About the Organization:

Gradiant is a Different Kind of Water Company. With a full suite of differentiated and proprietary end-to-end solutions for advanced water and wastewater treatment powered by the top minds in water, the company serves its clients’ mission-critical operations in the world’s essential industries, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, lithium and critical minerals, and renewable energy. Gradiant’s innovative solutions reduce water used and wastewater discharged, reclaim valuable resources, and renew wastewater into freshwater. The Boston-headquartered company was founded at MIT and has over 1,400 employees worldwide. Discover us at gradiant.com.

Job Title:

Controller – India Operations

Reports To: Head of Finance - India (solid line), Corporate Controller (dotted line)
Location: Chennai, India
Job Type: Full-time

Position Overview:

The Controller – India Operations is responsible for overseeing the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of financial reporting for the India business. This role ensures timely closing of books, adherence to Indian statutory requirements, tax compliance, and alignment with group accounting policies (US GAAP and IFRS). The Controller will also support internal controls, process improvements, and audits, through financial insight and leadership.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Financial Accounting & Reporting:

• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close processes.
• Prepare financial statements in accordance with Indian GAAP and group reporting standards (US GAAP / IFRS).
• Ensure proper account reconciliations and integrity of financial data in ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA).
• Submit financial reporting packages to the global finance team.

2. Statutory & Regulatory Compliance:

• Oversee preparation and filing of statutory financials, MCA compliance, and tax returns (income tax, GST, TDS).
• Ensure timely filings and compliance with Indian Companies Act, Income Tax Act, and relevant regulatory bodies.
• Liaise with external auditors, tax advisors, and government authorities as required.

3. Tax & Transfer Pricing:

• Oversee accurate computation and filing of direct and indirect taxes.
• Ensure proper documentation for transfer pricing compliance and assist with local and group TP audits.

4. Audit & Controls:

• Lead and manage annual external audits and coordinate with auditors to ensure smooth audit processes, including preparing necessary documentation and resolving audit findings.
• Lead tax and internal audits for India operations.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls in accordance with SOX or equivalent compliance frameworks.
• Ensure adherence to corporate accounting policies and control procedures.

5. Ad-hoc Projects & Process Improvement:

• Ensure optimal utilisation of ERP, driving process automation and continuous improvement in financial reporting.
• Contribute to system implementations or upgrades related to corporate financial systems (e.g., ERP, tax software).

Qualification Required :-

Education:

• CA (Chartered Accountant) required; CPA/ICWA an advantage

Experience:

• 6-8years in accounting/finance, including controllership roles
• Prior experience with a Big 4 accounting firm is strongly preferred, with demonstrated expertise in audit, technical accounting, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven track record of leadership in multinational or Indian-listed entity.
• Strong knowledge of Indian GAAP, US GAAP and IFRS.
• Experience in tax filing and compliance, and audit processes.
• Prior experience with SAP and advanced Excel skills required.
• Background in infrastructure industries is an advantage.

Skills:

• High level of analytical thinking and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external auditors, tax advisors and regulators.
• Experience working with shared service centers or global finance hubs.
• Familiarity with multinational intercompany accounting and transfer pricing.

Gradiant is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.