Chief Financial Officer - Power Distribution Sector

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Strategy & Leadership:

- Develop and implement a robust financial strategy for the power distribution business in Chandigarh, aligning with the broader objectives of CESC.

- Provide strategic financial leadership and insights to the CEO and senior management to enhance business performance and profitability.

Financial Reporting & Compliance:

- Oversee the preparation, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reports, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, industry regulations, and CESC policies.

- Ensure that all financial reporting complies with local, state, and national energy regulations and tariff structures.

Capital Management & Investment Planning:

- Lead the management of the distribution business's capital structure, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources to infrastructure development, upgrades, and modernization projects.

- Evaluate and secure financing options for business growth, managing relationships with financial institutions, investors, and regulators.

Revenue & Tariff Management:

- Oversee revenue management and ensure proper tariff filings, billing accuracy, and regulatory compliance for the distribution business.

- Collaborate with regulators on tariff adjustments, revenue collection models, and related processes to ensure financial sustainability.

Cost Control & Operational Efficiency:

- Develop and manage budgets for the distribution network, ensuring cost control and efficient use of resources across operations and infrastructure projects.

- Identify areas for cost optimization while maintaining service quality and reliability in the distribution network.

Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance:

- Proactively identify financial and operational risks, implementing strategies to mitigate and manage them.

- Ensure that the power distribution business complies with all relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards, including energy distribution laws.

Stakeholder Communication & Reporting:

- Regularly report on the financial performance, forecasts, and strategic plans to the CESC parent company, Board of Directors, and key external stakeholders.

- Maintain strong working relationships with regulators, government bodies, investors, and financial institutions.

Team Leadership & Development:

- Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.

- Develop the team's capabilities, ensuring alignment with the strategic financial goals of the distribution business.

Qualifications:

Education:

- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (Master's degree or MBA preferred).

- Professional certifications such as CPA, CFA, or equivalent are highly desirable.

Experience:

- At least 17 years of experience in senior financial management, with mandatory exposure to the power distribution business.

- Proven experience in overseeing financial operations for a power distribution business, including revenue assurance, tariff management, and regulatory compliance.

- Significant experience in managing capital projects, budgeting, and financial strategy within the energy or utility sector.

Skills:

- In-depth knowledge of financial forecasting, budgeting, reporting, and compliance within the power distribution sector.

- Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

- Deep understanding of local energy distribution regulations, tariff structures, and industry practices in Chandigarh and India.

- Expertise in financial software and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Working Conditions:

- Full-time position based in Chandigarh with occasional travel to project sites and industry events.

- Competitive salary and benefits package, with performance-based incentives.

- Opportunity to work with a leading energy distribution company focused on innovation, customer service, and growth.