Location: Bengaluru

Experience: 12-20+ Years

Industry: Automobile Dealership / Automotive

About the Role:

We are looking for an experienced and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the entire finance function for a leading automobile dealership business. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in financial planning, dealership operations, working capital management, compliance, and strategic business partnering.

The role requires a hands-on finance leader capable of driving profitability, managing high-volume dealership operations, optimizing cash flows, and supporting long-term business expansion.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Strategy & Leadership:

- Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with business growth objectives

- Partner closely with the Dealer Principal / CEO on strategic decisions

- Drive long-term profitability and financial sustainability

- Evaluate business valuation through different financial models

- Support fundraising activities through PE, VC, or debt financing

P&L Management:

- Own and manage the dealership's Profit & Loss statement

- Monitor revenue streams including vehicle sales, service, spares, insurance, and finance commissions

- Analyze margins and implement profitability improvement initiatives

Working Capital & Cash Flow Management:

- Optimize inventory funding for vehicles and spare parts

- Manage receivables, especially institutional and fleet accounts

- Ensure efficient utilization of banking and credit facilities

- Lead cash flow planning and liquidity management

Budgeting & Forecasting:

- Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes

- Monitor actual performance against budgets

- Deliver MIS reports with actionable business insights

Banking & Financial Institutions:

- Manage relationships with banks and NBFCs

- Handle inventory funding, working capital loans, and customer financing tie-ups

- Negotiate borrowing costs and optimize financial structures

Compliance & Governance:

- Ensure compliance with GST, Income Tax, TDS, ROC, and other statutory requirements

- Implement strong internal controls and audit systems

- Coordinate with auditors and regulatory authorities

Cost Control & Operational Efficiency:

- Monitor operating expenses and drive cost optimization initiatives

- Evaluate ROI on marketing investments and capital expenditure

- Improve operational efficiency across departments

Team Leadership:

- Lead finance, accounts, billing, and reporting teams

- Ensure timely accounting, reporting, and financial discipline

- Build strong financial processes and governance frameworks

OEM & DMS Management:

- Ensure accurate reporting as per OEM requirements

- Manage audits, incentives, and claims reconciliation

- Utilize Dealer Management Systems (DMS) for financial insights and controls

Required Skills & Competencies:

- Strong Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

- Expertise in working capital management

- Deep understanding of dealership business operations

- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

- Leadership and stakeholder management skills

- High attention to detail and compliance orientation

Qualifications & Experience:

- CA / CMA / MBA Finance (CA preferred)

- 12-20+ years of finance experience

- Minimum 5+ years in a leadership role

- Experience in automobile dealership or automotive industry preferred

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

- EBITDA & overall dealership profitability

- Working capital cycle optimization

- Interest cost reduction

- Budget vs actual performance

- Compliance and audit scores

- Cost optimization metrics