Role Overview:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for overseeing the financial strategy, planning, and management of the institute. The CFO will ensure financial sustainability, compliance with regulatory frameworks, and efficient utilization of funds (including grants, endowments, and government funding).

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership:

- Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the institute's mission and long-term goals

- Advise the Director/CEO and Board on financial planning, risk management, and investment strategies

- Support institutional growth, partnerships, and funding initiatives

Financial Planning & Analysis:

- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling

- Monitor financial performance and provide actionable insights

- Ensure optimal allocation of resources across research programs

Fund & Grant Management:

- Oversee management of research grants, donor funds, and government funding

- Ensure compliance with funding agency requirements and reporting standards

- Establish systems for tracking fund utilization and impact

Compliance & Governance:

- Ensure compliance with Indian financial regulations, including FCRA (if applicable), Income Tax, and CSR guidelines

- Liaise with auditors, regulatory authorities, and government bodies

- Strengthen internal controls and governance frameworks

Accounting & Financial Operations:

- Oversee accounting, financial reporting, and audit processes

- Ensure timely preparation of financial statements (IND AS/IGAAP as applicable)

- Manage treasury, cash flow, and investments

Risk Management:

- Identify financial risks and implement mitigation strategies

- Ensure robust internal audit and control mechanisms

Team Leadership:

- Build and lead a high-performing finance team

- Drive capacity building and adoption of best financial practices

Qualifications & Experience:

- Chartered Accountant (CA), MBA (Finance), or equivalent qualification

- 15-20 years of progressive financial leadership experience

- Prior experience in research institutions, academia, non-profits, or think tanks preferred

- Strong understanding of grant management, donor funding, and public sector financial norms

- Experience dealing with international funding agencies is a plus

Key Skills & Competencies:

- Strategic thinking and leadership

- Strong financial modeling and analytical skills

- Knowledge of regulatory frameworks (FCRA, CSR, etc.)

- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

- High integrity and ethical standards

Reporting Structure:

- Reports to: Director / CEO / Board of Governors

- Direct Reports: Finance & Accounts Team

Compensation:

- Competitive and aligned with industry standards for senior leadership roles in the research/non-profit sector

- May include performance-linked incentives

Additional Notes:

- Experience in handling multi-source funding (government, CSR, international grants) is highly desirable

- Familiarity with research project lifecycles and academic environments will be an advantage