Starting Date: ASAP

Contract type: Full-time and open-ended

Salary: 33,50,997 INR, commensurate with relevant experience and skills

Location: New Delhi, India

Application closing date: 03-03-2026

About the Job 

Are you purpose-led and ready to embark on a journey to shape the future of sustainable cotton? Join us at Better Cotton Initiative and lead a global team responsible for delivering high impact communications for the world’s largest cotton sustainability initiative – we support more sustainable farming practices and farm livelihoods for nearly 3 million farmers in the Better Cotton Initiative network in 23 countries around the world.

The Finance & Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all finance, IT, and operational functions of the country office. This includes developing and maintaining robust local accounting systems, ensuring compliance with legal and financial regulations, and producing timely and accurate financial reports.

The role covers key areas such as financial management, procurement, administration, IT support, and office operations, aligning with global systems and standards where required. The postholder reports directly to the Country Director, with a technical reporting line to the International Finance Manager/Global Head of Finance and works in close coordination with both country and global teams.

Role Summary: The role owns the operational backbone of the India Country Office, spanning finance, procurement, IT coordination, logistics, compliance, and operational enablement.

The Challenge

Looking ahead to 2030, we are targeting reducing GHG emissions from cotton production by half, big cuts in synthetic pesticide use, improve soil health across our network, improve farm income and support women’s empowerment among farmers and farm workers. 

Responsibilities

We are seeking a motivated Finance & Operations Country Manager to join our Finance & Services function. In this role, you will be responsible for:

Financial Management:

•        Oversee and manage all financial operations of the Better Cotton branch office, ensuring compliance with internal policies and local regulatory requirements.

•        Review, strengthen, and align country office financial and accounting systems, processes, and practices with Better Cotton’s global frameworks to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

•        Collaborate proactively with the Country Management Team (CMT), cross-functional teams, and global colleagues to contribute toward the achievement of Better Cotton’s strategic and operational goals.

•        Ensure timely and accurate disbursement of funds, including payments to staff, consultants, vendors, and other parties.

•        Build and maintain productive relationships with government authorities, external auditors, banking partners, and service providers to ensure access to expert guidance and facilitate smooth operations

Accounting:

•        Oversee the local country office’s accounting function, ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all financial records and transactions.

•        Lead the setup and optimization of accounting systems and processes, including managing the transition and integration of the local accounts into Salesforce/Certinia ERP in alignment with HQ guidance.

•        Review and validate payment requests and procurement committee recommendations for compliance and correctness before submitting them to the Country Director for approval.

•        Review and verify monthly cash and bank reconciliations and ensure submission to the Country Director for approval in a timely manner.

•        Validate payroll processing for the country office, ensuring accurate tax calculations, social security, and other statutory contributions are fully compliant with internal policies and Indian legal requirements.

•        Prepare accurate and timely quarterly trial balances and annual financial statements to support effective management decision-making and reporting obligations.

Budgeting and Reporting:

•        Lead the country-level annual budget development process using a collaborative, bottom-up approach by actively engaging and supporting relevant teams.

•        Provide guidance, training, and coaching to team members on the purpose, methodology, timelines, and individual responsibilities involved in budget preparation.

•        Ensure alignment with Better Cotton’s global budgeting framework while promoting ownership and understanding at all levels to enhance accuracy and accountability.

•        Responsible for the preparation and consolidation of budgets for Finance, IT, Operations, and Country Management functions, ensuring coherence with strategic objectives and operational plans.

•        Monitor country budgets and reporting timelines, ensuring the timely preparation and review of monthly financial reports, with analysis and explanation of key variances.

•        Ensure all country-level financial reporting is completed and submitted within global consolidation deadlines and provide support to the global finance team on donor-specific and organizational reporting as required.

Compliance:

•        Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely management accounts and drive improvements in statutory financial reporting to ensure full compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

•        Ensure proactive and consistent compliance with all local regulatory requirements, including corporate governance, direct and indirect taxation, employee tax, intercompany transfer pricing, and donor-specific obligations.

•        Ensure compliance with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations, Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) requirements, and other applicable banking laws.

•        Manage relationships with local auditors and lead the execution of statutory audits.

•        Lead process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen compliance, while supporting the global Finance team in the development and refinement of financial policies and procedures.

Entity Registration & Operational Setup:

•        Lead and coordinate the end-to-end process of new entity registration in collaboration with legal, compliance, and external consultants.

•        Ensure all statutory, regulatory, and financial requirements are met in a timely and compliant manner.

•        Liaise with local authorities, service providers, and internal departments to establish fully functional operations.

