About
Distinct Origins is an India-based fine flavour cacao integrated value chain company founded in 2021 and headquartered in Hyderabad, building a sustainable ecosystem for high-quality Indian cacao. The company works closely with a network of 300+ farmer partners and leverages advanced fermentation and drying techniques to enhance the flavour potential of cacao, supplying premium ingredients to craft chocolate makers globally.
Manam Chocolate is a premium Indian craft chocolate brand under Distinct Origins, known for its farm to retail approach. We are dedicated to promoting craft chocolate in India. Set up in 2023, the business is growing rapidly with outlets currently in Hyderabad and South Delhi, and aggressive expansion planned this year.
For more information, visit distinctorigins.com and manamchocolate.com.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to head the finance function. The role calls for a resilient, hands-on finance leader with strong commercial acumen and the ability to collaborate with leadership on growth and profitability. Beyond numbers, we need someone who understands the pulse of a fast-growing consumer brand and can drive sustainable growth while maintaining financial discipline.
Business Dynamics
- This is a fast-paced, high-growth environment that offers a strong opportunity to build structured processes, enhance operational efficiency, and implement impactful improvements.
- The selected candidate will be stepping into a space where structure is still evolving, offering a rare chance to influence how things work, not just execute within them.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Operations & Controls
- Lead and drive overall financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting aligned with business growth objectives.
- Own and manage end-to-end Profit & Loss (P&L).
- Monitor cost structures, margins, and unit economics across outlets and products.
- Ensure adherence to the Companies Act and other regulations relevant to a private limited company.
- Ensure compliance with direct and indirect tax legislation (GST, TDS, etc.) and associated regulatory filings on time and in full.
- Implement robust financial controls, ERP systems, and cost optimisation initiatives.
- Ensure timely closure of books and accurate financial reporting.
- Drive profitability improvements and operational efficiency.
- Provide strategic recommendations to the CEO on financial performance and expansion.
Banking & Investor Management
- Build and manage relationships with banks, financial institutions, and investors.
- Support fundraising, debt structuring, and working capital management.
- Facilitate investor discussions and financial negotiations.
Board & Governance
- Prepare and present financial reports to the Board.
- Support board meetings with insights, analysis, and strategic inputs.
- Ensure strong corporate governance and compliance frameworks.
Key Requirements
- Chartered Accountant (CA) with 12–15 years of experience.
- The business is built around direct-to-consumer, eCommerce, and Retail. Strong exposure to F&B retail and food manufacturing operating through similar channels is preferred. Restaurant chain business experience may also be suitable.
- Proven experience in managing P&L; exposure to banking and investor relations is a plus.
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Expertise in financial modelling, ERP (e.g., Tally, Zoho Books), and tools like Excel and Power BI.
- Strong knowledge of the Indian regulatory landscape, including Ind AS, Income Tax, GST, FEMA, and startup funding norms. Additional qualifications such as CS would be a distinct advantage.
Preferred Skills
- Experience in multi-outlet F&B chains or retail food brands.
- Knowledge of cost optimisation, pricing strategies, and expansion planning.
- Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities.
