Role Overview:

The Finance Associate Director will be an individual contributor, and will be responsible for the day-to-day accounting operations, managing the financial planning, analysis, and reporting function of the organization, with a specific focus on local tax and regulations, as well as ensuring compliance with Sarbanes Oxley (SOX).

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Operations:

- Record financial transactions accurately into appropriate accounts, post debits and credits, and ensure the integrity of the general ledger.

- Preparing all journal entries for month-end close and generating Invoice for the parent entity.

- Prepare all financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and all parent company mandated reports.

- Performing account reconciliations to ensure accuracy and completeness of all financial data.

- Strong knowledge of local Statutory requirements and regulations.

- Coordinate with external auditors and tax advisors for annual local audits and quarterly and yearly tax filings.

- Oversee financial operations, including accounts payable centralized teams.

- Implement and maintain financial systems and controls to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data.

- Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and standards, including US GAAP and IFRS.

- Work with the payroll department by validating and approving monthly payroll inputs.

- Coordinate with the payroll vendor for the yearly employee reports.

- Partner with HR department in addressing and resolving PF, Tax related employee queries.

2. Cash Flow Management:

- Manage the organization's cash flow to ensure liquidity and optimize working capital.

- Monitor cash flows, prepare cash flow forecasts, and implement strategies to mitigate cash flow risks.

3. Financial Planning and Analysis:

- Develop and oversee the organization's financial planning processes, including annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-term strategic planning.

- Conduct financial analysis and modelling to support decision-making and evaluating the financial performance of the organization.

- Prepare regular financial reports and dashboards for senior management, highlighting key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics.

4. SOX Compliance:

- Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) regulations and requirements.

- Establish and oversee internal controls and procedures to ensure compliance with SOX regulations, including documentation, testing, and remediation efforts.

- Coordinate with internal audit, corporate external auditors, and other stakeholders to facilitate the annual SOX compliance process.

- Monitor changes in SOX regulations and guidance and implement necessary updates to the organization's controls and procedures.

5. Direct Tax Filing and Coordination:

- Manage timely filing of corporate tax returns (ITR-6), advance tax computations, and TDS/TCS returns.

- Coordinate with statutory auditors and tax auditors for completion of Form 3CA/3CB/3CD (Tax Audit Report).

- Liaise with external auditors to ensure accurate tax provisions, deferred tax workings, and notes to accounts.

- Track and respond to notices from income tax department; maintain tracker for all open assessments and deadlines.

- Internal review of TDS workings, reconciliation with books, and ensuring zero-default compliance.

6. Indirect Tax (GST) Filing & Coordination:

- Oversee monthly/quarterly/annual GST return filings (GSTR-1, 3B, 9, 9C).

- Coordinate with GST auditors for GSTR-9C reconciliation and sign-off within timelines.

- Manage ITC reconciliation between books and GSTR-2B; resolve mismatches in coordination with vendors and internal teams.

- Maintain filing calendar and ensure zero late fees/penalties across all registrations.

- Act as the single point of contact for GST auditors during annual audit and departmental visits.

7. Transfer Pricing Documentation & Filing:

- Coordinate with TP consultants/auditors for preparation and timely filing of Form 3CEB.

- Collate intercompany transaction data from business units and provide to external advisors for benchmarking.

- Maintain and update intercompany agreements, TP documentation, and audit-ready files annually.

- Track TP assessment status and coordinate responses to TPO queries with external counsel.

Qualifications:

- Degree in related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred (Or MCom, MBA Finance, ICWA).

- 12 to 15 years of experience in accounting and finance roles.

- Strong understanding of India compliance requirements, Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) regulations, and US GAAP.

- Experience implementing and maintaining SOX controls and procedures.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with senior management, stakeholders, and external partners.

- Proficiency in financial software and systems, including ERP systems (current ERP is Maconomy), financial modelling tools, Google Suite and Microsoft Excel.