Head of Finance and Accounts

Zodiac Maritime; Mumbai; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Zodiac Maritime in Mumbai seeks a Head of Finance and Accounts to manage the Indian entity's accounting, financial reporting, payroll and statutory compliance.

The role demands hands-on leadership, robust financial controls, and coordination with Group Finance for audits and reporting. Strong expertise in Ind AS and Indian tax regimes is essential for strategic guidance and governance.

Qualifications

• CA preferred; ACCA or equivalent considered.
• Strong knowledge of Indian accounting standards (Ind AS) and GST/TDS.

Responsibilities

• Manage all accounting activities for the Indian entity with timely financial reporting.
• Coordinate month-end, quarter-end and year-end closing per Group timetables and local statutes.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, journals and reconciliations.
• Maintain general ledger integrity and controls.
• Oversee payroll, payroll statutory compliances and tax obligations (GST, TDS, PF, ESI).
• Coordinate statutory audits and liaise with external auditors.
• Support transfer pricing documentation and intercompany transactions.
• Assist with direct/indirect tax matters and regulatory information requests.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and ad hoc financial analysis.

Education

Chartered Accountant (CA)

ACCA considered

Tools

ERP software

Payroll software

GST filing software

Job description

Reporting to: Director of Finance (London)

Overview of role

The Head of Finance and Accounts will be responsible for managing all accounting, financial reporting, statutory compliance, payroll and banking activities for the Indian entity.

This role requires a hands-on finance professional capable of working independently while ensuring compliance with Indian regulatory requirements and Company policies. The role will maintain robust financial controls, coordinate statutory audits and provide timely and accurate financial reporting to support both local operations and Group Finance requirements.

Key responsibilities and primary deliverables

• Manage all accounting activities for the Indian entity and ensure the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of financial records, reporting and statutory obligations.
• Manage month-end, quarter-end and year-end closing activities in accordance with Group reporting timetables and local statutory requirements.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, journals, balance sheet reconciliations, accruals and prepayments.
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial records.
• Manage accounts payable, banking and treasury activities for the Indian entity, ensuring timely settlement of obligations and adherence to Company policies and controls.
• Administer monthly payroll and ensure compliance with all payroll-related statutory requirements. Ensure timely compliance with GST, TDS, Provident Fund (PF), Employee State Insurance (ESI), Professional Tax and other applicable statutory requirements.
• Manage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) compliance for the Indian entity, including monitoring applicable CSR obligations under the Companies Act, coordinating with internal stakeholders and external partners, maintaining supporting documentation and ensuring timely reporting and statutory compliance.
• Support transfer pricing compliance activities for the Indian entity, including coordination with external tax advisors, preparation and maintenance of transfer pricing documentation, monitoring intercompany transactions and ensuring adherence to Group policies and applicable Indian regulations.
• Assist with direct and indirect tax matters, including responding to information requests from advisors and regulatory authorities and supporting tax audits and assessments as required.
• Coordinate and manage the annual statutory audit process and act as the primary point of contact for external auditors.
• Prepare financial information and reporting packages required by Group Finance, ensuring compliance with Group policies and reporting standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve finance processes and strengthen internal controls in line with Group standards.
• Liaise with tax advisors, banks, auditors and regulatory authorities on finance-related matters.
• Support budgeting, forecasting and ad hoc financial analysis as required.
• Uphold the highest professional standards and maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive financial and employee information.
• Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) preferred. ACCA or equivalent professional qualification will also be considered.
• Successful track record working in group finance teams in organisations with significant revenues and a strong asset base. A background in maritime or other transport sectors would be beneficial.
• Strong working knowledge of Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS), GST, TDS, payroll and local statutory compliance requirements. Exposure to IFRS reporting within an international organisation would be advantageous.
• Experience in preparing financial reports, maintaining accounting records and supporting statutory audits.
• Hands-on approach with the ability to work independently and take ownership of the finance activities for the Indian entity.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver accurate work within agreed deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across a culturally diverse and collaborative organisation.
• Proactive in identifying opportunities for process improvement and taking ownership of projects, driving initiatives from concept through to delivery.
• High level of integrity, professionalism and discretion when handling confidential financial and employee information.