Tbout the Company
The Company is a profitable, high-growth consumer business with ~₹1,500 Cr in annual revenue and a diversified product portfolio serving the Indian market. The organization operates across multiple categories and has established a growing international presence. Backed by leading institutional investors, the Company is on a clear trajectory toward a public listing within the next 24 months.
The Role
The Company is seeking an experienced CFO to lead its financial strategy and drive the organization through its IPO journey. The CFO will serve as the senior financial architect, overseeing all aspects of financial management, investor relations, FP&A, and business partnering. This is a pivotal role for a finance leader who has navigated high-growth scaling and can manage the complexity of preparing a profitable, multi-geography consumer business for public markets.
Key Responsibilities:
- IPO Readiness & Capital Markets: Lead financial planning and execution toward a public listing in 24 months. Engage with merchant bankers, auditors, and regulators to ensure compliance and readiness. Manage investor roadshow and capital structure optimization.
- Business Finance & Strategic Planning: Own financial forecasting, budget management, and monthly board reporting. Drive disciplined P&L accountability across divisions. Build financial models that inform strategic decisions on growth investment versus profitability.
- Investor Relations: Serve as primary liaison with institutional investors and PE stakeholders. Manage quarterly earnings communication, investor updates, and strategic investor engagement. Build relationships with large institutional investors who will participate in the IPO process.
- FP&A Leadership: Build and lead a high-performing FP&A team. Develop rolling forecasts, scenario planning, and business case analysis. Create financial dashboards and KPIs that drive accountability and decision-making across the organization.
- Business Partnering: Collaborate with business unit leaders on P&L management, pricing strategy, margin optimization, and capital allocation. Serve as trusted advisor on M&A, operational efficiency, and growth trade-offs.
- Finance Operations & Controls: Oversee accounting, audit, tax planning, and internal controls. Ensure SOX readiness and compliance frameworks for a public company. Manage the finance function and team development.
- International Operations: Provide financial oversight and strategic guidance on international business expansion. Manage forex, transfer pricing, and multi-country tax optimization.
About the Ideal Candidate
Experience:
- 15–18 years in senior finance roles, ideally in consumer sector (FMCG, D2C, consumer products, or consumer tech)
- Proven experience scaling a business from ₹500 Cr+ to IPO or significant exit
- Strong financial acumen: P&L ownership, FP&A, cash flow management, capital structure
- Investor relations and capital markets exposure (fundraising, board reporting, or investment banking coverage of consumer)
Background Options:
- CFO or Head of Finance at a high-growth consumer startup or FMCG company
- VP Finance / Director Finance with experience managing IPO or M&A process
- Senior Investment Banker with consumer sector coverage and capital markets expertise
- FMCG leader (Nestlé, ITC, HUL, Britannia) who has driven P&L and financial strategy
Skills & Mindset:
- Strategic thinker with ability to simplify complex financial narratives for board and investors
- Operational discipline paired with entrepreneurial mindset
- Comfort with ambiguity in early-stage scaling and ability to build systems as company grows
- Strong communication skills: ability to present effectively to boards, investors, and senior stakeholders
- Collaborative approach; works well with business leaders and internal stakeholders
Must-Haves:
- CA / MBA or equivalent financial qualification
- Fluency with financial modeling, ERP systems, and analytics platforms
- Demonstrated track record in building and leading high-performing finance teams
- Proven experience in consumer or retail sectors
- Based in Mumbai or willing to relocate
