Accounts Manager - Distillery Industry

Role Overview

The Accounts Manager plays a vital role in managing the financial operations of a distillery. This position ensures precise accounting, strict adherence to excise and taxation laws, cost management, and the preparation of financial reports. The role demands comprehensive knowledge of regulatory guidelines specific to alcohol production and sales.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain comprehensive financial records including the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, and fixed assets.
• Prepare and present financial statements on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Conduct bank reconciliation and monitor cash flow effectively.
• Ensure accurate recognition of revenue, including sales via distributors.
• Manage adherence to state excise regulations critical to distillery operations, maintain detailed records on production, storage, and dispatching of alcohol.
• Coordinate audits and inspections with excise authorities and handle excise duty calculations and filings.
• Supervise compliance with taxation requirements including GST where applicable, TDS, income tax, and other statutory obligations in liaison with tax professionals.
• Monitor costing and inventory, including raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished products, also managing wastage and evaporation losses (angel’s share).
• Develop annual budgets and forecasts, conduct variance analysis, and assist management with profitability analysis per product line.
• Coordinate internal and statutory audits, uphold internal controls, and prevent financial discrepancies or pilferage.
• Manage vendor and distributor accounts, ensuring payment processing, account reconciliation, and monitoring of receivables and credit limits.
• Lead and supervise the accounting team, ensuring tasks and compliance deadlines are met punctually.

Skills and Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of excise laws and regulatory requirements within the alcohol sector.
• Proficiency in Indian accounting standards and taxation systems.
• Familiarity with ERP and accounting software such as Tally and SAP.
• Strong analytical capabilities with a focus on cost control.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to compliance.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Commerce (B.Com), postgraduate in Commerce (M.Com), or MBA specializing in Finance.
• Professional certifications like CA or CMA are preferred though not mandatory.
• Prior experience of 5 to 10 years in accounting, ideally within distilleries, breweries, or the FMCG sector.