Financial Controller / Head of Finance

Company Overview

A fast-growing, investor-backed consumer brand operating across the personal care, wellness, and fragrance categories. The company has an annualized revenue of approximately ₹100 crore and an expanding product portfolio. It is entering its next phase of growth and is focused on building a robust, scalable finance function.

Job Summary

The Financial Controller / Head of Finance will take ownership of the overall finance function, focusing on financial controllership, taxation, statutory compliance, and governance. This role involves close collaboration with the founders to oversee the existing business finance function, ensuring financial processes, controls, and compliance frameworks evolve with the company’s growth. This position offers an opportunity to assume broader leadership responsibilities, build scalable processes, and grow into a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role as the business expands.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting, financial reporting, month-end closures, and financial controls.
• Establish robust internal control frameworks and strengthen financial processes.
• Ensure accuracy, transparency, and timely reporting across the organization.
• Drive audit readiness and coordinate with external auditors and advisors.
• Lead direct and indirect taxation, including Goods and Services Tax (GST), Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), and related statutory filings.
• Ensure timely compliance with applicable regulatory and statutory requirements.
• Monitor changes in tax regulations and assess their implications for the business.
• Strengthen compliance processes and reduce dependence on outsourced service providers.
• Oversee corporate governance and applicable regulatory compliances.
• Manage employee-related statutory compliances effectively.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to close compliance gaps and mitigate risks.
• Build and implement scalable finance processes, policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Oversee the existing business finance function, including Management Information Systems (MIS), financial planning and analysis, and management reporting.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to improve financial discipline and operational efficiency.
• Develop the finance team and establish clear ownership across key finance verticals.
• Partner with founders and leadership to strengthen financial decision-making.
• Equip the finance function to support business expansion and increasing operational complexity.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost optimization, and risk mitigation.
• Prepare the organization for its next stage of growth through stronger financial systems and governance.

Qualifications

• Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification preferred.
• Approximately 8–9 years of relevant experience.
• Strong expertise in financial controllership, taxation, statutory compliance, and corporate governance.
• Experience managing finance operations in a corporate environment, preferably within a high-growth organization.
• Good understanding of financial and reconciliation complexities associated with digital commerce and multi-channel businesses.
• Demonstrated ability to build processes, strengthen internal controls, and manage external auditors, consultants, and advisors.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to work closely with founders and business leaders.
• Hands-on approach balancing operational execution with strategic thinking.

Preferred Skills

• Background in Direct-to-Consumer (D2C), Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), consumer brands, e-commerce, marketplaces, or technology-led businesses.

Experience

• Minimum 6 years of experience, with preference for 8–9 years in relevant finance roles.
• Experience in financial controllership, taxation, statutory compliance, and corporate governance.
• Experience in high-growth corporate environments.

Environment

• Location: Mumbai.
• Work Mode: Work from office, 5 days a week.
• Typical work setting involves close collaboration with founders and senior leadership in a fast-paced, growth-oriented consumer business environment.