Assistant Director-Finance and Admin

ABOUT CRB

The Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) was established in 2011 as a think-tank to pursue its vision, businesses integrate sustainability into their core business practices. Given that sustainability is a multi-dimensional problem especially in the context of India and other emerging economies, CRB has adopted a model of engaging multiple stakeholders to develop action plans for promoting sustainable/responsible business, across various sectors in India. The work of CRB spans over four operational verticals namely, a) action and policy work; b) training and capacity building c) customised advisory services d) multi-stakeholder knowledge fora.

The organisation works across a diverse set of thematic areas which include (i) business and human rights; (ii) Private Sector & SDGs; (iii) MSMEs & sustainability; (iv) Circular economy and(v) Voluntary sustainability standards. With experience of having worked for over a decade in the above mentioned fields, CRB has developed expertise and insights that positions it well among leading think tanks on sustainable development/sustainable business. More information can be found at www.c4rb.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Assistant Director (Finance and Admin) holds a strategic role responsible for maintaining the organization's financial integrity and ensuring robust systems for planning, management ,risk mitigation, monitoringand compliance. The incumbent acts as the principal financial and admin advisor to the CEO provides strategic insights on fiscal matters, policy compliance, organizational growth and international financial compliance aspects.

This role is also envisioned to support the next phase of CRB's growth, aligned with and informed by the CRB Strategy 2030.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Strategic Financial Planning and Budgeting

1. Develop and implement the organization's annual financial strategy and plan.
2. Prepare annual and multi-year budgets in collaboration with the CEO and departmental heads.
3. Establish financial manuals, SOPs, and control mechanisms to ensure data accuracy and process efficiency.
4. Provide financial forecasting, variance analysis, and decision-making support to senior management.
5. Ensure prudent resource allocation and fiscal discipline across all projects and operations.
6. Execute CRB's 12A and 80G registrations in coordination with legal counsel.

B. Financial Discipline and Control

1. Develop internal capacity in programme and project financial management.
2. Establish control systems between the programme, finance, and administration functions.
3. Supervise daily financial operations, including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and cash flow management.
4. Ensure accuracy and timeliness in accounting, reconciliations, and ledger maintenance.
5. Develop and monitor internal control systems to safeguard organizational assets.
6. Oversee all financial transactions and approvals in compliance with internal policies and legal standards.
7. Ensure alignment with the implementation of CRB procurement protocols and the Financial Manual.

C. Financial Reporting and Compliance

1. Present quarterly and annual financial reports to management and the Board.
2. Ensure compliance with all statutory obligations, including Income Tax, GST, TDS, PF, ESI, and ROC filings.
3. Coordinate with donor auditors to ensure timely completion of project audit processes.
4. Maintain complete documentation and statutory compliance for Societies Registration, FCRA, and MOA renewals.
5. Initiate and implement finalized project planning and management systems.
6. Manage and prepare financial management reports and Board-level audit action items.

D. Legal, Statutory, and Governance Oversight

1. Oversee all legal and statutory compliance matters in coordination with external legal counsel.
2. Ensure regular review and renewal of the Memorandum of Association (MOA), Registration Certificates, and other licenses.
3. Review, and vet contracts, MoUs, partnership agreements, and vendor documents from both legal and financial perspectives.
4. Maintain a central database for contracts, agreements, and legal documents with proper tracking of renewal timelines.
5. Advise the CEO and Board on legal exposures, financial risks, and regulatory changes affecting the organization.
6. Ensure that Board and Committee decisions are aligned with statutory provisions and organizational policies.

E. Grants and Donor Financial Management

1. Supervise and manage the financial components of donor-funded projects, ensuring compliance with donor guidelines.
2. Undertake timely reviews (at least on a quarterly basis) of grant expenditures, utilization certificates, and the timely submission of donor reports.

F. Risk Management

1. Identify financial and compliance-related risks and develop mitigation strategies.
2. Maintain a financial and legal risk register and present periodic updates to management and the Board.
3. Ensure adequate insurance coverage and legal safeguards for all organizational assets.

G. Governance and Board Support

1. Provide financial and legal updates to the CEO and relevant Board Finance Committee.
2. Present financial statements, budgets, and compliance reports during Board meetings.
3. Support the organization in statutory meetings, Board resolutions, and renewal of governance documents.
4. Contribute to the strengthening of internal governance frameworks and ethical standards.

H. Administrative Support:

1. Provide leadership oversight to the administrative team, ensuring effective planning, coordination, and delivery of administrative services across the organization.
2. Oversee compliance with statutory requirements, audits, and safety regulations, and ensure timely reporting and corrective action where required.
3. Guide and monitor asset management, inventory control, and administrative procurement systems to ensure transparency, efficiency, and policy adherence.
4. Preparation, monitoring, and control of the annual administrative budget, ensuring prudent expenditure and financial discipline.
5. Track expenditures, review utilization of resources, and recommend cost-optimization measures to senior leadership.
6. Lead compliance and risk management initiatives within administrative functions, ensuring alignment with legal, regulatory, and safety frameworks.
7. Conduct periodic risk assessments across administrative operations and implement mitigation plans in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
8. Manage, mentor, and develop the administrative team, ensuring clear role definitions, performance accountability, and capability building.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

• Timely and accurate submission of financial and compliance reports.
• 100% adherence to statutory and legal obligations.
• Successful and timely renewal of MOA, registration, and statutory licenses.
• Zero audit qualifications or legal non-compliance notices.
• Controlled budget variance and optimized resource utilization.
• High performance and retention within the finance team.
• International finance and business growth insights
• FCRA related compliances.
• Strengthening the financial system aligned with the growth path of CRB(CRB Strategy 2030).

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, or Business Administration (MBA preferred).
• Chartered Accountant (CA), CA (Final) Cost Accountant (ICWA), or CPA qualification mandatory.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong exposure to financial management, corporate law, compliance frameworks, and audit processes.
• Hands-on experience with statutory filings, ROC/MOA renewals, and legal documentation.
• Experience in NGO, trust, or development-sector organizations preferred, with FCRA and other compliances requirement

CORE COMPETEMCIES AND SKILLS

• Strategic financial and legal acumen.
• Deep understanding of compliance, contracts, and statutory frameworks.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and ethical judgment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive institutional efficiency.
• Experience in terms of entity incorporation based on appropriate legal framework in India.

LAST DATE TO APPLY: 26 JANUARY 2026