Experience: 15+ years in cost control, financial planning, and cost accounting within a publicly listed automotive manufacturing organization
Qualification: Cost & Management Accountant (ICWA/CMA)
Age: Around 45 years

Key Responsibilities:

1. Cost Control & Financial Controlling

Establish and implement cost control strategies to optimize profitability and efficiency. Oversee cost accounting processes across all plants, ensuring accuracy in cost allocation. Analyze cost structures, overhead allocations, and production variances, identifying cost-saving opportunities. Monitor and control manufacturing costs, standard costs, and actual costs, ensuring alignment with financial goals. Drive cost reduction initiatives in collaboration with operations, procurement, and finance teams. Benchmark cost structures and financial controls with industry best practices.

2. Budgeting, Forecasting & Variance Analysis

Lead cost budgeting and forecasting for multi-plant operations. Conduct variance analysis, investigating and resolving discrepancies in cost reporting. Develop costing models for new product development and manufacturing efficiency. Monitor standard vs. actual cost variances, ensuring corrective action plans are implemented. Review and control capital expenditure (CapEx) and operational expenditure (OpEx), ensuring budget adherence.

3. Compliance, Cost Audits & Regulatory Adherence

Ensure compliance with cost accounting standards, SEBI regulations, and financial disclosure norms for a publicly listed company. Manage cost audits, internal audits, and statutory compliance, ensuring transparency and accuracy. Coordinate with auditors and regulatory authorities to ensure smooth cost reporting and compliance. Establish and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard financial integrity.

4. Standard Costing & Pricing Strategy

Implement and maintain standard costing methodologies across all plants. Evaluate and optimize pricing strategies to ensure profitability and market competitiveness. Conduct product cost analysis, identifying margin improvement opportunities. Collaborate with procurement and production teams to assess the impact of raw material price fluctuations.

5. Inventory Valuation & Working Capital Optimization

Ensure accurate inventory valuation, slow-moving & obsolete stock analysis, and risk mitigation strategies. Control working capital efficiency, focusing on inventory, material cost forecasting, and provisioning. Collaborate with supply chain teams to optimize inventory levels and procurement strategies.

6. Financial Reporting & Business Partnering

Prepare and present cost reports, MIS, and financial analysis for senior leadership. Provide financial insights to support strategic decision-making and cost optimization. Work closely with plant heads, finance, and operational teams to enhance cost efficiency and financial performance.

7. Team Leadership & Process Improvement

Lead and mentor the cost accounting and financial control teams. Implement best practices in cost control, process automation, and ERP integration (SAP preferred). Drive continuous process improvements to enhance reporting accuracy and decision-making efficiency.

Key Requirements:

-ICWA qualified professional with 15+ years of experience in cost control and financial planning within a publicly listed automotive manufacturing company.
-Strong expertise in cost accounting, variance analysis, and standard costing.
-Proven track record of cost control, cost audits, and compliance management in a multi-plant environment.
-Experience working with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and financial reporting tools.
-Deep understanding of SEBI regulations, corporate governance, and financial disclosure norms.
-Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
-Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities.