Job Description

Job Title:

Manager - Finance & Accounts (Region)

Department:

Finance & Accounts

Location:

Central Office

Reports To:

Chief Operating Officer / Chief Finance Officer

Direct Reports:

Accountant / Senior Accountants

Role Overview:

The Manager - Finance & Accounts (Region) will assist the COO/CFO in ensuring statutory and internal compliance, accurate financial reporting, and timely audits. The role involves leading regional finance operations, improving financial processes, and ensuring effective internal controls.

Key Responsibilities:

Budgeting & MIS:

Prepare regional and unit-level budgets (schools/hostels) in coordination with respective departments and teams.

Review and finalize budgets, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and KPIs.

Oversee monthly book closures, review unit reports, analyze variances, and provide explanations.

Monitor cash flow positions, ensure fund availability, and manage investment of surplus funds.

Statutory Compliance & Audits:

Ensure all legal registrations and compliances are current under applicable Acts (Companies, Societies, Income Tax, FCRA, GST, etc.).

Verify timely statutory payments and return filings (PF, ESI, PT, TDS, TCS, GST, etc.).

Lead the statutory audit process, ensuring timely closure of books and preparation of financial statements.

Maintain and update Internal Financial Controls over Financial Reporting (IFCoFR/RCM).

Coordinate with internal and external auditors and ensure closure of audit observations.

Oversee timely filing of all annual/quarterly returns, certificates, and responses to assessments and queries.

Liaise with consultants for GST payments, returns, and audit queries.

Review employee investment proofs to ensure accurate annual tax deductions.

Provide audited financial data for statutory and regulatory filings as required.

Payments & Banking:

Validate and approve regular and project-related payments.

Manage banking operations -- fund transfers, signatory updates, KYC compliance, and investment of surplus funds.

Oversee all donation receipts, remittances, and reconciliation of bank accounts.

Fixed Assets:

Maintain and update the Fixed Asset Register for acquisitions and disposals.

Conduct periodic asset verification and address reconciliation discrepancies.

Programme Accounting & Reporting:

Support in project and CSR proposal budgeting and reporting.

Manage accounting and reporting of programmatic funds and grants at the regional level.

Training & Systems:

Train regional and school finance teams in financial systems (ERP/FIS).

Conduct onboarding sessions for new finance personnel and approvers.

Custodial Responsibility:

Ensure safe custody and documentation of all financial records, approvals, and registrations.

Qualifications:

Education: M.Com / MBA (Finance) required. Preference for Inter CA / CWA.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft D365 F&O or equivalent ERP systems.

Experience:

Minimum 10 years in accounting roles, including at least 7 years in a managerial or assistant manager capacity.

Prior experience in the education or non-profit sector preferred.

Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

Demonstrated ability to manage audits, compliance, and multi-site financial operations.

Key Internal Interactions:

Functional Heads (Finance, HR, Administration, Education)

Regional Office Teams

Principals / Heads of Units / Hostels

Internal Auditors

Key External Interactions:

Vendors and Service Providers

Banks and Financial Institutions

Statutory and Regulatory Authorities

External Auditors

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ?80,000.00 - ?100,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person