Finance and Compliance Head

All applications must be sent to : info@acsel.in

Position Summary :

The Finance and Compliance Head will be responsible for ensuring the financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and statutory obligations of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in AI. As a Section 8 company raising and deploying government funds into startups for equity stakes, the CoE requires strict adherence to financial governance, fund utilization norms, and statutory compliance. The role includes managing accounting records, tax filings, government reporting, investment compliance, and audits while ensuring transparency and accountability in all financial transactions. Additionally, the position will oversee contract and risk management for startup investments, including adherence to SEBI regulations and startup funding norms.

Key Responsibilities :

Financial Management & Fund Compliance :

Ensure end-to-end financial compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements as a Section 8 company, including proper tracking and reporting of government funds.

Develop and manage the annual and long-term financial plans, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

Oversee the receipt, allocation, and utilization of funds from the Government of Karnataka, ensuring compliance with funding conditions.

Monitor and ensure compliance in the deployment of funds to startups in exchange for equity stakes, maintaining rigorous financial controls.

Maintain and oversee all accounting books, financial statements, and statutory filings in alignment with Indian accounting standards.

Regulatory Compliance & Governance :

Ensure full legal and regulatory compliance for the CoE and all financial transactions related to startup investments.

Manage statutory filings, financial audits, tax compliance (GST, TDS, corporate taxes), and government financial disclosures.

Oversee regulatory adherence for equity stakes, liquidity events, startup funding agreements, and term sheets.

Ensure compliance with SEBI regulations, startup investment norms, and other relevant financial laws governing accelerator and investment activities.

Serve as the primary point of contact for financial audits and compliance reviews conducted by government agencies.

Government Reporting & Coordination :

Prepare and submit financial and performance reports to the Government of Karnataka in line with CoE’s funding commitments.

Ensure detailed tracking and transparent reporting of fund utilization, providing necessary breakdowns and documentation as required.

Represent the CoE in financial discussions with government agencies, statutory bodies, and auditors.

Coordinate periodic government audits and reviews, ensuring timely and accurate responses to inquiries.

Startup Financial Governance & Risk Management :

Develop and enforce financial and compliance frameworks for startups receiving grants or equity investments.

Monitor startup compliance with grant conditions, fund usage terms, and equity agreements.

Provide financial advisory support to startups on tax, corporate filings, and regulatory matters.

Identify and mitigate financial and legal risks associated with government-funded investments and startup equity holdings.

Contract & Legal Oversight :

Develop, review, and manage contracts, term sheets, MOUs, and funding agreements to protect the CoE’s interests.

Work with legal advisors to ensure contracts align with statutory requirements and investment guidelines.

Ensure legal compliance in all financial dealings with startups, corporate partners, and sponsors.

Strategic Financial Oversight :

Align financial and investment strategies with the long-term sustainability of the CoE.

Develop and implement systems to track financial performance, startup growth, and

returns on investments.

Support fundraising efforts, including government funding extensions, corporate

partnerships, and potential equity monetization strategies.

Qualifications and Experience :

Education : CA / MBA in Finance preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Law, or Business Administration is required.

Experience :

o 10-12 years in finance, compliance, and statutory reporting roles.

o Strong experience in government-funded projects, accelerators, venture

capital, or Section 8 companies.

o Proven expertise in startup investment compliance, fund management, and

government financial reporting.

Skills and Competencies :

Compliance & Regulatory Mastery : Deep knowledge of SEBI norms, startup investment regulations, and financial compliance for Section 8 companies.

Government Financial Reporting : Experience in structuring financial reports for government agencies and managing audit processes.

Risk Management & Contracts : Ability to identify financial risks, draft / review contracts, and oversee regulatory adherence for startup funding agreements.

Accounting & Tax Compliance : Proficiency in maintaining financial books, tax filings, GST, and TDS compliance.

Stakeholder Communication : Strong ability to interface with government bodies, auditors, legal advisors, and startup founders.

Compensation :

Competitive and commensurate with experience.

Why Join Us?

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead the financial and regulatory foundation of India’s premier AI accelerator, ensuring transparency, compliance, and sustainability. By ensuring the responsible management of government funds and startup investments, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of AI entrepreneurship in India.

Only applications sent to info@acsel.in will be considered