Job Description

Job Title: Vice President - Business Finance
Industry: Chemicals / Specialty Chemicals / Manufacturing
Location: As per requirement
Reporting to: CFO / MD / CEO
Role Purpose
The VP - Business Finance will act as a strategic finance partner to the business, driving financial planning, performance management, pricing, margin improvement, and capital allocation across manufacturing, sales, and supply chain functions within the chemical business.
Key Responsibilities
Business Partnering & Strategy
Act as a strategic finance partner to business heads (Manufacturing, Sales, Supply Chain, R&D).
Support long-term business strategy, growth initiatives, and investment decisions.
Evaluate new products, capacity expansion, M&A, and capex proposals.
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Lead annual budgeting, rolling forecasts, and long-range planning.
Analyze financial performance, variances, and key business drivers.
Provide actionable insights on profitability, cost structures, and ROI.
Pricing, Margins & Commercial Finance
Drive pricing strategy considering raw material volatility, customer contracts, and competition.
Monitor product, customer, and segment-wise margins.
Support sales with deal structuring, discounts, rebates, and credit terms.
Manufacturing & Cost Control
Oversee plant finance, cost accounting, and standard costing.
Track raw material, energy, yield, and conversion costs.
Lead cost optimization, productivity improvement, and waste reduction initiatives.
Capex & Working Capital Management
Review and approve capex proposals with financial viability analysis.
Drive working capital efficiency (inventory, receivables, payables).
Monitor cash flows and ensure optimal capital deployment.
Governance, Controls & Compliance
Ensure strong internal controls and financial governance.
Support statutory, internal, and cost audits.
Ensure compliance with accounting standards, taxation, and regulatory requirements relevant to the chemical industry.
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
Lead and mentor business finance and plant finance teams.
Work closely with senior leadership and board members.
Collaborate with external stakeholders including auditors, bankers, and consultants.
Key Skills & Competencies
Strong business partnering and strategic thinking
Deep understanding of manufacturing and chemical cost structures
Expertise in FP&A, pricing, and margin management
Financial modeling and investment appraisal
Strong leadership and stakeholder management
High analytical ability with a hands-on approach
Qualifications & Experience
CA / CWA / MBA (Finance) preferred
15-20+ years of experience in Business Finance / FP&A
Prior experience in Chemicals / Specialty Chemicals / Manufacturing is strongly preferred
Exposure to multi-plant operations and complex supply chains
KPIs / Success Metrics
Margin improvement and cost savings
Forecast accuracy and budget adherence
Working capital optimization
ROI on capex and strategic initiatives
Strength of financial controls and governance

Skills Required