Cornerstone Global Partners (CGP Group)
Website:
cgpgroup.com
Job details:
Job Description
Finance Director(CFO) – India
Location: Chennai, India
Reporting to: Global Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
International Assignment:
The successful candidate will initially be based at the company's European headquarters for approximately six months to support the acquisition and integration phase, before relocating permanently to Chennai, India, to assume full responsibility for the India Finance organization.
About the Company
Our client is a global leading automotive company with multi-billion Euro annual revenues and a strong international manufacturing footprint. As part of its continued growth and strategic expansion, the company is strengthening its finance leadership in India to support a major business transformation and integration project.
This role offers a unique international development opportunity. The successful candidate will be based at the company's European headquarters for approximately six months to support the integration phase, gain exposure to the global organization, and establish key stakeholder relationships before relocating permanently to Chennai, India, to lead the local Finance function.
About the Role
The Finance Director – India will be responsible for leading all financial activities for the India business while acting as a key strategic partner to both the Global CFO and the local leadership team. Initially, the role will play a critical part in a major M&A integration project before transitioning into full responsibility for the Finance function following the completion of the transaction.
The successful candidate will ensure strong financial governance, compliance, business partnering, performance management, and operational excellence while supporting the long-term growth of the India business.
Key Responsibilities
M&A Integration & Business Transformation (Pre-Closing)
Prior to completion of the acquisition, the Finance Director will:
- Support all financial aspects of the ongoing M&A project, including financial due diligence, integration planning, and transaction support.
- Review and validate the business case supporting the acquisition.
- Support negotiations from financial, accounting, tax, customs, and compliance perspectives.
- Design and implement post-merger financial processes and governance.
- Coordinate the implementation of new accounting, tax, customs, and reporting processes between the acquired business, the Group, and key customers in India.
- Define the Finance organization structure and operating model for the integrated business.
- Participate in the roadmap definition for finance systems, reporting tools, and process implementation following Day One.
Post-Acquisition Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Governance
- Lead the Finance function for India, ensuring full compliance with Group policies, governance standards, and local statutory requirements.
- Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of statutory accounts and management reporting.
- Implement and maintain a robust internal control framework.
- Coordinate external audits and maintain relationships with auditors and external advisors.
- Ensure compliance with Indian accounting standards, local regulations, and Group reporting requirements.
Financial Planning & Business Performance
- Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes.
- Drive business performance through KPI monitoring and financial analysis.
- Deliver profitability analysis, investment appraisals, pricing analysis, and strategic business cases.
- Support executive decision-making through high-quality financial insights.
Treasury, Tax & Working Capital
- Oversee cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and working capital optimization.
- Manage local banking relationships where appropriate.
- Ensure compliance with all local tax regulations while coordinating closely with the Global Tax function.
- Oversee transfer pricing implementation and customs compliance.
Business Partnering
- Act as the trusted financial advisor to the Country Managing Director and local leadership team.
- Partner with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Commercial, HR, and other functional leaders to improve business performance.
- Review and approve major investments and expenditure in accordance with corporate governance requirements.
- Support strategic initiatives that drive operational efficiency and sustainable growth.
Leadership & Continuous Improvement
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Finance organization in India.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Drive process standardization, automation, data quality, and finance transformation initiatives.
- Promote best practices across financial operations and reporting.
Key Stakeholders
Internal
- Global Chief Financial Officer
- Global Finance Leadership (Accounting, Treasury, Tax, FP&A, Internal Control)
- Country Managing Director
- Manufacturing & Operations Leadership
- Shared Services
- Corporate IT
External
- External Auditors
- Banking Partners
- Tax & Legal Advisors
- Regulatory Authorities
- Key Customers and Business Partners
Qualifications
- Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
- Professional accounting qualification (CA, CPA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) preferred.
- Minimum 12–15 years of progressive finance leadership experience, including experience leading country or multi-entity finance organizations.
- Strong experience within the automotive, manufacturing, industrial, or engineering sectors is highly preferred.
- Prior exposure to mergers & acquisitions, post-merger integration, or business transformation projects is highly desirable.
- Experience working in multinational organizations with international reporting structures.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of financial accounting, statutory reporting, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, treasury, taxation, and corporate governance.
- Excellent financial modelling, analytical, and business partnering capabilities.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to support strategic decision-making.
- Proven leadership experience managing and developing high-performing finance teams.
- Outstanding stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior executives across multiple regions.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and sound business judgment.
- Fluent in English.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to join one of the world's leading automotive companies.
- Executive leadership role with direct reporting to the Global CFO.
- Significant international exposure and involvement in a high-profile M&A integration project.
- Excellent career development opportunities within a global organization.
- Competitive executive compensation package and comprehensive benefits.
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