At Gensler, we design for people. With a global network of more than 6,000 professionals across 56 locations, we bring together creativity, business insight, and technical expertise to shape the future of cities and communities.
Our people-centered, “People First” culture and “One Firm-Firm” philosophy fosters deep collaboration across disciplines and geographics, enabling us to deliver impactful, innovation solutions for our clients. In Asia Pacific Middle East (APME), we operate across major cities including Abu Dhabi, Bangalore, Bangkok, Delhi NCR, Dubai, Mumbai, Riyadh, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.
Your Role
As Finance Director – India, you will lead financial strategy, operations, and performance management across Gensler’s India offices. You will act as a trusted strategic partner to regional and local leadership, driving profitability and business performance, strengthening financial discipline, and enabling sustainable growth in a dynamic, project-based environment.
The role offers a unique opportunity for a high-potential finance leader to expand beyond traditional finance into broader operational leadership within a leading global professional services firm.
What You Will Do
Strategic Business Partnership
- Serve as a strategic financial advisor to India leadership, including Office Managing Directors and Studio Leaders, driving decisions that maximize profitability while enabling sustainable growth and targeted investments
- Provide forward-looking financial insights, scenario analysis and performance diagnostics to optimize profitability and support growth
- Contribute to development and execution of India’s strategic plans, budgets and forecasting, and performance targets
- Partner with APME Regional Operating Officer on financial planning and business performance
Financial & Commercial Leadership
- Lead all aspects of financial management across India, including project accounting and revenue recognition, budgeting and forecasting, P&L and Balance Sheet oversight, cash flow and AR management
- Drive improvements in project profitability
- Provide commercial guidance on commercial terms and fee structures in contracts
- Ensure full compliance with India statutory, tax and regulatory requirements, as well as firm policies and procedures
Performance Management & Operational Excellence
- Monitor key financial and operational metrics across offices and studios
- Drive operational consistency, financial discipline and process standardization
- Identify and execute continuous process improvement initiatives across finance operations
- Support execution of firmwide systems, tools, and operational initiatives
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, develop and mentor the India finance team, including Accounting Manager and Project Accountants
- Build a high-performing, accountable, collaborative and inclusive team culture
- Strengthen finance capabilities in project accounting, analytics, and business partnering
- Coach non-financial leaders on financial management and commercial acumen and profitability drivers
- Partner cross-functionally with HR, IT, facilities, marketing and design technology teams
Regional & Global Engagement
- Build strong relationships across APME and global finance communities
- Participate actively in regional and global initiatives
- Develop best practices and lead knowledge sharing
Your Qualifications
Required
- 15+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, preferably within a global or multi-office professional services firm
- Proven experience leading finance operations across multiple locations in India
- Deep understanding of India business environment, including regulatory, labor, tax, compliance, risk, and operational complexity
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate and influence senior stakeholders and drive business outcomes
- Experience managing complexity, ambiguity, and growth environments
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Willingness and ability to travel for business within India, and across Asia Pacific
- Uncompromising standards of ethics, professionalism and integrity
Preferred
- Chartered Accountant (CA) strongly preferred
- Proficiency in data analytics and enterprise systems, including financial reporting, project accounting, and resource planning tools (e.g. Deltek VantagePoint, Excel, Power BI or equivalent platforms)
Life at Gensler
At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests. We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life.
Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer global profit sharing program and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses, associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.
