Role Overview:

Our client is building next-generation process plants that transform biomass feedstocks into high-value chemicals. As Senior Manager, Finance and Accounting, you will be responsible for bringing the finance function in-house and running it - budgeting, controls, payments, compliance, visibility, and reporting.

This role spans the entire finance and accounting lifecycle - from budget setting and payment control through statutory filings, audit, and investor and board reporting.

The ideal candidate has been the senior-most finance person somewhere small or large. You have built process and discipline from zero rather than inherited it and are comfortable being both the person who sets the policy and the person who checks the invoice.

Responsibilities:

Planning and control:

- Own the annual budget and rolling forecast and drive budgeting exercises with every function.

- Build unit economics, product costing and variance analysis across products and production units.

- Own cash flow forecasting, runway management and working capital planning.

Accounting and process:

- Transition organization finance practice from external chartered accountancy support to an in-house function.

- Establish financial controls, approval matrices and payment oversight.

- Own month-end and year-end close and build the finance team over time.

Compliance and reporting:

- Own statutory compliance across GST, TDS, income tax, ROC and MCA filings, and manage statutory and internal and external audit.

- Manage overseas payments, foreign exchange exposure and FEMA-linked filings.

- Prepare investor packs, board materials, due diligence materials, cap table records and monthly MIS.

Requirements:

- Chartered Accountant or equivalent qualification, or evidence of exceptional achievement.

- 10 to 15 years in finance, including time as the senior-most finance person in an organisation.

- Prior startup experience - comfort with ambiguity, lean teams and building process where none exists.

- Demonstrated ownership of statutory compliance, external audit, and overseas payments and foreign exchange.

- Working knowledge of Indian accounting standards, direct and indirect tax, and FEMA.

- Nice-to-have: Experience with manufacturing or specialty chemicals finance, cost of goods accounting, investor fundraise due diligence, Zoho suite, ESOP administration, and subsidy schemes such as MOOWR and EPCG.

- Ability to work across Bengaluru office, plant sites and partner locations.