Role Overview
Reporting to the Finance & Accounting Manager, the Chartered Accountant will support the finance function across accounting operations, taxation, compliance, reporting, financial controls, and business support activities for Atlantic Gate's freight forwarding operations in India.
The role requires a hands-on finance professional with strong technical accounting expertise, a sound understanding of the logistics and freight forwarding industry, and the ability to collaborate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
1. Financial Operations & Accounting
- Manage end-to-end accounting operations, including Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), and General Ledger (GL).
- Oversee freight forwarding accounting activities, including ocean and air freight accruals, vendor freight audits, detention and demurrage monitoring, and account reconciliations.
- Ensure accurate and timely month-end and year-end closing activities.
- Review accounting entries, reconciliations, and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with accounting standards and company policies.
- Maintain the integrity and accuracy of financial records and ledgers.
2. Audit, Compliance & Taxation
- Coordinate statutory audits and ensure timely completion of all audit requirements.
- Support internal audit activities and ensure prompt resolution of audit findings.
- Liaise with statutory auditors, internal auditors, tax authorities, and external consultants as required.
- Manage indirect tax compliance, including GST reconciliations, GSTR-1, GSTR-3B filings, E-Way Bills, and Input Tax Credit (ITC) tracking.
- Manage direct tax compliance, including TDS deductions, remittances, corporate tax filings, and maintenance of statutory records.
- Coordinate with external tax advisors and consultants to ensure full regulatory compliance.
- Liaise with the Company Secretary on MCA and corporate compliance matters.
- Ensure proper maintenance of statutory records and compliance documentation.
3. Financial Reporting, Planning & Analysis
- Prepare monthly MIS reports and financial analysis for management and key stakeholders.
- Support the annual budgeting and forecasting process.
- Perform variance analysis and provide insights on business performance.
- Assist in cash flow planning, working capital management, and financial performance monitoring.
- Support management with ad hoc financial reporting and decision-making analysis.
4. Fixed Assets Management
- Ensure accurate accounting and maintenance of fixed assets in accordance with IFRS and company policies.
- Maintain fixed asset registers and supporting documentation.
- Coordinate annual physical verification of fixed assets and ensure timely reconciliation.
5. Internal Controls & Process Improvement
- Assist in strengthening financial systems, processes, and internal control frameworks.
- Identify opportunities to improve accounting efficiency, compliance, and reporting accuracy.
- Support the implementation of best practices across finance operations.
- Strengthen financial controls and operational processes to mitigate financial and commercial risks associated with freight forwarding transactions.
Requirements & Qualifications
Education
- Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) with active ICAI membership.
Experience
- 4-6 years of post-qualification experience.
- Experience within the Freight Forwarding, Logistics, Shipping, or Supply Chain industry is highly preferred.
- Experience managing statutory compliance, taxation, audits, and financial reporting in a corporate environment.
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of Indian taxation, statutory compliance, GST, TDS, and financial reporting requirements.
- Good understanding of IFRS and financial control frameworks.
- Advanced proficiency in ERP systems, preferably Microsoft Dynamics; SAP experience is an added advantage.
- Advanced MS Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities.
Personal Competencies
- Strong commercial and business acumen.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.
- Detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Why Join Atlantic Gate?
- Be part of a growing international freight forwarding organization.
- Gain broad exposure across accounting, taxation, compliance, and commercial finance.
- Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and career development.
- Play a key role in supporting the continued growth of our India operations.