Job Title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Location: Kolkata, India

Department: Finance & Operations

Reports To: CEO/Managing Director

Position Overview:

The CFO will lead financial stewardship and operational discipline for the retail organization, with a core mandate to elevate finance and accounts processes for compliance, efficiency, and actionable business insight.

Key Responsibilities:

- Oversee and optimize all finance and accounting operations, including accounts payable/receivable, reconciliations, and period-end closing activities.

- Champion process improvements such as automation, standardization, and modernization of finance workflows-from data capture through financial reporting.

- Lead complete finalization of accounts and balance sheet preparation at period-end, ensuring accuracy, proper adjustments, and compliance with all statutory requirements.

- Drive robust documentation and controls for all finance functions; create and enforce SOPs for regular transactions and financial closures.

- Formulate annual budgets, conduct variance analysis, and present findings during monthly senior management reviews

- Manage annual and monthly financial statements preparation, including Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and supporting schedules.

- Monitor and optimize cost structures, with a focus on expense control and efficiency in finance department operations.

- Fund flow management and working capital optimization

- Oversee statutory and internal audit processes-coordinate with auditors, provide necessary support, and proactively address audit observations to safeguard compliance and mitigate risks.

- Ensure timely statutory filings and adherence to Ind AS, GST, and other regulatory mandates.

- Leverage digital tools and ERP/automation platforms to streamline accounting accuracy, process speed, and analytics.

- Develop team capability in digital finance and continuous improvement practices.

Core Competencies:

- Deep knowledge of finance and accounting process design, automation, and analytics for retail businesses.

- Comprehensive experience in statutory compliance, GST, balance sheet/account finalization, and audit management.

- Proven expertise in cost control, internal controls, and risk management for multi-location retail operations.

- Process-driven attitude and continuous improvement mindset.

Qualifications & Experience:

- CA or MBA (Finance); minimum 15 years' relevant experience, including 5+ years at a senior finance leadership level in retail/consumer sector.

- Demonstrated success in audit management, financial process transformation, and technology adoption for finance.

Personal Attributes:

- High integrity, accountability, and hands-on approach.

- Excellent analytical, communication, and change management skills.

- Strong collaborator across functions and with external partners.