Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Crédit Agricole SA; Mumbai; On-site; INR 2,000,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Crédit Agricole SA in Mumbai seeks a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to lead critical support functions including Finance and Legal operations. This executive role requires at least 10 years of experience in finance or administration, with a strong track record in compliance and operational leadership. The CAO will manage departmental budgets, oversee regulatory adherence, and drive process efficiencies to support organizational excellence. This role offers opportunities in a dynamic, multicultural environment committed to responsible finance.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of relevant experience in banking finance and administration.
• At least 5 years in mid-level/senior management overseeing multiple departments.
• Proven track record managing support functions in complex organizations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational leadership of finance, secretarial, and legal departments.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and manage risk across support functions.
• Design and implement internal controls and lead process efficiencies.

Skills

Operational leadership

Compliance & risk management

Process improvement

Financial management

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, Finance, Law, or related field

Master's degree or equivalent preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Compliance software

MS Office Suite

Job description

CASPL - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

Job Summary

The CAO will oversee critical support functions including the Financial Control Department, Secretarial work, Property & Contract Services (PCS), Information & Compliance Office (ICO), and Legal operations. This role serves as a strategic executive leader responsible for orchestrating and integrating all critical support functions that form the operational backbone of the organization. The CAO enables the Managing Director to focus on strategic platform development, organizational efficiency initiatives, and staff mentorship while ensuring operational excellence across support departments.

Missions

• Operational Leadership (40%)
  • Provide strategic direction and day‑to‑day oversight of Finance, Secretarial, PCS, ICO, and Legal departments
  • Ensure seamless coordination between support functions and operational platforms
  • Drive operational efficiency improvements and implement best practices across departments
  • Establish and monitor KPIs for each department to ensure service level excellence
  • Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation
• Compliance & Risk Management (25%)
  • Oversee regulatory compliance across all support functions
  • Ensure adherence to corporate governance standards and statutory requirements
  • Coordinate with ICO on data protection, privacy, and information security matters
  • Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting the organization
  • Maintain risk registers and implement mitigation strategies
• Process Efficiency, Simplification & Controls (20%)
  • Design and implement internal controls across Finance, PCS, and Legal operations
  • Standardize processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and reduce errors
  • Lead automation and digitization initiatives
  • Ensure robust audit trails and documentation standards
  • Coordinate internal and external audit activities
• Strategic Support & Collaboration (15%)
  • Partner with MD on new platform setup requirements from operational perspective
  • Provide operational insights to inform strategic decision‑making
  • Support cross‑functional projects requiring multi‑departmental coordination
  • Act as escalation point for complex operational or compliance issues
  • Represent the organization in relevant external forums and with regulatory bodies

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum 10-15 years relevant experience in banking set up in Finance and Administration functions
• At least 5 years in mid‑level / senior management with multi‑departmental oversight
• Proven track record managing support functions in complex organizations
• Experience with regulatory compliance and corporate governance frameworks
• Background in process improvement and change management
• Knowledge of financial management, accounting principles, and controls
• Knowledge of corporate secretarial requirements and company law
• Familiarity with procurement, contract management, and vendor relations
• Understanding of data protection regulations (GDPR/equivalent)
• Proficiency in ERP systems, compliance software, and MS Office Suite
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance, Law, or related field
• Master’s degree or equivalent preferred
• Minimum 11 years of professional experience

Location

Asia, India — Mumbai

About the Employer

Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (Crédit Agricole CIB) is the corporate and investment bank of the Crédit Agricole group, the 10th largest banking group in the world. We support major companies and financial institutions in their development and the financing of their projects. As pioneers in responsible finance, social and environmental commitments are at the heart of our activities. Joining our teams means working in a multicultural environment, both dynamic and stimulating, where you will contribute to developing a sustainable economy. We support employees throughout their journey: you will develop your skills and access various mobility opportunities among the diversity of our businesses in more than 30 international locations. Our culture is built on collaboration, innovation and openness, where everyone is valued and empowered. By working every day in the interest of society, Crédit Agricole CIB aligns with the Group values committed to diversity and inclusion and placing people at the heart of all its transformations.

Equal Opportunity Statement

All our jobs are open to people with disabilities. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.