Director, Finance Controller (India)

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. seeks a highly experienced Director, India Controller to lead accounting operations for India. This senior role reports to the APJ Controller and requires strategic vision to scale finance in a high-growth, global setting.

The ideal candidate will bring deep technical accounting knowledge, strong executive leadership, and the ability to drive cross-functional initiatives across regional teams while maintaining rigorous compliance and governance standards.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience in international, publicly traded corporate reporting environments.
• 5–7 years in a senior leadership or Controller capacity.
• Big 4 public accounting experience is highly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP, India GAAP, SOX internal controls, and IFRS as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Direct end-to-end accounting operations and financial close for India entities.
• Partner with COE leadership in India to optimize workflows and scale operations.
• Lead development and implementation of accounting policies, internal controls, and system transformations.
• Drive regional strategic projects including M&A integration and legal entity restructurings.
• Maintain governance and compliance with US GAAP, India GAAP, SOX, and local statutes.
• Oversee external audits and regulatory filings, coordinating with auditors and legal advisors.
• Align tax and treasury activities with global leadership to optimize funding and cash management.
• Act as trusted advisor to regional business leaders, collaborating with HR, Legal, IT, and Operations.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Executive presence

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

CA or CPA

Bachelor's or Master’s in Finance/Accounting

Tools

SAP

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks®, we’re united by a shared mission—to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real-world problems with cutting‑edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you’re ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you’re in the right place.

Who We Are

In order to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, we must trailblaze the path and shape the future of our industry. This is something our employees work at each day and is defined by our values: Disruption, Collaboration, Execution, Integrity, and Inclusion. We weave AI into the fabric of everything we do and use it to augment the impact every individual can have. If you are passionate about solving real‑world problems and ideating beside the best and the brightest, we invite you to join us!

We believe collaboration thrives in person. That’s why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when it’s needed. This model supports real‑time problem‑solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes.

Job Summary

Looking for a highly motivated and strategic senior finance executive to play a critical leadership role as the Director, India Controller. This position will report directly to the APJ Controller and is an exceptional opportunity for a talented finance leader who has the vision and drive to scale our accounting and finance operations in a high‑growth, dynamic international environment.

This position calls for an individual who possesses strong executive leadership capabilities, deep operational and technical accounting expertise, and a proven track record of driving strategic business results. This person is a visionary self‑starter, highly adaptable, possesses an uncompromising level of integrity, and excels in a fast‑paced, matrixed, and highly collaborative global environment.

Job Requirements

• Strategic Oversight: Direct and oversee the end-to-end accounting operations and financial close process for all India entities, ensuring supreme accuracy, timeliness, and financial integrity.

• Operational Excellence: Provide strategic direction and partner closely with the in‑house Center of Excellence (COE) leadership in India to optimize workflows, scale operations, and drive continuous process improvements across journal entries, account analyses, and reporting.

• Policy & Strategy Leadership: Lead the development, execution, and continuous enhancement of accounting policies, internal controls, and operational strategies. Champion the review and implementation of major financial systems and process transformations in the region.

• Strategic Initiatives: Drive and oversee major regional strategic projects, including M&A integration, legal entity restructuring, real estate expansions (new leases and office construction), and systemic upgrades.

• Governance & Compliance: Maintain ultimate responsibility for corporate governance, ensuring rigorous compliance with US GAAP, India GAAP, internal control frameworks (SOX), and local statutory requirements.

• Risk Management: Proactively identify financial and operational risks. Lead the design and enforcement of robust company policies, procedures, and preventative measures to safeguard company assets and mitigate fraud.

• Audit & Advisory Management: Direct engagements with external auditors, local accounting firms, and legal advisors to ensure seamless, timely statutory audits and regulatory filings.

• Tax & Treasury Alignment: Partner with global Tax and Treasury leadership to structure efficient funding, optimize cash management, and ensure absolute compliance in the preparation and filing of corporate tax returns.

• Cross‑Functional Partnership: Serve as a key trusted advisor to regional business leaders, fostering strong relationships across HR, Legal, IT, and Operations to ensure finance seamlessly enables broader business objectives in India.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Education & Certification: CA or CPA qualification is required, alongside a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Experience:15+ years of progressive, relevant experience in an international, publicly traded corporate reporting environment, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership or Controller capacity.
• Foundational Training:Previous experience at a Big 4 public accounting firm is highly preferred.
• Technical Expertise: Deep, authoritative knowledge of US GAAP, India GAAP, SOX internal controls, and complex international financial reporting standards.
• Leadership:A proven track record of building, scaling, mentoring, and leading large, high‑performing finance organizations in a hyper‑growth environment.
• Communication: Exceptional executive presence with the ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly to non‑finance executives and build highly effective cross‑functional relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Systems Proficiency: Extensive experience navigating and optimizing enterprise ERP systems; deep expertise with SAP is highly preferred.

• Tools: Well‑versed with Google Suite and Microsoft Office applications, with advanced capabilities in Excel.

Our Commitment

We’re trailblazers that dream big, take risks, and challenge cybersecurity’s status quo. It’s simple: we can’t accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating, together.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at [e-mail].

Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.