Chief Finance & Accounts Officer; CFAO

Position: Chief Finance & Accounts Officer (CFAO)
Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and strategic finance professional who can provide strong financial leadership, strengthen governance and internal controls, ensure statutory and regulatory compliance, and contribute to effective financial planning and long-term institutional sustainability.
Candidates with experience in a University, Higher Education Institution, Educational Group, or other large and complex organization would be preferred. Exposure to institutional budgeting, student fee management, grants, sponsored projects, regulatory requirements, accreditation, audits, and financial governance would be an added advantage.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic financial leadership and advise senior management on financial planning, budgeting, investments, cost optimization, and risk management.
Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow planning, and monitoring of budget utilization and financial performance.
Oversee the complete Finance & Accounts function, including accounting, financial reporting, finalization of accounts, receivables, payables, fixed assets, and reconciliations.
Ensure robust financial governance, internal controls, policies, SOPs, and risk-management practices.
Lead statutory, internal, and tax audits and ensure timely closure of audit observations.
Ensure compliance with applicable Income Tax, TDS, GST, accounting standards, and other statutory and regulatory requirements.
Manage treasury operations, cash flow, banking relationships, investments, and optimal utilization of funds.
Oversee revenue and receivables management, including student fee collections, scholarships, refunds, grants, and institutional funds, wherever applicable.
Develop MIS, financial dashboards, and analytical reports to support senior management decision-making.
Drive ERP adoption, automation, digitization, and continuous improvement of financial processes.
Provide financial oversight for procurement, vendor payments, contracts, and major institutional investments.
Lead, mentor, and develop the Finance & Accounts team while effectively collaborating with senior leadership, auditors, banks, consultants, and regulatory authorities.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with prior experience in the University, Higher Education, or Education sector will be preferred. Professionals from large and complex organizations with strong exposure to financial governance and institutional finance may also be considered.

Qualification & Experience

CA / CA Intermediate / MBA / PGDM in Finance from a recognized institution.
Minimum 10+ years of relevant experience in Finance & Accounts.
Significant experience in a leadership or senior managerial role is preferred.
Strong expertise in financial planning, budgeting, accounting, taxation, audit, compliance, treasury, MIS, internal controls, and team leadership.

Key Competencies

Strategic financial and commercial acumen
Strong leadership and people-management capabilities
Financial governance, compliance, and risk management
Strong analytical and decision-making skills
High standards of integrity and professional ethics
Excellent stakeholder-management and communication skills
Technology-driven and process-improvement mindset