IND_Operations Lead, Freight Payables

About Lowes:
Lowe s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE 50 home improvement company serving approximately 16 million customer transactions a week in the United States. With total fiscal year 2023 sales of more than $86 billion, Lowe s operates over 1,700 home improvement stores and employs approximately 300,000 associates. Based in Bengaluru, Lowe s India develops innovative technology products and solutions and delivers business capabilities to provide the best omnichannel experience for Lowe s customers. Lowe s India employs over 4,200 associates across technology, analytics, merchandising, supply chain, marketing, finance and accounting, product management and shared services. Lowe s India actively supports the communities it serves through programs focused on skill-building, sustainability and safe homes. For more information, visit, www.lowes.co.in.

About the Team

This role is critical in ensuring dispute handling, manage optimal work allocation and deliverables on time with optimal accuracy, Responsible to work cross functionally across business teams, product and technology to meet business requirements, Build effective Reporting of the Process, Responsible to partner effectively with stakeholders and partners in the US (Mooresville/Boucherville) team, Establish right Workflow, DTP Management, Compliance, Staffing, Quality, Technology to have a smooth Operations, Establish, maintain and communicate metrics and progress on all AP activities Institutionalize right metrics to drive Operational Excellence & Efficiency, Establish well defined processes that drive strong results, Improve Internal workflow and maintain optimization and build efficient process mechanisms, Build Business Continuity Plans that addresses all probable risks. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical skills, be comfortable working with financial systems, and maintain a keen eye for compliance and accuracy in freight billing and reconciliation.

I. Job Summary:

This role focuses on handling Disputes, training team, Returns reviewing for proper documentation and approvals received and invoices received in system.

Knowledge of an organizations transportation billing requirements and the ability to utilize the proper tools and follow accounts payable practices and procedures. Processes accounts payable transactions as a regular part of daily work. Prepares purchase orders, invoices, receipts, debits, credits and adjustments. Assists in processing discounts and special invoices. Verifies that goods and services were delivered as promised. Explains current accounting practices and closing cycle procedures and requirements.

II. Roles & Responsibilities:

Analyze business transactions, exception invoices, and financial data to maintain accurate accounts payable records.
Manage critical tasks such as bulk uploads, shipment processing, and truckload invoice handling.
Resolve unpaid invoices, disputes, and returns promptly while adhering to TAT/SLA.
Mentor the team to meet daily targets without compromising accuracy or deadlines.
Prioritize aged and urgent requests regularly to ensure timely resolution.
Adhere to desktop procedures and controls while processing invoices.
Analyze root causes of errors and implement corrective actions.
Provide regular data reports (daily, weekly, monthly).
Serve as a subject matter expert and backup for the Ops Lead.
Suggest and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency.
Support additional workloads beyond core processes as needed.
Develop and maintain trackers for personal and team performance.
Participate in calls with partners, sharing and receiving process updates.
Collaborate with the Ops Lead and partners to address challenges and exceptions promptly.
Act as the primary point of contact between internal teams and external partners.
Assist in updating DTPs, SOPs, FAQs, and audit documentation.
Identify and resolve discrepancies while maintaining high accuracy and efficiency.
Communicate procedural changes and important updates to the team through huddles, meetings, and emails.
Analyze team/process performance and recommend improvements where needed.
Highlight error trends and share insights with leadership.
Ensure productivity, accuracy, and deadlines are met consistently.
Maintain strong communication and documentation skills for stakeholder management and process presentations.

III. Years of Experience:

IV. Education Qualification

Education level: Bachelors Degree, MBA
Field of Study: Business, Finance, Economics, Accounting or a related field

V. Skill Set Required

Relevant work experience in Finance and accounting, Invoice processing, accounts payables or related roles OR Minimum of 10-12 years experience in Accounts Payable (Preferably Processing Invoices and Chargebacks)
Proficiency in software such as JDA, Mainframe Imaging, PeopleSoft, Oracle etc.
Primary Skills (must have)

Experience in Freight Procure to Pay Operations (AP)
Experience with data analysis
AP/Retail Experience
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with sensitive deadlines.
Strong project management skills; ability to manage end-to-end project requirements.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Aptitude to develop solid understanding of financial elements of the business.
Proficient in the use of relevant Microsoft Office tools.
Experience in AP tools, Peoplesoft, Mainframe, JDA.
Proven business acumen, judgment, and decision-making skills.
Good Problem Solving and Analytical Skills
High degree of accuracy, attention to detail and confidentiality
Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills
Effective organizational, stress and time management skills
Demonstrates a sense of urgency and ability to meet deadlines
Secondary Skills (desired)

VI. Stakeholder Interactions

Business teams and counterparts at the head office
IT functional and support teams
Finance management teams
Carrier Relationship Management team
Transportation and Cariiers