Accounts Payable Lead

Role Objective:

We are seeking an experienced Accounts Payable professional to manage end-to-end payable operations, ensure timely vendor payments, maintain compliance with financial controls, and support process improvements initiatives. The role will work closely with the Head of Accounts payable to drive operational excellence, strengthen governance and ensure accurate financial reporting.

Roles & Responsibilities: (Job Description)

i) Accounts Payable Operations:

• Manage the complete accounts payable cycle, including invoice processing, verification, approvals, payment execution, and vendor reconciliations.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices in accordance with company policies and contractual terms.
• Monitor payment schedules and optimize working capital while maintaining strong vendor relationship.
• Review and validate accounting entries related to accounts payable transactions.

ii) Vendor Management:

• Act as primary point of contact for vendor payment queries and escalations.
• Conduct periodic vendor statement reconciliations and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Maintain vendor master data accuracy and ensure adherence to internal controls.

iii) Financial Controls and Operations:

• Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, tax regulations, and audit requirements.
• Support statutory, Internal, and external audits by providing required documentation and explanations.
• Monitor adherence to approval matrices and segregation of duties with the AP process.
• Ensure proper accounting and compliance related to GST, TDS and other applicable regulations.

iv) Reporting and analysis:

• Prepare and analyze AP aging reports, payment forecast and management dashboards.
• Track key performance indicators (KPI) related to invoice processing, payment cycle times and vendor management.
• Identify trends, risks and opportunities for process improvement and cost optimization.

v) Process Improvement and ERP management:

• Drive process standardization, automation and continuous improvement initiatives within the AP functions.
• Utilize SAP ERP systems effectively of transaction processing, reporting and controls.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system workflows and improve operational efficiency.
• Participate in ERP upgrades, testing and implementation of AP related enhancements.

vi) Team Coordination:

• Support and guide AP team members in daily operations.
• Assist the Head of accounts payable in workload management, process governance and team development.
• Serve as a backup for critical AP activities during peak period or team absence.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong hands on experience with SAP.
• Good proficiency in Microsoft excel and financial reporting tools.
• Strong understanding of AP accounting principles, GST, TDS and financial records.
• Effective communication and stakeholder coordination abilities.
• Attention to detail and strong follow-up skills.

Relevant Work Experience:

• 7-10 years into Accounts Payable.
• Experience in managing high-volume invoice processing and vendor payments.

Language Proficiency:

• English, Hindi and other regional languages.