Job Summary:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be responsible for leading the financial strategy, planning, governance, and operational excellence of the media organization. The role requires a strategic finance leader with strong commercial acumen and experience in the media, broadcasting, digital, entertainment, or advertising industry. The CFO will partner with the executive leadership team to drive sustainable growth, optimize profitability, manage financial risks, and ensure regulatory compliance while supporting the organization's expansion and digital transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

- Develop and execute the company's financial strategy aligned with business objectives.

- Provide strategic financial insights to the CEO, Board, and leadership team.

- Lead financial planning for new business ventures, acquisitions, and investments.

- Drive long-term business growth, profitability, and shareholder value.

Financial Planning & Analysis:

- Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning.

- Monitor financial performance through dashboards and MIS reports.

- Analyze revenue streams, profitability, and operational efficiency.

- Recommend strategies to improve margins and optimize costs.

Financial Operations:

- Oversee accounting, treasury, taxation, payroll, procurement, and financial reporting.

- Ensure timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.

- Manage cash flow, working capital, and capital expenditure.

- Optimize capital structure and financing arrangements.

Commercial Finance:

- Partner with business heads to evaluate programming, content, advertising, subscription, licensing, and digital revenue opportunities.

- Evaluate ROI on content production, marketing campaigns, and strategic initiatives.

- Support pricing strategies and commercial negotiations.

Governance, Risk & Compliance:

- Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, taxation, and corporate governance requirements.

- Lead internal controls, audits, and enterprise risk management.

- Liaise with auditors, banks, investors, and regulatory authorities.

- Ensure adherence to applicable accounting standards and financial regulations.

Investor & Stakeholder Management:

- Present financial performance and business insights to the Board.

- Build relationships with investors, financial institutions, and strategic partners.

- Support fundraising, mergers & acquisitions, and due diligence activities when required.

Team Leadership:

- Lead and mentor the finance, accounts, taxation, and procurement teams.

- Build a high-performance finance function through capability development and process improvements.

- Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Desired Candidate Profile:

Education:

- Chartered Accountant (CA) is mandatory.

Experience:

- 15-20 years of progressive finance leadership experience.

- Minimum 5 years in a CFO, Finance Director, or Head of Finance role.

- Experience in media, broadcasting, television, OTT, digital media, entertainment, advertising, publishing, or related sectors is highly preferred.

- Experience managing large budgets, multiple business units, and complex financial operations.

Key Skills:

- Strategic Financial Planning

- Financial Modelling & Business Analysis

- Budgeting & Forecasting

- Corporate Finance & Treasury

- Fundraising & Capital Management

- Mergers & Acquisitions

- Investor Relations

- Taxation & Regulatory Compliance

- Risk Management & Internal Controls

- Cost Optimization

- Digital Business Finance

- ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.)

- Advanced Excel, Power BI, and Financial Analytics

Leadership Competencies:

- Strategic and commercial mindset

- Strong business partnering capability

- High ethical standards and integrity

- Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills

- Exceptional communication and presentation abilities

- Stakeholder management and negotiation skills

- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic media environment

- Strong leadership and team-building capabilities

Success Metrics:

- Achievement of revenue and profitability targets

- Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting

- Effective cash flow and working capital management

- Cost optimization and operational efficiency improvements

- Successful implementation of financial controls and governance

- Regulatory compliance with zero major audit observations

- Support for strategic growth initiatives, investments, and digital transformation

- Development of a high-performing finance organization