Manager Finance (Commercial Finance)

The Manager – Finance will be responsible for driving commercial finance operations, customer claims governance, process controls, and cross-functional business support. The role will partner closely with Sales, Distribution, Commercial, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to ensure effective evaluation and settlement of customer claims, robust controls, compliance with customer agreements, and continuous process automation and improvement. The position will play a critical role in safeguarding company revenue, improving working capital management, and ensuring adherence to internal controls and corporate policies.

Key Responsibilities Commercial Finance & Customer Claims Management Support business teams in evaluating customer commercial schemes, rebates, discounts, incentives, and claims for future supplies. Review and validate customer claims in line with approved commercial terms and company policies. Ensure accurate accounting, booking, tracking, and settlement of customer claims.

Monitor claim utilization against approved budgets and commercial agreements. Drive timely closure and reconciliation of customer claims. Customer Agreement Review & Commercial Support Review customer agreements from a financial, commercial, and risk management perspective.

Partner with Sales, Legal, Commercial, and Supply Chain teams during customer negotiations. Identify financial risks and recommend appropriate controls and mitigation measures. Ensure commercial agreements comply with company policies and profitability objectives.

Process Governance & Internal Controls Draft, implement, and periodically review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to customer claims, trade schemes, receivables, and commercial finance processes. Monitor compliance with SOPs, internal controls, and corporate governance requirements. Strengthen control frameworks to minimize revenue leakage and financial risk.

Ensure compliance with internal audit and corporate control requirements. Process Improvement & Automation Identify opportunities for process optimization, digitization, and automation. Lead automation initiatives related to claims management, receivables monitoring, and financial controls.

Collaborate with IT and business teams to implement system enhancements and workflow improvements. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve operational efficiency and accuracy. Distribution & Business Partnering Provide finance support to Distribution and Supply Chain teams on commercial and operational matters.

Support business decision-making through financial analysis and commercial insights. Partner with cross-functional teams to improve profitability and operational effectiveness. Assist in resolving customer and distributor-related financial issues.

Audit & Compliance Management Support customer claim audits and corporate review requirements. Coordinate with internal and external auditors for customer claims and commercial process audits. Investigate audit observations and implement corrective and preventive actions.

Ensure timely closure of audit findings and compliance gaps. Accounts Receivable & Revenue Assurance Oversee customer claims accounting and its impact on Accounts Receivable. Support effective management of customer balances and receivables.

Monitor deduction trends and identify risks related to revenue leakage. Work closely with collections and commercial teams to improve cash realization. Stakeholder Management Act as a key finance business partner for Sales, Distribution, Commercial, Supply Chain, and Corporate Finance teams.

Provide financial guidance and support for business initiatives. Prepare management reports, dashboards, and performance analysis related to claims, receivables, and commercial spending. Key Skills and Experience 6-7 Years Post Qualification experience with at least 3-4 years of relevant experience in Commercial Finance, Customer Claims Management, Revenue Assurance, or Business Finance.

Experience in Pharmaceutical, FMCG, Consumer Healthcare, or Distribution-driven industries preferred. Experience handling customer agreements, trade schemes, rebates, and receivable management. Exposure to internal controls, audit management, and process automation Years Post Qualification experience with at least 3-4 years of experience in handling.

Technical Skills Strong understanding of Commercial Finance and Trade Spend Management. Knowledge of Customer Claims Accounting and Revenue Recognition principles. Experience with Accounts Receivable and Working Capital Management.

Strong SAP knowledge (FI/CO, SD preferred). Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills. Experience in process automation and ERP-driven control environments.

Knowledge of internal controls, compliance, and audit processes. Key Competencies Strong commercial and business acumen. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Ability to influence and collaborate across functions. Strong negotiation and stakeholder management capabilities. Process improvement and automation mindset.

Leadership and team management skills. High attention to detail and control orientation. Strong communication and presentation skills.