Job Title: Senior Manager - Accounts Receivable & Accounts Payable

Department: Finance & Accounts

Location: Cochin Infopark, Kerala, India

Working Conditions: Sundays weekly off, alternative Saturdays working

Experience: 10+ years of relevant experience in Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable management.

About the Job:

We are seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Senior Manager to lead our Accounts Receivable (AR) and Accounts Payable (AP) functions. Based in our Cochin Infopark office, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of AR and AP, ensuring efficient operations, optimizing cash flow, and driving compliance. This is a critical leadership role that requires strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a proven track record of managing and developing high-performing teams. You will play a key role in supporting the company's financial health and contributing to its overall success.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Accounts Receivable (AR) Management:

Collections Strategy & Execution: Develop and implement effective strategies to drive collections from corporate clients, ensuring all payments are received within agreed credit terms and minimizing outstanding balances.

Aging Analysis & Reporting: Monitor and analyze aging reports and overdue accounts meticulously, proactively identifying potential issues and implementing corrective actions to improve collection cycles and reduce DSO (Days Sales Outstanding).

Structured Follow-up System: Establish and maintain a robust and systematic follow-up process for outstanding invoices, ensuring timely communication with clients and effective resolution of payment delays.

Collaboration with Sales & Account Management: Work closely and collaboratively with the sales and account management teams to ensure accurate invoicing, timely communication regarding payment terms, and alignment on client payment behaviors.

Client Relationship Management: Handle client disputes, escalations, and payment negotiations professionally and effectively, fostering positive client relationships while ensuring timely payment resolution.

Performance Reporting & Insights: Prepare and present comprehensive weekly and monthly AR reports to senior leadership, providing clear insights into collection performance, outstanding balances, and recommendations for improvement.

2. Accounts Payable (AP) Management:

Vendor Payment Processing: Ensure the accurate and timely processing of vendor and partner invoices, optimizing cash flow management by adhering to payment terms and maximizing available discounts.

Cross-Functional Coordination: Coordinate effectively with finance, procurement, and operations teams to streamline AP processes, ensuring accurate coding, proper approvals, and timely invoice submission.

Payment Cycle Optimization: Implement and manage efficient payment cycles that align with the company's business cash flow objectives, balancing vendor relationships with financial prudence.

3. People & Performance Management:

Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and manage a team responsible for AR and AP functions, setting clear KPIs, performance expectations, and individual development plans.

High-Performance Culture: Foster a high-performance culture within the team, ensuring that collection and payment targets are consistently met and exceeded.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (Sales, Finance, and Operations) to ensure seamless transactional processes and address any interdepartmental issues related to AR and AP.

Performance Reviews & Feedback: Conduct regular performance reviews, providing constructive feedback, coaching, and strategic guidance to team members to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

4. MIS Reporting & Data Analytics for AR/AP:

Data Generation & Analysis: Generate and analyze key AR and AP reports, including aging reports, outstanding dues analysis, collection trends, and vendor payment patterns.

Insightful Reporting: Provide data-driven insights and analysis on cash flow, revenue trends, potential payment risks, and vendor payment efficiency to support informed decision-making.

Collaboration with Sales on Payment Behavior: Work closely with the corporate sales team to interpret client payment behaviors, identify potential financial risks associated with specific clients, and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.

Financial Forecasting Support: Support leadership with monthly and quarterly financial forecasting for AR and AP, providing accurate data and insights to inform projections.

5. Process Optimization & Compliance:

Process Improvement: Identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks within existing AR/AP processes and proactively implement improvements to enhance productivity, accuracy, and efficiency.

Automation & ERP Management: Collaborate with ERP/IT teams to leverage technology and automate invoicing processes, collections tracking, payment workflows, and other relevant AR/AP functions.

Compliance Adherence: Ensure strict compliance with relevant financial standards, company policies, and any applicable regulations (e.g., local tax regulations).

Qualifications and Skills:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. A Master's degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CMA) would be a strong advantage.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in managing Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions, with at least 3-5 years in a managerial role.

Industry Experience: Experience working in a [Specify Industry if relevant, e.g., SaaS, IT Services] environment is preferred.

Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment.

Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret financial data and provide actionable insights.

Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with internal stakeholders, clients, and vendors. -

Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills, particularly in managing client payment disputes.

Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in using ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and accounting software. Advanced Excel skills are essential.

Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy.

Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and resolve complex issues related to AR and AP. -

Knowledge of Accounting Principles: Solid understanding of accounting principles and practices (e.g., GAAP, IFRS).

Key Competencies:

- Strategic Thinking

- Results Orientation

- Leadership & Team Management

- Problem Solving & Decision Making

- Communication & Interpersonal Skills

- Analytical Thinking

- Attention to Detail

- Process Improvement

- Compliance Management