Company Details:
Gardenia Cosmotrade LLP (GCLLP) is a well-established and trusted marketing and distribution organization that connects consumers in India with reputable national and international brands. Our extensive offerings across the brand value chain make us a one-stop shop providing comprehensive end-to-end services and solutions, including market-entry advisory, product registration, and strategic marketing. Our portfolio includes renowned brands like Gatsby, Junsui, Tiger Balm, Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Doraemon, as well as our in-house brands, Top Collection & Oops. We are dedicated to integrity, transparency, and delivering value with values.
1. Job Purpose
The Chief Finance Officer (CFO) is responsible for driving financial excellence, strategic fiscal planning, and compliance for the LLP engaged in FMCG product sales and distribution across India.
The company operates on a commission-based trading model, handling both traditional retail distribution and modern trade & e-commerce channels.
- The CFO ensures accurate financial management across warehouses, sub-distributor networks, and digital platforms while maintaining full control over cash flow, inventory valuation, and profitability.
2. Key Roles & Responsibilities
A. Strategic Financial Leadership
- Formulate and implement financial strategies aligned with the company’s growth vision in FMCG distribution, modern trade, and e-commerce.
- Partner with the Designated Partners to drive financial decisions, business expansion, and margin optimization.
- Lead financial due diligence, forecasting, and strategic planning for new market entries and digital channels.
B. Financial Accounting & Reporting
- Supervise preparation and finalization of P&L, Balance Sheet, and MIS across all business verticals.
- Ensure accurate accounting of traditional sales, modern trade, and online channel transactions.
- Manage commission-based revenue recognition, sub-distributor settlements, and margin reporting.
- Establish robust internal financial controls and ensure adherence to LLP, GST, TDS, and accounting standards.
C. Treasury, Cash Flow & Working Capital
- Manage day-to-day cash flow, banking operations, and fund allocation across regions and business units.
- Optimize working capital utilization and credit control for distributors and modern trade partners.
- Liaise with banks for fund limits, term loans, and treasury operations.
- Ensure smooth digital payment gateway reconciliations for e-commerce transactions.
D. Inventory, Cost & Stock Management
- Design and implement financial controls over warehouse stock, inventory valuation, and reconciliation.
- Monitor stock movements, obsolescence, and variance across warehouses and sub-distributors.
- Collaborate with SCM for cost control, stock optimization, and damage/write-off provisioning.
- Conduct regular stock audits and strengthen ERP-based stock accuracy.
E. Modern Trade & E-Commerce Finance
- Develop financial frameworks for modern trade and e-commerce operations, including order-to-cash cycles.
- Oversee account reconciliation and settlements with online marketplaces (e.g., Amazon, Flipkart, Big Basket) and modern trade chains.
- Ensure accurate handling of trade margins, returns, promotions, and credit notes.
- Track and report on channel profitability, discounts, and commission structures.
- Streamline integration between ERP, online sales platforms, and finance modules for real-time data accuracy.
F. Compliance, Audit & Governance
- Ensure complete statutory compliance (GST, Income Tax, TDS, PF, ESIC, ROC filings, LLP compliance).
- Handle internal, statutory, and tax audits with zero non-compliance tolerance.
- Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for authorization, documentation, and internal audit trails.
- Serve as the key liaison with external auditors, consultants, and financial institutions.
G. MIS, Analytics & Business Performance
- Develop a strong MIS and analytics system covering traditional, modern, and online trade.
- Present financial dashboards and key metrics (sales performance, margins, inventory age, working capital) to partners.
- Provide financial insights to support decision-making, pricing strategy, and cost efficiency.
H. Risk Management & Internal Controls
- Identify financial and operational risks and establish risk mitigation frameworks.
- Develop approval hierarchies for expense management, supplier payments, and distributor incentives.
- Monitor credit exposure, debtors’ aging, and digital fraud risk in e-commerce transactions.
I. People Leadership & Development
- Lead a 3-manager team overseeing accounts, finance, and compliance.
- Build a culture of integrity, accountability, and analytical decision-making.
- Mentor team members in ERP handling, compliance, and financial reporting excellence.
3. Desired Candidate Profile
Education:
- Chartered Accountant (CA) or Cost Accountant (ICWA) – Mandatory.
- MBA (Finance) preferred.
Experience:
- 15–20 years in Finance & Accounts; at least 5 years in a CFO or Senior Controller role.
- Proven experience in FMCG Distribution / Trading / Commission-based business.
- Hands-on experience managing Modern Trade, E-Commerce, and Digital Finance operations.
Technical Skills:
- Expertise in ERP systems (Tally Prime).
- Advanced Excel and Data Analytics.
- Strong understanding of GST, LLP, and Financial Reporting Standards.
