Lead Analyst - Accounting at Principal Global Services

Key Responsibility

1. Team Leadership & Oversight
• Supervise and mentor the AP team to ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments.
• Allocate tasks, monitor performance, and support team development.
2. Invoice & Payment Processing
• Oversee and conduct regular reviews for end-to-end AP operations including invoice verification, approvals, and payment runs.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and accounting standards.
3. Vendor Management
• Maintain strong relationships with vendors and resolve payment-related queries or disputes.
• Ensure timely reconciliation of vendor statements and address discrepancies.
4. Process Improvement & Automation
• Identify opportunities to streamline AP processes and implement automation tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
5. Compliance & Controls
• Ensure adherence to internal controls, SOX compliance, and audit requirements.
• Support internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation and explanations.
6. Reporting & Analysis
• Prepare AP aging reports, cash flow forecasts, and other relevant metrics.
• Analyze trends and provide insights into management for decision-making.
7. KPI Monitoring & Continuous Improvement
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to AP operations such as invoice processing time, payment accuracy, and vendor satisfaction.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance performance against these metrics.
8. System & Policy Management
• Manage AP systems and ensure data integrity.
• Develop and update AP policies and procedures as needed.
9. Stakeholder Collaboration
• Work closely with Procurement, Treasury, and Finance teams to align on payment strategies and issue resolution.
• Manage all stakeholder governance calls and update them with regular process performance.
• Act as a point of escalation for complex AP issues.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in accounts payable, including team leadership.
• Experience with ERP systems
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Office applications.

Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Additional skills 

• Leadership & Oversight: Supervise AP operations and mentor team members.
• Process Optimization: Drive improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce manual work.
• Performance Management: Monitor KPIs and SLAs, ensuring targets are consistently met.
• Issue Resolution: Handle escalations and ensure timely problem-solving.
• Governance & Compliance: Represent AP in governance forums and ensure audit readiness.
• Technology & Automation: Support ERP enhancements and digital transformation initiatives.
• Critical Processing: Personally handle select high-impact or time-sensitive AP activities to ensure accuracy and continuity.

Shift: 01:30pm to 10:30pm

Mode of working: Hybrid