial regulatory compliance, supported by accounting teams.

D. Working Capital, Treasury & Banking:

- Prepare and monitor Monthly Stock/DP Statements for banking partners.

- Manage loan review processes, banking submissions, and fund utilisation reporting.

- Support the and Fund raising team in fund-raising activities and lender due diligence.

E. Process, Systems & Automation:

- Drive automation of workflows, use of ERP/Tally/Workflow, digitisation of processes, and control enhancements.

- Standardise processes across all warehouses and improve efficiency of transaction processing.

F. Leadership & Team Development:

- Mentor and develop regional accountants and warehouse-level finance teams.

- Build a high-performance culture, ensuring accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement.

- Conduct periodic training on systems, controls, audit readiness, and compliance.

Qualifications & Experience:

- CA with 8+ years of experience in Finance, Accounting & Controls.

- Prior experience in FMCG, Retail, Distribution, or Supply Chain-intensive businesses is essential.

- Strong understanding of multi-location accounting, stock processes, and high-volume transactions.

- Demonstrated experience in leading large teams (20+ preferred).

Skills & Competencies:

Essential:

- Strong command over accounting standards, GST, and statutory compliance.

- Proven experience in financial controls, audits, MIS, and reconciliations.

- Strong technology orientation; proficiency in Excel, Tally, and automation tools.

- Ability to work under tight timelines and deliver accurate outputs consistently.

Desirable:

- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

- Ability to collaborate with Operations, Audit, Banking, and Senior Management.

- Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and a continuous improvement mindset.