Financial planning & analysis (fp&a) lead

Job Description

About the Company:
Embark is the country’s first fully integrated platform designed to enable and accelerate the establishment of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India. As a one-stop execution partner, Embark will provide a seamless, end-to-end solution to help global enterprises design, execute and evolve their India GCCs with ease.
Role Summary:
The Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Lead for the India operations will be a strategic leader responsible for establishing and driving the entire FP&A function. This role will be critical in providing financial insights, forecasting, budgeting, and analysis to support both the internal growth of the India operations and the financial success of its global clients venturing into the Indian market. He/She will build and lead a high-performing FP&A team, partnering closely with senior management, client engagement teams, and global finance functions to enable informed decision-making and drive financial performance in a dynamic and high-growth environment.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategic FP&A Leadership & Vision:
– Develop and implement the overall FP&A strategy and roadmap for the India operations, aligning with the organization’s global objectives and the specific needs of its global clients entering India.
– Provide strategic financial guidance and insights to the India leadership team on business performance, growth opportunities, and resource allocation.
– Act as a key business partner to senior management, contributing to the development and execution of the overall business strategy.
– Anticipate future financial trends and challenges, providing proactive analysis and recommendations.
– Establish and maintain strong relationships with global FP&A counterparts to ensure alignment and consistency in financial planning and reporting.
2. Budgeting, Forecasting, and Planning:
– Lead the development of comprehensive annual budgets and long-term strategic plans for the India operations, incorporating both internal operational needs and client-related financial projections.
– Oversee the development and maintenance of robust forecasting models (monthly, quarterly, annual) that accurately reflect business performance and anticipated changes, including client growth and service delivery.
– Establish and manage the budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with organizational goals.
– Analyze variances between actual results and budgets/forecasts, providing insightful explanations and recommendations for corrective actions.
3. Financial Reporting and Performance Management:
– Design and oversee the preparation of timely and insightful financial reports for the India leadership team, global finance, and relevant client stakeholders (where applicable and appropriate).
– Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) that drive business performance and provide actionable insights for both internal operations and client service delivery.
– Lead the analysis of financial results, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities, and communicating findings effectively to management.
– Establish and maintain a robust performance management framework to track and improve financial performance across the India operations.
4. Financial Modeling and Business Case Development:
– Lead the development of sophisticated financial models to evaluate new business opportunities, client engagements, investments, and strategic initiatives within the Indian market.
– Oversee the creation of robust business cases that clearly articulate the financial implications and potential returns of various initiatives.
– Provide financial modeling expertise and support to cross-functional teams.
5. Client-Focused Financial Analysis (Supporting Global Clients Entering India):
– Develop a deep understanding of the financial implications and requirements of global clients establishing operations in India.
– Lead the development of financial models and analyses to support client engagements, including cost projections, pricing strategies, and profitability assessments.
– Collaborate with client engagement teams to provide financial insights and support value creation for global clients.
– Develop financial reporting frameworks that meet the needs of both internal management and relevant client stakeholders (within contractual agreements).
6. Team Leadership and Development:
– Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing FP&A team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. 1
– Set clear objectives, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance reviews for team members.
– Identify and address training and development needs within the FP&A team.
– Drive talent acquisition and retention strategies for the FP&A function.
7. Systems and Process Optimization:
– Identify and drive opportunities to streamline FP&A processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the accuracy and timeliness of financial information.
– Lead the evaluation, implementation, and optimization of FP&A tools and systems (e.g., ERP modules, planning software, BI platforms).
– Champion the adoption of automation and digital solutions within the FP&A function.
8. Compliance and Controls:
– Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements in India.
– Support internal and external audits related to FP&A processes and reporting.
– Maintain a strong internal control environment within the FP&A function.
Qualifications:
– CA or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field from a reputable institution.
– 7 years of progressive leadership experience in Financial Planning & Analysis roles, with a significant portion of that experience in a multinational organization, ideally supporting global clients or operations.
– Proven experience in establishing and leading a high-performing FP&A function.
– Deep understanding of financial statements, accounting principles (including Ind AS and IFRS/US GAAP), and advanced financial analysis techniques.
– Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
– Expert proficiency in Excel (including advanced financial modeling) and strong experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and FP&A software/BI tools (e.g., Hyperion Planning, Anaplan, Tableau, Power BI).
– Outstanding communication (both written and verbal), presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact and influence senior management, global stakeholders, and client-facing teams.
– Strong business acumen with a deep understanding of the drivers of business performance, particularly within the context of supporting global clients entering a new market.
– Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams and foster a collaborative work environment.
– Experience in driving process improvements and implementing technology solutions within the FP&A function.
Desired Skills:
– Professional accounting qualification (e.g., MBA Finance, CFA, CPA) is highly preferred.
– Experience in a consulting, shared services, or technology services environment supporting global clients.
– Familiarity with the specific financial and regulatory landscape for companies establishing operations in India.
– Experience with data warehousing and advanced data analytics techniques.
Personal Attributes:
– Unquestionable integrity and ethical standards.
– Strategic thinker with a strong business orientation and a client-centric mindset.
– Proactive, results-oriented, and able to drive initiatives forward.
– Excellent leadership presence and the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
– Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
– Strong collaboration and influencing skills across different cultures and time zones.