•        Provide strategic input and practical support to ensure smooth setup and integration into the broader organizational structure.

Procurement (Goods and services):

•        Supervise and manage all local and international procurement of goods and services in full compliance with Better Cotton’s procurement policies, donor requirements, and applicable local laws and regulations.

•        Ensure standardized procurement procedures are implemented and consistently followed, utilizing prescribed documentation such as Requests for Quotations (RFQs), Goods Receipt Note (GRNs), and other relevant forms.

•        Act as the key liaison with the global procurement team, ensuring alignment and coordination across all procurement activities and adherence to organizational standards.

Administration & Asset Management & IT Oversight:

•        Oversee the maintenance, repair, and effective utilization of office equipment, automation tools, fittings, and fixtures to ensure optimal operational efficiency.

•        Ensure the safety and confidentiality of administrative documentation, including consultant contracts, procurement files, and general office records.

•        Implement and maintain a comprehensive asset management system using Onsite or equivalent tools, ensuring accurate tagging and quarterly reporting of high-value assets.

•        Maintain updated records of low-value assets and associated documentation.

•        Conduct quarterly physical verification of inventory across all office locations and ensure alignment with the inventory database.

•        Oversee the annual disposal process for obsolete or non-functional equipment, in accordance with Better Cotton’s asset disposal guidelines.

•        Provide oversight of local IT infrastructure and support needs in collaboration with the global IT team, ensuring systems are operational, secure, and aligned with organizational standards.

•        Supervise the implementation of IT policies, data protection protocols, and digital tools required for smooth day-to-day operations.

Logistics Arrangements:

•        Provide oversight and strategic direction for the planning and coordination of official events, workshops, and travel arrangements for incoming experts, delegations, and other visitors to ensure smooth execution and compliance with organizational policies.

•        Supervise and guide relevant staff in managing all aspects of travel logistics, including international and domestic flight bookings, accommodation, local transportation, and permit processing, ensuring cost-efficiency and policy adherence.

•        Liaise with senior government officials and regulatory bodies to secure necessary travel authorizations such as Non-Objection Certificates (NOCs) and other permissions required for staff and visitor mobility across regions.

•        Ensure the development, maintenance, and regular review of a comprehensive and compliant vendor database (hotels, travel agents, transporters, consultants, etc.) and lead the negotiation and establishment of key supplier contracts to ensure service quality, reliability, and value for money.

•        Monitor compliance with travel and event-related policies, manage associated budgets, and identify areas for process improvement and operational efficiency.

Team Supervision & Capacity-Building:

•        Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management to the Finance and Operations team, fostering a high-performance culture grounded in accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement.

•        Deliver expert financial advisory support to the Country Office and programme teams, ensuring alignment with Better Cotton’s global financial strategy and donor expectations.

•        Ensure all team members are thoroughly inducted, trained, and continuously updated on relevant financial policies, donor regulations, compliance standards, and internal controls.

•        Perform any other duties or tasks assigned by the Country Director or relevant senior management, as required.

Experience, Skills & Competencies

• Qualified finance or management professional (CA / CMA / ACCA / CIMA / CPA / MBA in Finance or equivalent).
• Post Qualification 12 years of experience in finance and operations function, preferably in an international and reputed not-for-profit organization.
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-functional operations teams (Finance, IT, Procurement, Logistics).
• Proven experience operating in complex, multi-stakeholder environments, with end-to-end ownership across interdependent workstreams.
• Experience overseeing country office operations, including facilities, vendor management, and operational service delivery.
• Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is essential, as the role involves regular interaction with global teams and external stakeholders.
• Working proficiency in Hindi is highly desirable, given the role’s collaboration with local vendors, partners, and government bodies. Additional regional language skills are an asset.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Applies financial data analytics and reporting tools to support accurate budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis, enabling informed decision-making and resource optimization across country operations.
• Process Improvement: Continuously identifies opportunities to strengthen financial systems, ERP workflows (e.g., Certinia), and compliance processes; drives implementation of enhanced procedures that increase accuracy, timeliness, and operational efficiency.
• Stakeholder Management: Effectively engages with internal teams (Finance, Operations, Programmes, HR) and external partners (auditors, banks, vendors, regulatory bodies) to build trust, ensure smooth service delivery, and uphold financial governance.

Technical Competencies

·       ERP System Proficiency: Ensures smooth financial operations, data integrity, and real-time reporting by efficiently managing ERP workflows, including multi-entity setups and inter-company transactions.

·       Accounting & Financial Management: Applies strong knowledge of financial principles, compliance, and donor reporting to ensure accurate accounting, timely payments, and adherence to both internal policies and local regulations.

