Head of Finance India

About the Role We are a leading chemical company, BASF, seeking a Head of Finance India to lead all finance activities for the Service Delivery Unit (SDU) in India. You will provide strong financial control, insightful business partnering, and ensure delivery of high-quality finance services to support SDU growth and operational excellence.

This role combines strategic leadership, operational finance management, process optimization, and people leadership to enable data-driven decisions and alignment with global finance standards. What You'll Do

• Provide financial leadership and strategy for the SDU in India, partnering with the global Finance GBS community and translating strategic/operational decisions into financial implications.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, long-range planning, scenario analysis, and drive financial discipline and performance.
• Manage end-to-end finance processes (accounts payable/receivable, closing cycles, management accounting), ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and high service levels; identify and implement process improvements, automation, and standardization; manage capacity planning for peak cycles.
• Define and monitor KPIs and SLAs (closing time, accuracy, timely payments); use metrics to drive improvement plans and communicate performance trends and risks.
• Build, coach, and retain a high-performing finance team; set objectives, development plans, and performance expectations; foster collaboration and succession planning.
• Maintain strong governance and stakeholder management with Regional/Global Finance, Tax, Legal, and business stakeholders; escalate financial risks and represent the SDU in global finance forums, ensuring alignment with corporate policies. What We're Looking For
• Chartered Accountant / MBA Finance / CIMA or equivalent professional qualification.
• 12+ years of progressive finance experience, with at least 5 years in leadership roles; SDU/shared services or business unit finance experience preferred.
• Solid exposure to FP&A, accounting, controllership, and finance operations in an international or matrixed organization.
• Proven track record of process improvement and implementing finance automation/ERP systems.
• Strong business partnering skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate strategy into financial plans.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated people leadership, team building, and talent development capabilities.