Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) Looking For Finance Officer at Pune, Maharashtra, Full Time

ARAI-Advance Mobility Transformation & Innovation Foundation (AMTIF) is a section 8 company incorporated under the provisions of Companies Act, 2013. The company is promoted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) situated in Pune, Maharashtra. At present ARAI-AMTIF is supporting startups under the aegis of Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS), Government of Maharashtra.

We are looking for the following position for our Finance & Accounts Department

Designation: Finance & Accounts Officer – 01 No. (ARAI-AMTIF Contractual)

Location: Pune

Experience: 3-5 Years

ARAI-AMTIF is looking for an experienced finance professional with a proven track record in managing CSR-funded projects, preferably within the startup incubation or innovation ecosystem. The ideal candidate will be responsible for end-to-end scope of work including drafting proposals, collaborations, executing projects, financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and compliance related to CSR grants and innovation programs.

Candidates should possess necessary skill sets mentioned in below job description

Job Description:

• End-to-end management of CSR-funded projects within the incubation and innovation ecosystem — from proposal development and funding acquisition to implementation, monitoring, financial reporting, and impact assessment.
• Identify and pursue CSR funding opportunities aligned with ARAI-AMTIF’s mission, particularly in the domains of mobility, sustainability, and technology innovation.
• Write compelling proposals and concept notes to seek CSR grants from corporates, foundations, and relevant donors specifically for incubation, acceleration, and startup support initiatives.
• Engage proactively with CSR heads, corporate donors, and government bodies to present incubation programs, showcase impact, and build long-term strategic partnerships.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure financial planning and CSR project execution are aligned with funder expectations and statutory requirements.
• Ensure strict compliance with CSR norms under Section 135 of the Companies Act and maintain accurate documentation, financial reports, utilization certificates, and audit readiness.
• Prepare and present financial and impact reports to internal management and external CSR stakeholders, including dashboards, MIS, and fund utilization summaries.
• Monitor fund flow, budgeting, and variance analysis to ensure timely and efficient use of CSR funds.
• Support outreach, events, and communication strategies to increase visibility of CSR partnerships and their impact on the innovation ecosystem.
• Familiar with startup funding mechanisms, public-private partnerships, and government incubation schemes (e.g., SISFS, MSINS, DST).
• Experience presenting financial performance, impact narratives, and proposals to high-level donors.
• Understanding of startup ecosystems, innovation acceleration, and sector-specific CSR priorities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; persuasive and clear in both writing and speech.
• Comfortable working cross-functionally with programs, communications, and leadership teams.
• Build and nurture long-term donor relationships through regular updates, events, and success storytelling.

Key Requirements/Skills:

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field. Professional qualifications like CA, MBA (Finance), or equivalent are highly desirable.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of experience in managing CSR-funded or donor-driven projects, preferably in an incubator, accelerator, or innovation-focused organization. Freshers will not be considered.
• CSR Expertise: Deep understanding of CSR laws and compliance, especially Section 135 of the Companies Act, CSR Rules, Schedule VII activities, and impact-driven funding frameworks.
• Proposal Writing Skills: Demonstrated experience in drafting CSR proposals, concept notes, and grant applications, especially for innovation and incubation programs.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to engage and build relationships with corporate CSR teams, funding partners, government agencies, and internal program stakeholders.
• Financial Management: Proficiency in financial planning, budgeting, grant tracking, fund utilization reporting, and preparation of UCs (Utilization Certificates), MIS reports, and audit documents.
• Project Management: Capable of independently managing multiple CSR projects from initiation to closure, ensuring delivery on timelines, budget, and impact metrics.
• Tech Savvy: Strong command over Tally, ERP systems, Excel, and financial modelling tools. Knowledge of CRM/project tracking tools is an added advantage.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for narrative reports, donor presentations, proposal pitches, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Sectoral Fit: Prior exposure to the mobility, engineering, or deep-tech innovation ecosystem will be considered a strong asset.

Tenure: Annual contract renewable every year for a maximum period of 03 years

Last Date of Application: 14th August 2025

Management reserves the right to accept or reject any application.

📩Interested candidates can send their resumes and cover letters to

sm@amtifarai.org