The Senior Finance Director – India serves as a strategic business partner responsible for the overall finance execution in the region. This role supports regional operations in line with Corporate/Business Group/Function vision and strategy, by collaborating with regional, business group, and functional teams to deliver results. The successful candidate will work closely with the business groups’ finance teams and corporate functions to drive a consistent singular approach across commercial, operational, and compliance disciplines to achieve profitable growth for the Company, including driving shared resources, engagement with customers, partners, and other critical stakeholders, as well as supporting talent development and employee engagement.

• Support the regional General Manager and collaborate with the regional leadership team in developing and executing the regional strategy to deliver business outcomes
• Co-lead and partner with regional leadership to drive One Wabtec regional outcomes (go to market strategy execution, synergies & optimization of operating models, shared resources, M&A support, and special projects)
• Lead in a matrix environment and partner with the business group CFO’s and Corporate function heads (controllership, treasury, tax, legal, audit) to deliver on annual plans including budgets/forecasts, identification/mitigation of risks/opportunities, across commercial & operational disciplines
• Lead and coordinate the overall regional finance function including reporting, controllership & compliance
• Ensure timely & accurate financial close & reporting to Business Unit HQ’s / Corporate on a monthly/quarterly basis, by the regional finance team and shared services
• Own local financial compliance in accordance with local laws and regulations and statutory audits
• Manage regional service providers (PWC, EY, local Legal firms & consultants) and global shared services (Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Record to Report, etc.)
• Support key stakeholders’ management including customers, suppliers, partners, and government departments, as well as commercial negotiations and settlements
• Oversee talent development and employee growth including cross business/function placements in line with business needs; drive and facilitate strong culture of business partnering between local team & business groups/functions

Relevant Qualifications/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Accounting Finance, or other related field
• Chartered Accountant CA(SA) or CIMA certification or Equivalent
• Minimum of 10 years in Senior Financial management roles, with at least 3 – 5 years as business Finance Director
• Experience working and managing in a multi-national matrixed organization
• Experience in doing business across India
• Capable of strategic thinking while effectively managing day-to-day operations
• Exposure to corporate governance practices, including board / Executive Committee level engagements
• Commercial finance and deal structuring experience including negotiation and facilitation techniques
• Operational finance experience and exposure to manufacturing and supply chain processes
• Statutory compliance experience with international and local regulations as well as Accounting and Financial standards and regulations
• Strong project management skills and prioritization to independently work under pressure and meet multiple deadlines
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively within a culturally diverse and multi-disciplinary environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including Executive Committee level presentations
• Sound people management and team leadership, including motivating other staff
• Requirement to travel

Desired Characteristics

• Strategic and analytical thinker with excellent commercial acumen
• Strong industry/market knowledge and networks/contacts
• Prior experience independently structuring, restructuring, and executing large complex transactions is preferred
• Strong Controllership and Compliance experience is preferred
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and to prioritize under pressure