Finance Manager

FINANCE MANAGER – IMPORTS & TRADE FINANCE

Company: Aeden Fruits International Pvt Ltd

Location: Panangad, Ernakulam, Kerala

Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary Range: ₹40,000 – ₹65,000 per month (based on experience & qualifications)

Position Summary

Aeden Fruits International Pvt Ltd is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to oversee all financial operations related to our import business and retail expansion. This is a critical role that bridges international trade finance, forex management, and domestic financial operations. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in import-export finance, trade instruments, and foreign exchange management while being detail-oriented, compliance-focused, and strategic in financial planning.

You will report directly to the CFO/Managing Director and play a crucial role in ensuring smooth financial operations, optimizing working capital, and supporting our company's growth in the international fresh produce sector.

Key Responsibilities

Trade Finance & Import Operations

·       Manage end-to-end finance operations for imports, including Letter of Credit (LC) management, supplier payments, and customs duty calculations

·       Oversee trade finance transactions to ensure compliance with banking and regulatory requirements

·       Handle import documentation including preparation and verification of invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and customs clearance documents

·       Coordinate with banks and financial institutions for credit facilities, payment guarantees, and trade financing instruments (LC, BG, SBLC)

·       Maintain relationships with international suppliers, logistics partners, and financial institutions for favorable negotiation of terms

Foreign Exchange Management

·       Monitor and manage foreign exchange exposure with proactive forex risk management strategies

·       Implement hedging strategies to mitigate currency risks in import transactions

·       Execute currency conversions and international payments with optimization of exchange rates

·       Analyze currency fluctuation impacts on import costs and profitability

·       Maintain forward contracts and forex derivative instruments as needed

·       Prepare forex exposure reports and recommendations to management

Financial Planning & Analysis

·       Prepare accurate cash flow forecasts with focus on import-to-sale cycles

·       Manage working capital optimization across import operations and retail inventory

·       Conduct financial modeling and scenario analysis to support strategic decision-making

·       Develop financial strategies supporting business growth and international trade expansion

·       Analyze import costs, landed costs, and cost structures for pricing decisions

·       Provide budgeting, forecasting, and financial insights to support management decisions

Compliance & Regulatory Management

·       Ensure compliance with accounting standards (IND-AS/IFRS), tax regulations, and import-export laws

·       Monitor statutory compliance with Registrar of Companies (RoC), tax authorities, and import-export authorities

·       Maintain accurate documentation for custom audits, GST compliance, and tax filings

·       Prepare tax assessments including assessable value calculations for imported goods

·       Ensure adherence to RBI guidelines for forex transactions and foreign currency accounts

Financial Reporting & Record Management

·       Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports

·       Maintain fiscal files and comprehensive transaction documentation

·       Manage accounts receivable and accounts payable with focus on international trade terms

·       Coordinate with internal accounting teams for accurate record-keeping

·       Prepare management reports and dashboards on key financial metrics

·       Assist in internal and external audits

Team Leadership & Development

·       Line manage and mentor the accounting/finance team to ensure operational efficiency and accuracy

·       Provide training and guidance on import finance procedures and compliance requirements

·       Develop and maintain SOPs for all finance operations

·       Ensure timely and accurate completion of all financial tasks within established frameworks

·       Foster a culture of accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement

Required Qualifications

Education & Certification

·       Essential: CA (Chartered Accountant) / CMA (Cost Management Accountant) / MBA Finance or equivalent professional qualification

·       Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Finance, or related field (if not already covered by CA/CMA/MBA)

Experience

·       Minimum 5-8 years of professional experience in finance and accounting

·       Substantial hands-on experience in imports, trade finance, and international transactions

·       Demonstrated expertise in foreign exchange risk management and forex hedging

·       Proven experience handling Letter of Credit (LC), Bank Guarantees (BG), and SBLC instruments

·       Working knowledge of import-export documentation and customs procedures

·       Strong understanding of international trade practices and banking instruments

Technical & Functional Skills

·       Advanced proficiency in MS Excel with strong formula and data analysis capabilities

·       Proficiency in accounting software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems

·       Knowledge of forex management platforms and tools

·       Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

·       Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills

·       Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Soft Skills

·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills

·       Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills for banking, supplier, and internal stakeholder management

·       Strategic thinking and financial planning abilities

·       Ability to work independently and lead teams

·       Commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance

·       Proactive approach to identifying risks and opportunities

Preferred Qualifications

·       Experience in FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) or fresh produce/agricultural sector

·       Exposure to ERP systems (SAP, Tally, etc.) and treasury management solutions

·       Previous experience with fresh fruit imports or perishable goods supply chain

·       Knowledge of GST, IGST, and indirect tax implications for imports

·       Experience with international payment systems and SWIFT transactions

·       Familiarity with customs brokerage and clearance processes

·       FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) compliance experience

Competencies & Core Values

Technical Competencies

·       Trade Finance & Import Operations

·       Foreign Exchange Management & Hedging

·       Financial Analysis & Forecasting

·       Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

·       Accounting Standards & Financial Reporting

·       Stakeholder Management & Negotiation

Behavioral Competencies

·       Attention to Detail & Accuracy

·       Strategic Thinking & Planning

·       Problem-Solving & Decision-Making

·       Leadership & Team Management

·       Communication & Interpersonal Skills

·       Integrity & Ethics

·       Adaptability & Continuous Learning

Aeden Fruits Values

·       Think Fresh – Innovative approach to financial management and process improvement

·       Team-Centric – Collaborative mindset with cross-functional teams

·       Compliance-First – Unwavering commitment to regulatory adherence

·       Growth-Oriented – Supporting company expansion into retail and new markets

Compensation & Benefits Package

Salary

·       Monthly Salary Range: ₹40,000 – ₹65,000 (based on qualifications, experience, and performance)

·       Performance Incentives: Eligible for performance-based bonus structure

Benefits

·       Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employee and family

·       Life Insurance: Term life insurance as part of employee protection

·       Paid Leave:

o  Paid sick leave

o  Paid time off (vacation/casual leave)

o  Festival holidays as per company policy

·       Provident Fund: Employee/Employer contribution as per statutory requirements

·       Professional Development: Opportunities for training and skill enhancement

·       Work Environment: Collaborative, innovation-focused workplace with modern facilities

·       Growth Opportunities: Clear career progression within growing organization

Working Conditions

·       Location: Panangad, Ernakulam, Kerala (Fresh Fruit Import & Distribution Hub)

·       Reporting Structure: Reports directly to CFO/Managing Director

·       Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent

·       Working Hours: Standard business hours with flexibility for international transaction timings

·       Travel: Minimal, occasional site visits to port/warehouse may be required

·       Occasional overtime: May be required during busy import periods or month-end closures

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The Finance Manager's performance will be evaluated based on:

1.     Financial Accuracy: 100% accuracy in financial reporting and import documentation

2.     Compliance: Zero compliance violations or regulatory penalties

3.     Working Capital Management: Optimal cash conversion cycle and liquidity management

4.     Cost Optimization: Reduction in import costs and forex losses through effective hedging

5.     Team Performance: Timely and accurate completion of all finance functions

6.     Stakeholder Satisfaction: Positive feedback from banks, suppliers, and internal teams

7.     Strategic Contributions: Insights and recommendations leading to business growth

8.     Process Improvement: Implementation of efficient finance SOPs and systems