Lead / Manager FInance

Department: Finance

Team Size: 3-5 Direct Reports

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Plant Finance Lead to manage and oversee all financial and accounting operations at the plant level. This role will ensure accurate financial reporting, statutory compliance, strong internal controls, and efficient working capital management.

The position will play a critical role in supporting plant operations by providing financial insights, cost analysis, and strategic recommendations to improve operational efficiency and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting

- Lead the preparation and closure of monthly and annual financial accounts for the plant.

- Ensure compliance with established accounting policies, standards, and internal financial controls.

- Oversee the preparation and submission of monthly MIS reports to management.

- Manage plant-level fixed asset accounting and asset register maintenance in accordance with company policies.

- Coordinate and support statutory audits and internal audit processes at the plant.

Budgeting, Cost Monitoring & Financial Analysis

- Drive the preparation of annual and periodic budgets in collaboration with the Plant Head.

- Review budget versus actual performance and highlight key variances to leadership.

- Track and control plant operating costs, including fixed and variable expenses.

- Perform detailed variance analysis on conversion costs and production expenses.

- Monitor inventory valuation, costing, and price variance trends.

- Identify and recommend cost optimization and efficiency improvement opportunities.

- Provide analytical insights to support strategic and operational decisions.

Capital Expenditure Management

- Evaluate capital investment proposals and provide financial recommendations for approval.

- Track and review capital project expenditures and budget utilization.

- Assess the return on investment (ROI) and projected savings versus actual results for Capex initiatives.

- Work closely with the Finance leadership team to ensure effective control of capital spending.

Cash Flow & Fund Management

- Oversee cash flow planning and fund utilization at the plant level.

- Ensure timely payments to vendors and service providers in accordance with company policies.

- Supervise payroll processing and employee payments to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

- Maintain strong financial discipline in the management of plant funds and operational expenses.

Working Capital Management

- Prepare and manage working capital forecasts in collaboration with key plant departments.

- Ensure accurate accounting of raw materials, work-in-progress, waste, and finished goods inventory.

- Partner with operations and supply chain teams to optimize working capital utilization.

Regulatory & Statutory Compliance

- Ensure adherence to all relevant statutory regulations including Income Tax, Commercial Taxes, Excise, PF, ESIC, Bonus, Gratuity, and Companies Act requirements.

- Ensure timely filing and payment of statutory obligations such as TDS, TCS, PF, ESIC, and other applicable levies.

- Maintain fixed asset records in line with Indian Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards guidelines.

- Liaise with government authorities and statutory bodies for approvals, reporting, and compliance matters.

- Address internal audit observations and ensure corrective actions are implemented.

Team Leadership

- Lead and mentor the plant finance team, ensuring high levels of performance and accountability.

- Work with HR to support training and capability development initiatives for the team.

- Conduct performance reviews and provide regular coaching and feedback to team members.

Candidate Profile:

Education:

- ICWA / Qualified Chartered Accountant or Cost and Management Accountant

Experience

- 8-10 years of experience in finance and accounting, preferably in manufacturing or plant finance environments.