Finance Head - Pre-series A Startup

The Role

We are seeking a hands-on, strategic Head of Finance to partner with the founders and drive financial discipline across the organization. You will move beyond traditional accounting to become a business partner who safeguards our financial health.

Your primary mandate is to own the Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), optimize our Working Capital to extend runway, and rigorously manage the P&L to ensure sustainable growth and healthy unit economics.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Planning, Control & Strategy

- FP&A Leadership: Lead the annual budgeting process, quarterly re-forecasting, and long-term strategic planning. Translate company goals into financial targets.

- Internal Controls: Design and implement robust financial policies, SOPs, and approval workflows appropriate for the company's stage to prevent leakage and ensure compliance.

- Reporting: Deliver accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements. Prepare Board Decks and investor updates with high-level insights and KPI tracking.

- Tech Stack: Select and implement financial systems (ERP, payroll, expense management) that scale with the company.

2. Working Capital & Cash Management

- Cash Flow Mastery: Own the cash flow forecast (13-week and long-term). Actively manage the cash conversion cycle to maximize liquidity.

- Receivables & Payables: Oversee AR/AP processes. Negotiate favorable payment terms with vendors and ensure timely collections from clients to optimize the cash position.

- Banking & Treasury: Manage banking relationships, credit lines, and treasury investment strategies to ensure capital is working efficiently.

- Inventory/Stock (if applicable): Monitor inventory turnover ratios and work with operations to prevent capital from being tied up in dead stock.

3. P&L Management & Profitability

- Margin Analysis: Deep dive into Gross Margins and Contribution Margins. Identify cost drivers and opportunities for efficiency.

- Unit Economics: obsessively track LTV, CAC, Burn Rate, and Runway. Ensure the business model is trending toward profitability.

- Cost Optimization: Conduct regular variance analysis (Actual vs. Budget). Hold department heads accountable for their spend and identify areas for cost reduction without stifling growth.

4. Compliance & Fundraising Support

- Tax & Statutory: Ensure 100% compliance with local tax laws (GST/VAT, TDS, Corporate Tax) and manage statutory audits.

- Due Diligence: Act as the financial lead during future fundraising rounds, managing the data room and responding to investor due diligence inquiries.

Who You Are

- Experience: 8-12+ years of progressive finance experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within a startup or high-growth environment.

- Education: CA, CPA, CFA, or MBA in Finance is preferred.

- Technical Skills: Expert in financial modeling (Excel/Google Sheets) and modern finance tools (Zoho Books).

- The "Startup Mindset": You are comfortable with ambiguity and willing to roll up your sleeves-whether it's strategic planning or processing a complex invoice.

- Communication: You can explain complex financial concepts to non-finance team members (Marketing, Tech, Sales) clearly and persuasively.

Why Join Us?

Impact: Build the financial DNA of a growing company from the ground up.

Equity: Competitive ESOPs/Equity package.

Culture: A transparent, fast-paced environment where your strategic input directly shapes the business direction.