Senior Analyst - AR and Collection

About External Finance Department

The current opening is for the External Finance department of our organization. External Finance serves as the primary point of contact for finance-related matters for multinational companies, both in India and on global level. These companies often do not have a dedicated Finance Department, as External Finance assumes full responsibility for all finance-related tasks. The core responsibilities of External Finance include maintaining accurate books of accounts, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, and performing necessary tasks to meet regulatory requirements. The team efficiently manages payroll processing, ensuring timely and accurate payments. Additionally, External Finance collaborates with other departments to address their financial queries and meet their financial needs. To improve efficiency, they implement robust automation systems that streamline financial principles.

Job Overview:

As a Senior Analyst AR and Collections, you will manage a team of accountants and specialists, ensuring the accurate and timely completion of financial tasks in relation to the revenue cycle while maintaining compliance with accounting principles and regulations. You will oversee daily accounting activities, monitor team performance, and support month-end and year-end closing activities. In addition to hands-on accounting duties, you will mentor your team, foster collaboration, and ensure continuous improvement in financial processes. The ideal candidate will have strong discipline, a solid accounting foundation, and a passion for accuracy and efficiency.

Role & responsibilities

• Cash Receipt Processing: Efficiently manage daily processing of payments, including cheques, direct debits, and electronic fund transfers, ensuring accurate recording in the AR ledger. 
• Invoice Management: Issue and manage debit and credit notes in compliance with company policies, ensuring timely allocation of incoming payments and resolution of discrepancies. 
• Account Reconciliation: Conduct regular reconciliations of various currency accounts, addressing unapplied cash and payment discrepancies promptly. 
• Customer Outreach for Timely Payments: Regularly follow up with customers via email, phone, or automated reminders to ensure invoices are paid on time.
• Tracking Outstanding Receivables: Maintain an updated aging report to track overdue accounts and prioritize collection efforts based on risk levels.
• Resolving Payment Disputes: Work closely with customers to resolve billing discrepancies, credit adjustments, and disputes to facilitate smooth collections.
• Implementing Collection Strategies: Develop and execute structured follow-up plans for overdue invoices, including escalation procedures when necessary.
• Financial Reporting: Lead the accounts receivable sub-ledger close process and support the preparation of documents and adjustments for monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial closures. 
• Stakeholder Communication: Maintain effective communication with internal teams, customers, and external partners to resolve billing issues and enhance collection efforts. 
• Process Improvement: Analyze current AR and collection processes to identify inefficiencies, implementing strategies to optimize cash flow and reduce outstanding receivables. 
• Data Security: Implement stringent measures to protect sensitive financial and customer data, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. 
• Team Leadership: Provide guidance and training to junior staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the AR team.

Preferred Candidate Profile: We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented candidate with a strong analytical background. You will lead a team and be responsible for overseeing and analyzing financial data, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with accounting regulations. You will play a pivotal role in delivering accurate financial information that will inform key business decisions. A successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership and team management skills, along with a deep understanding of accounting principles.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the field of revenue and accounts receivable, with complete experience of the order to cash cycle with at least 2 years in a supervisory or team leadership role.
• Proficiency in ERP software with a minimum of 3 years of experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster collaboration within the finance team and across departments.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles (GAAP/IFRS).
• Proficiency in ERP software with a minimum of 3 years of experience.
• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUP and Pivot Tables.

Educational Requirements:

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional certifications (such as CPA, CMA) are a plus.