EquiLead Jobs | Career Opportunities for Women

Associate Director, Finance

Company
Ground Zero
Location
Lucknow, U.P
Employment Type
Full-Time
Functional Category
Finance & Operations
Experience
12 - 18 years
Salary
1700000 - 2400000
Date Posted
03-Jun-2025

About Ground Zero

Started with #HiringInSocialSector digital campaign, we tried bridging the access of information gap between nonprofit and potential candidates, we realized that the problem is “real”, it wasn't just about connecting dots; it was about nurturing a relationship between those who wanted to make a difference and those who needed them the most. Thus, Ground Zero was born. With a mission to bridge the talent gap, we set out to cultivate a thriving ecosystem of skilled professionals dedicated to the nonprofit sector. Our journey has been one of growth and learning, each step teaching us more about the unique challenges and incredible potential within this community. As a young organization, we've been fortunate to partner with over 50+ nonprofits, each with its own unique mission. Our journey is just beginning, and every day brings new experiences and lessons. With each nonprofit we support, we inch closer to a world where every mission finds its champion. Together, we are not just closing the talent gap—we are building a community driven by the power of good

Website
https://groundzerojobs.org/

Overview of the Role

The Associate Director of Finance will play a critical leadership role in overseeing all financial operations of the organization in Lucknow. This position is responsible for ensuring the financial health, integrity, and compliance of the organization, with a strong focus on grant management, FCRA compliance, and strategic financial planning in a non-profit context. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned finance professional with a proven track record in the non-profit sector, possessing strong leadership skills and an unwavering commitment to accuracy and transparency.

Job Description

- Financial Forecasting & Planning:
Lead the development and implementation of robust financial forecasting models and annual budgets.
Provide strategic financial insights and recommendations to senior leadership for informed decision-making and sustainable growth.
Monitor financial performance against budget, analyze variances, and provide actionable reports.

- FCRA Management & Compliance:
Ensure strict adherence to all provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010, and its subsequent amendments.
Oversee the accurate and timely filing of all FCRA-related returns and reports.
Stay updated on changes in FCRA regulations and proactively implement necessary adjustments to policies and procedures.

- Capacity Building of Finance Team:
Develop and implement training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of the finance team members.
Foster a culture of continuous learning, professional development, and best practices within the finance department.
Mentor and guide finance managers and associates to improve their technical and leadership capabilities.

- Compliance & Risk Management:
Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations, tax laws, and organizational policies.
Implement and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard organizational assets and prevent financial irregularities.
Identify and mitigate financial risks, developing contingency plans as necessary.

- Grant Management & CSR Budgeting:
Oversee the financial aspects of all grants, including budgeting, expenditure tracking, and reporting.
Collaborate closely with program teams to ensure grant expenditures align with approved budgets and donor requirements.
Manage and monitor Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budgets, ensuring proper allocation and utilization of funds in line with CSR policies and project objectives.

- Grant Spending Reporting:
Lead the preparation and submission of accurate and timely grant spending reports for approximately 50-70 CSR partners and other donors.
Ensure all reports are compliant with donor agreements and internal financial guidelines.
Develop and refine reporting templates and processes for efficiency and clarity.

- Team Leadership & Management:
Manage, supervise, and provide leadership to a team of finance managers and associates.
Conduct performance reviews, set clear objectives, and provide constructive feedback to team members.
Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

- Audits, Reports & Error-Free Operations:
Coordinate and manage all internal and external financial audits, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Prepare comprehensive financial statements, reports, and analyses for management, board, and donors.
Maintain the highest standards of accuracy and attention to detail in all financial records, reports, and forecasting activities, striving for utmost error-free operations.

- Financial Systems & Processes:
Oversee the effective utilization of financial management software and systems.
Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation to enhance efficiency and accuracy in financial operations.

Required & Preferred Qualifications

Skill

- Demonstrated expertise in FCRA compliance and regulations is essential.
- Proven experience in grant financial management, donor reporting, and CSR budgeting.
- Strong understanding of Indian accounting standards and tax laws.
- Excellent leadership, team management, and capacity-building skills.
- Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- High level of proficiency in financial software and MS Office Suite, especially advanced Excel.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Education

Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (e.g., MBA Finance, M.Com).

Experience

Minimum of 10-12 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the non-profit sector.