Inventory Controller, Finance

About the Role

We are looking for a detail-oriented, analytical, and proactive Inventory Controller to join our Finance Department. The role will focus on inventory monitoring, stock reconciliation, inventory valuation, ageing analysis, and financial reporting to ensure accurate inventory records and effective working capital management.

Key Responsibilities

• Inventory Monitoring & Control
• Monitor inventory levels across warehouses, branches, and distribution locations.
• Track stock receipts, issues, transfers, returns, and adjustments to ensure accurate inventory records.
• Regularly reconcile physical stock with system inventory and investigate discrepancies.
• Monitor stock movements and ensure proper documentation and authorization for inventory transactions.
• Identify excess, obsolete, damaged, slow-moving, and non-moving inventory and highlight risks to management.
• Support the implementation of inventory control procedures and stock verification processes.
• Inventory Reconciliation & Financial Control
• Reconcile inventory records in the ERP/SAP system with physical stock reports and financial records.
• Assist in inventory ledger scrutiny and investigate stock variances, negative stock, and unusual inventory movements.
• Coordinate with warehouse and finance teams to resolve discrepancies and ensure timely adjustments.
• Support month-end and year-end inventory closing activities.
• Verify inventory-related documentation, including goods receipt notes (GRNs), stock transfer records, delivery documents, and material return notes.
• Ensure inventory transactions are properly recorded and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Inventory Valuation & Working Capital Management
• Assist in inventory valuation and verification of stock values as per company policies and applicable accounting procedures.
• Monitor inventory value, stock holding levels, and ageing to identify excess working capital.
• Prepare reports on inventory holding costs, stock write-offs, obsolete inventory, and potential provisions.
• Analyse inventory trends and identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary stock accumulation.
• Support the Finance team in monitoring the impact of inventory on working capital and cash flow.
• Inventory Ageing & MIS Reporting
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly inventory reports using Excel and ERP-generated data.
• Develop inventory ageing reports and track stock across different ageing buckets.
• Prepare reports on fast-moving, slow-moving, non-moving, and dead stock.
• Track inventory accuracy, stock discrepancies, stock adjustments, and pending reconciliation items.
• Maintain inventory control dashboards and MIS reports for management review.
• Highlight unusual stock movements, ageing risks, and potential financial losses through timely reporting.
• Physical Stock Audit & Internal Controls
• Coordinate periodic physical stock counts, cycle counts, and annual stock audits.
• Assist internal and external auditors by providing inventory schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documents.
• Verify compliance with inventory control policies, approval matrices, and documentation requirements.
• Identify gaps in stock handling, recording, and reconciliation processes and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain proper audit trails for stock adjustments, write-offs, and inventory transfers.
• Cross-Functional Coordination
• Work closely with Finance, Warehouse, Supply Chain, Procurement, Sales, and Operations teams.
• Follow up on pending GRNs, stock transfers, inventory adjustments, and reconciliation differences.
• Ensure timely closure of inventory-related queries and reporting requirements.
• Support process improvements to strengthen inventory accuracy, reporting quality, and financial controls.

Qualifications

• Educational Qualifications
• MBA in Finance, Operations, Supply Chain Management, or a related specialization.
• B.Com, BBA, or a relevant bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Fresh MBA graduates with strong analytical and numerical skills are welcome to apply.
• Required Skills & Competencies
• Advanced Excel: Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, SUMIFS, IF formulas, data reconciliation, and report preparation.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse stock movements, identify discrepancies, and interpret inventory ageing data.
• Financial Understanding: Basic knowledge of inventory valuation, working capital, accounting entries, and financial statements.
• ERP Knowledge: Familiarity with SAP, SAP MM, SAP S/4HANA, or other ERP/inventory management systems is preferred.
• Attention to Detail: Accuracy in data validation, reconciliation, and documentation.
• Communication: Ability to coordinate with multiple departments and follow up on pending issues.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to investigate discrepancies and recommend practical corrective actions.
• Ownership: Willingness to take responsibility for reporting accuracy, timely closures, and process compliance.

Preferred Candidate Profile

• Freshers with an MBA in Finance or Operations who are interested in inventory control and financial analysis.
• Candidates with 0 to 2 years of experience in inventory control, inventory accounting, stock reconciliation, MIS, audit support, or warehouse finance.
• Candidates with exposure to electrical products, FMEG, consumer durables, manufacturing, distribution, or trading businesses will be preferred.
• Candidates who are comfortable working with large datasets, Excel reports, and ERP systems.
• Candidates who can coordinate with warehouse teams and participate in physical stock verification when required.