Financial Controller & HR Operations Manager - Chennai Hybrid

Shooting Stars Foundation; Chennai District; Hybrid; INR 507,780 - 608,220; Full time

Job summary

A non-profit organization located in Chennai is seeking a Financial Controller & HR Operations Manager. This hybrid role combines finance controllership with HR operations, focusing on essential areas such as compliance and financial management. The ideal candidate will possess 4–5 years of relevant experience, a strong knowledge of Indian GAAP, and exemplary communication skills. This position offers a monthly salary of approximately 50,000. Candidates must be available for some evening and weekend hours as needed during the week.

Qualifications

• 4–5 years of experience in finance, accounting, HR operations, or a blended role.
• Strong knowledge of Indian GAAP.
• Experience in multinational companies or NGOs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day‑to‑day financial transactions, including accounts payable and payroll.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and donor requirements.
• Coordinate HR operational workflows ensuring legal compliance.

Skills

Finance expertise

Accounting knowledge

HR Operations

Compliance awareness

Excellent English communication

Tools

Tally

Intuit

Job description

Financial Controller & HR Operations Manager - Chennai Hybrid

Chennai - Hybrid Financial Controller & HR Operations Manager

(75% Finance Controllership, 25% HR Operations)

About the Role

Shooting Stars Foundation (SSF) (www.shooting-stars-foundation.org) (US and India non profit) is seeking a highly capable professional who brings strength in accounting/controllership while also supporting operational HR functions. As a smaller organization, SSF can benefit from a hybrid role that manages core financial operations while ensuring smooth HR processes—particularly payroll and compliance.

Role: Financial Controller & HR Operations Manager

Type: Full Time (40 hours/week)

Mode: Hybrid (2 days a week in Nungambakkam office - other days can be remote) – Some evening and weekend hours may be needed

Salary: Approx 50,000 per month (based on experience)

Mandatory Form to be filled in along with the application (Position to be filled in before Jan 15th)

Key Responsibilities

Controllership (50%)

• Oversee day‑to‑day financial transactions, including accounts payable, receivable, payroll coordination, and CSR grants management; manage a day‑to‑day accountant.
• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, bank statements, and financial records (both US and India accounts) on a weekly basis.
• Collaborate closely with project managers to understand organizational activities and ensure accurate categorization and allocation of transactions – most importantly Utilization Certificate formalities.
• Maintain and regularly update reporting documents, providing insights into spending patterns and fund utilization.
• Prepare work plans, maintain documentation, and ensure visibility and traceability of financial processes.
• Monitor and control payroll on a monthly basis.
• Work with a US‑based finance team as needed for reporting and record maintenance.
• Assist in annual budgeting, monitor budget vs. actuals, explain variances, and provide financial analysis to leadership for informed decisions.
• Analyze financial data, identify trends, forecast, and offer strategic recommendations to senior management and the board on financial health and sustainability.
• Perform other finance‑related duties in support of SSF’s nonprofit operations.

Compliance & Governance (25%)

• Ensure full compliance with applicable statutory, regulatory, and donor/funder requirements (e.g., Companies Act, Income Tax, CSR, GST, FCRA, local regulations).
• Design, implement, and monitor internal financial controls to prevent fraud, errors, and misuse of funds.
• Lead statutory, internal, donor, and special audits end to end.
• Oversee direct and indirect tax compliance (GST, TDS, Income Tax, etc.) – ensure timely filing of returns, assessments, and responses to notices.
• Develop and maintain finance policies, SOPs, and compliance manuals.
• Support senior management and the board with compliance updates and risk reporting.

HR Operations (25%)

• Oversee HR operational workflows across the employee lifecycle, ensuring compliance with legal and organizational requirements.
• Support operational processes such as onboarding documentation, HR payroll inputs, maintain employee records, and ensure timely monthly payroll coordination with Finance.
• Ensure HR files and data meet audit‑like standards for security and confidentiality.
• Coordinate basic recruitment operations (posting roles, scheduling interviews, managing documentation).
• Assist Chief of Staff on other HR initiatives as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• 4–5 years of experience in finance, accounting, HR operations, or a blended role (Experience with NGO finance strongly preferred).
• Strong knowledge of Indian GAAP (US GAAP knowledge preferred).
• Proficiency with accounting software (Tally / Intuit preferred).
• Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken).
• Strong ownership mindset and ability to take tasks to completion.
• Experience in multinational companies or NGOs strongly preferred.
• US Accounting / Finance experience strongly preferred.
• Alignment with SSF’s mission and commitment to ethical practices.
• Availability between 7 PM–10 PM IST during weekdays and occasional weekends (as part of weekly hours).
• Must have access to a personal laptop and a reliable internet connection.
• Completion of SSF’s Google application form (mandatory). – (link)

About Us

Shooting Stars Foundation (US and India Non-Profit) is an NGO dedicated to advancing education with the conviction that breaking the cycle of poverty can be achieved through educational empowerment—one student at a time. To date, we have sponsored 1,300 scholars and delivered STEM education to over 100,000 youth worldwide (https://shooting-stars-foundation.org). As we continue to expand our scope and impact, we are seeking an experienced Finance Controller and HR Manager to oversee our personnel and ensure optimal utilization of our resources.