Chief Financial Officer - Contract Research Organization/Life Sciences/Biopharmaceutical - CA

Job Title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Location: Pune

Industry: Contract Research Organization (CRO)

Experience: 10-15 years (including experience in a CRO preferred)

Qualification: Chartered Accountant (CA) - Mandatory

Job Summary:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be a key executive leadership team member, responsible for the organisation's overall financial strategy, risk management, compliance, and fiscal operations. The CFO will be pivotal in driving financial efficiency, optimizing growth, and ensuring financial governance while supporting the company's expansion and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

- Financial Strategy & Planning: Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the company's long-term goals.

- Budgeting & Forecasting: Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting to ensure efficient resource allocation.

- Financial Reporting: Ensure timely and accurate financial statements, MIS reporting, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

- Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks, including operational, market, and credit risks.

- Compliance & Regulatory Affairs: Ensure adherence to local and international financial regulations, including tax compliance, statutory audits, and corporate governance.

- Investor & Stakeholder Relations: Manage relationships with investors, lenders, auditors, and regulatory bodies.

- Cash Flow & Treasury Management: Oversee cash flow, working capital, and financial liquidity to support business operations.

- Cost Control & Profitability: Drive financial efficiency, cost reduction initiatives, and operational improvements.

- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Support due diligence, financial structuring, and integration of acquisitions, if applicable.

- Team Leadership: Lead and mentor the finance and accounts team to enhance overall productivity and efficiency.

Key Skills & Competencies:

- Strong analytical, strategic, and problem-solving abilities.

- Deep knowledge of financial management, taxation, and regulatory frameworks.

- Experience in financial modelling, valuation, and business performance metrics.

- Hands-on experience in fundraising, investor relations, and financial negotiations.

- Leadership skills with the ability to drive change and process improvements.

- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills.

- Experience in a Contract Research Organization (CRO) or Pharmaceutical industry is preferred.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Chartered Accountant (CA) - Mandatory

- 10-15 years of progressive experience in finance, with at least a few years in a Contract Research Organization (CRO) or a Life sciences/Biopharmaceutical company.

- Prior experience in senior leadership roles with P&L responsibility is a plus.