Financial Controller (AP + US GAAP)

Job Title: Financial Controller – Corporate Entities (Chennai SSC)

Location: Chennai, India

Job Type: Full-time

Department: Finance

Reports To: VP, Assistant Corporate Controller

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Financial Controller to join our Shared Services Center (SSC) in Chennai. This role will be responsible for setting up a new finance team (3-4 individuals) and overseeing the financial operations of corporate entities, managing corporate books, and supervising purchase to pay (P2P or AP) and cash disbursement processes for the corporate entities. The Financial Controller will be responsible for recruiting and training of the new staff and the smooth transitions of the Corporate entities. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls while ensuring timely and accurate financial management.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Oversight of Corporate Entity Books:

• Manage and oversee the accounting and financial reporting for corporate entities within the SSC, ensuring accuracy and compliance with US GAAP.
• Ensure the proper and timely month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes for corporate books, including reviewing journal entries, account reconciliations, and trial balances.
• Prepare and oversee actual results reporting, including balance sheets, profit and loss accounts, and cash flow statements for corporate entities.
• Ensure all corporate financial transactions are recorded in accordance with established accounting policies and procedures.

2. Purchase to Pay (P2P or AP) Management:

• Oversee and manage the AP process for corporate entities, ensuring timely and accurate processing of supplier invoices, vendor payments, and related transactions.
• Ensure that all AP transactions comply with internal controls and corporate governance policies.
• Collaborate with the procurement team to ensure proper approval workflows and purchase order matching to invoices.
• Monitor and manage the AP aging report, ensuring that payments are made in a timely manner and outstanding issues are resolved promptly.
• Review reconciliations for AP accounts and manage the resolution of any discrepancies in coordination with vendors and internal stakeholders.

3. Purchase and Procurement Oversight:

• Oversee and support the purchasing process for corporate entities, ensuring that purchases are in line with budgetary guidelines and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with the procurement team to ensure that purchase orders are properly created, reviewed, and approved according to company policies.
• Provide analysis on purchasing trends, cost savings opportunities.,
• Provide regular training to corporate functions on purchase requisition process to ensure adoption of standard practices.

4. Financial Controls & Compliance:

• Ensure the effective implementation of financial controls over all aspects of the corporate accounting process, including AP, purchasing, and financial reporting.
• Coordinate with external auditors during annual audits and ensure the timely submission of audit documentation for the corporate entities.
• Maintain an efficient system for tracking and reporting accounts payable liabilities and purchasing commitments.

5. Financial Reporting & Analysis:

• Review and analyze the financial performance of corporate entities and provide regular financial insights and reports to senior management, highlighting key variances and trends.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly forecasts, annual budgets, and long-term financial projections for corporate entities.

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6. Process Improvement & Automation:

• Continuously review and optimize the AP process and purchasing workflow to enhance efficiency, reduce manual intervention, and ensure compliance.
• Support the implementation of automation tools and systems (e.g., ERP system, invoice automation, or AP management solutions) to streamline processes.
• Recommend improvements to internal controls and reporting processes to enhance financial transparency and accuracy.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field. A Chartered Accountant (CA), CPA, or MBA in Finance is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7-10 years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, and/or financial management, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership position, preferably in a Shared Services Center (SSC).
• Proven experience in managing accounts payable, corporate entity accounting, and purchasing processes.
• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and financial reporting software.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with financial process automation and implementing system improvements.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
• Knowledge of purchase to pay process best practices and vendor management.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package
• Health and wellness benefits
• Opportunities for career growth and development
• Flexible working hours and a collaborative work environment
• Performance-based bonuses

Skills Required
Us Gaap, Vendor Management, Sap