Chief Finance Officer

The CFO will be responsible to oversee all financial and administrative aspects of AKS, India operations by maintaining diligent monitoring of all financial activities, usage of a financial system for responsible accounting and integrity in information, including budget and periodic reports, and an annual independent audit. Additionally, CFO to ensure safeguarding of AKS, India resources through effective execution of financial planning and management, implementation of strong risk management and financial control policies to drive fiscal discipline within the organization.

Specific duties will include:

Budgeting and Planning:

• In collaboration with the CEO, COO, the Leadership team, School / Unit and school administration, prepare five-year rolling plans, including annual budgets, monthly and quarterly reports with explanations for variations and narratives, monthly cash flow reports and forecasts.
• Preparation of Company's multi-year financial and sustainability projections.
• Provide budget information and monthly statements of expenditure to program managers.

Accounting & Statutory Compliances:

• Prepare the accounts for the annual audit of AKES, India as well as that of managed units and involve in appointment of statutory auditors and ensure compliance with the audit requirements.
• Ensure strong fiscal and administrative controls over expenditures through a robust internal control framework.
• Develop and maintain appropriate finance systems, and ensure that necessary procedures and controls are implemented, including authoring, presenting, continual review thereafter and improving the financial policies and SOPs.
• Ensure compliance to all legal & statutory requirements, including compliances under the Companies Act, Income tax Act, FCRA, etc.
• Monitor financial systems and processes encompassing fee collection through the Student Information System (SIS), accounting and reporting through the Financial Information System (FIS) and in association with HR the payroll system through the HRIS platform.
• Establish internal financial controls and ensure the financial accounts / reports are in compliance with applicable laws, policies, standards, regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles and practices.

Finance Management:

• In collaboration with the COO develop strategies for management of the funds sourced, and deployment of the same, including the investment of the funds.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Tracking, monitoring and reporting the financial operations of the company as well as that of the managed units and that of the various programmes, including monitoring the receivables and payables.
• Preparing monthly management reports, including detailed analytical review of the operations, and monthly / quarterly financial and capital project reports.
• Shall act as the Risk Manager for the organization, including that of the managed units, and accordingly lead in the assessment, management and mitigation of the identified risks.
• Act as the legal officer of the organization with the responsibility to monitor all legal affairs and matters within the organization, which will include review of contracts, agreements, external communications, etc. and seek legal and technical advice as and when needed, including written opinion in order to ring fence the risks for the organization, etc.

Capital Projects:

• Oversee construction projects budget utilization and ensure the smooth release of funds for the project.
• Closely monitor contracting and tendering in respect of capital projects, including the terms and conditions and do the legal vetting as needed.

Other Secretarial responsibility:

• Support the Finance and Audit Committee (FAC) of the Board of Directors in the discharge of its responsibilities and act as the Secretary of the Board of Directors.

The requirements:

Qualification: Chartered Accountant or Cost and Works Accountant.

Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years' post qualifying experience at senior level that demonstrates success in the field of financial management.
• Excellent spreadsheet skills and knowledge of database management are essential.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain positive working relationship with diverse people.
• Skills in team building, people management and conflict resolution.
• Skills in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Strong focus on long term strategy.
• Ability to anticipate and resolve problems, and advise the Management well in advance of decisions to be undertaken.
• Knowledge of legal contracts to be prepared for third party service vendors.

Sector: Social Development