Finance & Strategy Manager

Fresh Platter is looking for a high-ownership, hands-on Finance & Strategy Manager to build and run a modern, technology-driven finance function.This is not a conventional accounting role, and it is not a role for someone who wants to manage finance from a distance.We are looking for someone who has worked in a startup or similarly resource-constrained, fast-growing environment and understands what that means: lean teams, evolving systems, changing priorities, broad responsibilities, and the need to personally step in and get things done.You will initially be the senior finance owner in the company and will work closely with the Founder & CEO. As the business grows in scale and complexity, we expect to hire a CFO. Until then, this role will be responsible for building the financial discipline, systems, reporting, controls and planning capability required to take the company to that stage.What you will own1. Live FinanceEnsure the company’s books and financial information are continuously up to date.Build processes so transactions are captured correctly at source instead of being reconstructed later.Ensure management can access important financial information whenever required.Personally get involved in reconciliations, controls and problem-solving wherever necessary.Build checks and exception alerts so problems are identified early.2. Business Metrics & MISUnderstand the business deeply across procurement, inventory, operations, logistics, sales, collections and working capital.Identify the metrics that matter for each function and for management.Work with operating and technology teams to ensure the right data is captured at source.Build dashboards, alerts and reports that help teams continuously monitor performance.Go beyond reporting numbers — identify trends, risks, exceptions and areas requiring management attention.3. Finance Automation & SystemsBuild a finance function that relies on systems, automation and strong processes rather than excessive manpower.Automate bookkeeping, reconciliations, MIS, compliance workflows and repetitive finance activities wherever practical.Reduce dependence on offline spreadsheets, duplicate entry and manual follow-up.Work closely with internal technology teams and external software providers to build workflows, integrations and tools.Be comfortable defining what needs to be built and working with the relevant teams to get it implemented.4. Financial Planning & Decision SupportBuild financial models, projections and scenario analyses for new businesses, expansion plans, investments and operating decisions.Translate operating assumptions into financial outcomes.Monitor profitability, margins, cash flow, working capital, receivables, inventory and other critical indicators.Provide management with concise and decision-oriented financial updates.Flag emerging risks before they become serious problems.Build projections before major commitments are made so management understands the financial implications of its decisions.5. Fundraising & BankingSupport the company in raising both debt and equity capital.Prepare financial models, projections, information packs and supporting financial data.Coordinate with banks, lenders, investors, advisors and other stakeholders.Support due diligence and manage financial information requests.Help management think through capital requirements, funding structure and future financing needs.6. Accounting, Compliance & External CoordinationEnsure bookkeeping, statutory compliance, taxation support and reporting processes run reliably.Coordinate with external CAs, auditors, tax consultants and other professionals as required.Ensure deadlines and compliance requirements are tracked and completed without repeated management follow-up.Build processes so routine accounting and compliance activities increasingly operate on autopilot.7. Build the Finance FunctionWork effectively with a small finance team initially.Be willing to personally execute tasks rather than expecting a large team underneath you.Build processes with the resources available instead of waiting for the “perfect” team or system.Identify where additional people are genuinely required and help build the team gradually as the business grows.Establish strong processes, controls, systems and documentation so the finance function can scale.Help take Fresh Platter to the stage where hiring a CFO becomes appropriate.Ensure that, when a CFO joins, they inherit a strong and well-structured finance function.Who we are looking forYou should be someone who:Has prior experience working in a startup, growth-stage company, or similarly entrepreneurial environment.Understands that resources in a startup are limited and that roles are broader than in large established companies.Is comfortable working without a fully built team, perfect systems or clearly defined boundaries.Has strong fundamentals in accounting and finance.Is very hands-on and comfortable doing the work yourself when required.Is willing to work hard with a lean team in a growing company.Is highly comfortable with technology and enjoys improving systems.Thinks in terms of data, automation, controls and process design.Is commercially curious and wants to understand how the business actually works.Can move comfortably between building a financial model and resolving a small reconciliation issue.Does not consider operational finance work beneath the role.Is analytical and questions numbers that do not make sense.Has very high ownership and follow-through.Is resourceful and does not assume that every problem needs another hire.Can work effectively when priorities change quickly.Is willing to personally chase an issue to closure rather than simply assigning it to someone else.Wants to help build a finance function, not merely inherit one.Experience in supply chain, FMCG, fresh produce, retail, manufacturing, logistics or another transaction-heavy operating business would be particularly useful.Qualifications such as CA, CMA or MBA/PGDM in Finance are preferred, but demonstrated capability, problem-solving ability and ownership matter more than credentials alone.What success in this role looks likeThe company’s books are live and trustworthy.Important business metrics are visible and continuously monitored.Finance runs with a lean team because systems and processes do the heavy lifting.Management receives early warnings rather than post-facto explanations.Financial models and projections are available before major business decisions are made.Fundraising, banking, reporting and compliance processes are organised and professional.The finance function becomes increasingly scalable and less dependent on individuals.Fresh Platter reaches the stage where a CFO can be hired into a strong, well-built finance organisation.This role will work closely with the Founder & CEO and will have substantial responsibility in shaping how Fresh Platter manages finance, data and business decision-making during its next phase of growth.