Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:

Leadership and management of the finance function of India, with accountability to the GM for delivery of market business targets, sustainable profitability, cash flow, governance, and strategic business priorities. Input and participate in the development of the business strategies and operations of India. Continuously identify and recommend all necessary actions to improve the financial performance and efficiency of the business. Drive, track and support management of yearly targets.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Partner + FP&A + Accounting & Reporting

• • Be the trusted advisor to India SLT on financial/strategic topics and risk management.
  • A as a core member of the India SLT with accountability for enabling and supporting execution of the India market strategy.
  • Ensure the controlling and forecasting and provision of a critical view on all the business drivers, contributing to the achievement of targets and the continuous improvement of the financial performance.
  • Ongoing input from a financial perspective for business decision-making, e.g. optimum pricing model, investment requirements, sales compensation structure, sales terms, accounts receivable aging, inventory levels, clearance. etc.
  • Establish processes to closely manage key financial parameters of sales, including returns, Net Inventory %, DSO, working capital and cash flow to achieve annual targets.
  • Proactively manage the balance sheet and P & L on monthly basis to maximize the return for adidas group.
  • Lead the yearly budgeting process and establish alignment with the respective departments and with Group.
  • Proactively identify, evaluate and drive opportunities to reduce costs and maximise margins.
  • Responsible for overseeing and managing the complexities of business models, ensuring accurate accounting, forecasting, strategic planning, and effective mitigation strategies to safeguard the company's financial stability within the global operating model and country specific retail licence frameworks and guidelines.
  • Manage intercompany transactions and recharges (including Technology Hub, GBS), ensuring accuracy, transparency, and alignment with policies

Demand Planning

• • Provide overall oversight of the IBP process to align the unconstrained demand of India between Marketing and Sales from an unbiased perspective across all categories, brands and channels.
  • Overall Responsibility for the implementation of the monthly IBP cycle in line with India & Emerging Market and global blueprint.
  • Identify key risks and opportunities vs the plan to ensure commitments are met.
  • Work cross functionally to manage inventory at optimal levels with balanced approach on buy and clearance management.
  • Support with Operational Demand Planning and Brand Finance topics

Internal Controls & Policies

• • Prepare for and facilitate Group Internal Audits as required
  • Secure strong internal controls over assets and compliance with Group policies.
  • Ensure audit and compliance with Group finance manual of the key financial, control and approval processes.
  • Responsible for the implementation of the annual global Control Self-Assessment (“CSA”) process to facilitate ongoing adherence to policies and best practices.
  • Ensure provision of regulatory financial information and governance of all legal entities to the respective tax and financial institutions
  • Will serve as the key interface for external and internal audit with primary responsibility for adherence to policy and legal regulations.

Credit Management

• • Ensure provision of credit control of all customers and drive cash collection within the agreed targets

Cash Management & Treasury

• • Lead end-to-end cash flow planning, forecasting, and liquidity management
  • Optimize working capital, funding structures, and banking relationships
  • Ensure efficient treasury operations, including forex risk management and capital allocation
  • Drive strong cash discipline across the business to support growth and profitability

Group Finance Functions (e.g. Tax, Treasury, Group Accounting, Insurance, etc.)

• • Act as Board Director, discharging fiduciary duties in the best interests of the company
  • Ensure robust governance frameworks, risk oversight, and compliance with corporate laws and board protocols
  • Provide independent financial stewardship and decision support to the Board and shareholders
  • Ensure Tax, Treasury, Accounting and Insurance topics are managed in the best interests of India, EM and Global
  • Formulate taxation policies and propose opinions for adidas India; supervise tax planning & structuring for tax advantage, considering direct & indirect taxes, provisions, deferred taxes, etc; oversee reconciliations to minimize tax incidence; ensure compliance; and ensure effective use of funds.
  • Facilitator on Cluster level for Group Finance functions by interacting and coordinating with relevant subject matter experts at Global level and working closely with local teams

People Management

• • Define organizational structure, set objectives, and manage workloads and results to achieve goals while adopting best practices and achieving continuous process improvement.
  • Ensure high employee engagement at every level through effective motivation, coaching, training, and development of personnel in the team.

Key Relationships:

• India SLT
• EM SLT
• EM Finance Directors
• Group Finance
• Internal and External Auditors
• Lawyers, Consultants, Customs, Govt & tax authorities (need basis)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• • Strong business analytical and statistical skills (with a proven business acumen)
  • Stakeholder management and growth mindset
  • Strong execution and influencing skills
  • Project and process management skills
  • Ability to work under ambiguity and problem solve and provide direction
  • Ability to lead, motivate, and develop finance and cross functional teams

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• • University degree in Business Management
  • Qualified Chartered Accountant
  • Minimum of 15 years in finance department in controlling and accounting functions and 5 years years in Leadership role 
  • Board or management team experience.
  • International experience and track record
  • Preferably knowledge of adidas and various Global functional organizations and processes
  • Language skills: fluent in English spoken and written