·       Multi-Entity & Complex Financial Structures: Support the Country Director and Global teams on financial and operational requirements pertaining to the set-up and operationalisation of additional legal entities in India, in line with global governance and legal guidance.

·       Budgeting & Forecasting: Prepares and monitors budgets with keen attention to detail, enabling effective fund utilization, variance analysis, and financial planning in line with organizational goals.

·       Audit & Compliance: Supports internal and external audit processes, ensures timely reconciliations, and maintains documentation, enhancing organizational transparency and donor confidence.

·       Stakeholder Communication: Engages effectively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment on finance-related processes, policies, and deliverables—ultimately improving service quality and response time.

What we offer

• Competitive salary
• Hybrid working – Two to three days/week from office
• The opportunity to work from anywhere in the world for up to one month per year
• Flexible working, with core hours from 10 am to 4 pm local time
• Continuous learning and development
• A generous annual leave package, including paid holiday, public holidays, additional paid days off during the festive season, study and exam days, and extra discretionary leave for life events such as family weddings or moving home
• Enhanced parental benefits
• The opportunity to make your mark and make a difference.

Working arrangements

The position is full-time (40 hours per week) and will be based in Delhi. Better Cotton Initiative offers flexible working, with core hours being 10 am – 4 pm.  The position will require limited travel.

Apply now

Send us your CV (2 pages maximum) and a brief cover letter (1-page maximum) by or before 03.03.2026 via apply now link. 

In your cover letter, please include an explanation of why your experience is specifically relevant to this role at Better Cotton Initiative. We want to see your personal style – what makes you tick and why you think your next opportunity is here with us.
Better Cotton Initiative does not use artificial intelligence or automated screening tools in its hiring process. Every application is reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team and relevant hiring managers to ensure a fair and human-led assessment experience.

Our hiring process

Initial Screening:

Applicant screening is a crucial step in our recruitment process. This stage may involve a brief phone interview or video call to evaluate your suitability for the position. During this screening, we review resumes and cover letters, and may conduct initial background checks to narrow down the pool of applicant. Internal candidates are encouraged to inform their line manager about their application to promote transparency and help facilitate a smooth transition if selected.

Interviews:

If you successfully pass the initial screening, you will be invited for interviews. The interview process at Better Cotton Initiative may include one or more rounds of interviews with various stakeholders, such as the hiring manager, team members, and potentially senior management. As an internal candidate, you may have discussions regarding your current responsibilities and how they will transition to the new position.

Assessment and Testing: 

Depending on the role, you might be required to complete assessments, technical tests, or skills evaluations to gauge your competency and suitability for the position. Internal candidates may have the option to demonstrate their existing skills through current job performance or past project outcomes.

Reference Checks: 

Once you progress further in the process, reference checks are conducted to validate your work history, skills, and qualifications, and for some roles, your education and criminal history. Internal candidates may be asked for references from current or previous supervisors within Better Cotton Initiative to provide insights into their performance and capabilities.

Offer stage:

After completing interviews, assessments, and reference checks, the hiring team evaluates your performance and fit for the role. If you are selected and your references are relevant and satisfactory, you will receive a formal job offer letter outlining the terms of employment, compensation, benefits, and any other relevant details. For internal candidates, the offer process may include a discussion about how your transition to the new role will be managed and any support needed for a smooth handover.

About Better Cotton Initiative

Better Cotton Initiative is a global not-for-profit organisation supporting the production of more equitable and sustainable cotton at farm level. We exist to catalyse the cotton farming community with partners, governments and others to continuously drive positive impact by setting standards and facilitating the supply and demand of more sustainable cotton from farm to brand. In just 15 years we have aligned more than a fifth of the world’s cotton with our standard and helped farmers and farming communities thrive. Join us in building a better, more sustainable future for cotton worldwide.

About our Values

The post holder will be expected to operate in line with our workplace values which are:  

• Trustworthy (including honest, transparent, credible) 
• As having Integrity (including responsible, authentic) 
• Positive (including problem-solving, pragmatic) 
• Engaging (including adaptable, inclusive, holistic) 
• Daring (including courageous, innovative, game-changing)  

Being you @ Better Cotton Initiative

Better Cotton Initiative is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to good practice and transparency in the management of natural, human, and financial resources.

We have a zero-tolerance approach to any attitudes or behaviours that put children or adults at risk of harm. Safeguarding incidents are acts of serious misconduct and are grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal and referral to relevant authorities for criminal prosecution. Therefore, all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks.