Main Purpose of Job
The Finance Director India leads the business Finance organisation covering the combined Howden and Chart Indian organisations, across 3 big production locations (Chennai, Sri City, Hosur), Shared Service Centre (Hyderabad) and sales offices. The role holder plays a key role in driving financial performance and strategy across all aspects of the business with the Managing Directors and is responsible for developing a business focused finance leadership team together with ensuring a strong controls environment and reporting results.
Accountabilities
1. Provides financial leadership and business partnering to the Indian region identifying, prioritising and actioning the key performance levers. Provides financial insight for the business challenges and takes a lead role in strategic and budget planning and supports business development opportunities.
2. Works closely with the Financial leaders within Howden/ Chart India finance function to ensure alignment and co-operation. Ensures that Group-reporting requirements are complied with and in accordance with agreed timetables, format and Group Accounting Manual.
3. At all times keep an eye on the trajectory and future financial performance of the region, providing insight and influencing the management team to take early countermeasures and / or lean further into opportunities that will maintain a trajectory of earnings growth both within and beyond the current financial year.
4. Leads and develops the India Finance team and drives improved accountability for financial performance throughout all business functions in the region.
5. Leads the integration of the Howden and Chart India Finance functions with a focus on efficiency and effectiveness.
6. Ensure local statutory compliance, Direct & Indirect tax compliance, Transfer pricing submissions and SOX
compliance across Indian companies.
7. Develops sound business proposals for product evolution/innovation, capital investment and expansion opportunities and drives the financial input to the strategic plan and budget.
8. Keeps focus on consistent delivery of monthly/quarterly financial results to strict schedules. Provides intelligent business information and insight to the senior management team for decision making.
9. Ensures that working capital, cash and productivity are adequately controlled to achieve plan levels. Assists local management, where necessary, to correct any adverse performances.
10. Verifies reviews and presents formal applications for capital expenditure to Group. Ensures the control expenditure for projects when agreed and monitors return on investment to meet target levels.
11. Contributes to pricing and estimating procedures to ensure their accuracy and integrity. Reviews major contracts to ensure that the Company’s interests are safeguarded, including contract margin performance. Ensures adequacy of foreign exchange transactions and LOC requirements in line with Group policy and commercial risks.
Dimensions
Direct budget: Regional role, circa $100m + turnover with business units in different states.
Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours
Extensive experience of significant Financial Leadership ($100m + revenue) in a complex, matrix, global environment
Qualified accountant, CPA qualification/equivalent
Demonstrated results in growth, profitability, working capital management, innovation and continuous improvement.
Minimum 10 years of experience with at least 3 years in a similar leadership role in a MNC environment
Previous experience of M&A, due diligence and integration
Experience in US GAAP
Exposure to Sarbanes Oxley
Good knowledge of manufacturing businesses and operations
Good knowledge of local regulations and statutory requirements
Adept at sales, cost and profit analysis - by product, customer and geography
Solid financial analysis skills with good spreadsheet modelling ability
An excellent communicator, laterally and vertically with the ability to build strong professional relationships
The ability to lead, manage and motivate a team of professionals. Works collaboratively, encouraging a culture of team working and ownership
A highly commercial and strategic thinker with business partnering experience
Self-motivated and able to deliver objectives on time with a clear ability to deal with challenging and ambiguous issues, prioritise actions and consistently deliver against these
Able to see the “bigger picture” and take a wider view on issues such as the competitive landscape, macro- economic issues, the impact of these and how we should respond internally
Fluent in English with an ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner
Complexity and creativity
Clear ability to determine priorities and execute against these
Comfortable with ambiguity – need to be able to show initiative and frequently change course as business priorities change
Thoughtful, reflective approach and mindset is vital – must be able to stand back and see the direction of travel as well as delivering the day to day requirements.
Judgement and decisions
Exercise professional financial decision making at all times, be comfortable taking a contrary view when required
Gravitas and credibility to challenge the operational teams, leaders and senior management in a manner that is respectful but impactful
Travel
Ability to travel within India with occasional regional or global travel as needed