The Expert Finance supervises Purchase to Pay (PTP) team and is responsible for executing and overseeing day‑to‑day activities within the PTP function, covering the processing of vendor invoices, employee travel and expense claims, payments, month‑end closing activities, and other specific accounting activities related to the stream. The role includes:
- Ensure accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices, payments, and related financial transactions in accordance with defined SLAs/KPIs.
- Managing and applying the appropriate group standards, policies and procedures to ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Responsible for leading the team to ensure quality delivery of services and in timely manner
- Support cash flow management by coordinating with banks and internal stakeholders on payment and reconciliation matters.
- Contribute to the efficiency of the finance function by leveraging SAP S4 HANA, other digital tools and support global process initiatives to streamline and/or automate the PTP process
- Invoice Processing & Payment Execution: Ensuring quality in terms of accuracy and timeliness in processing vendor invoices, intercompany transactions, travel and expense claims, and payment activities in SAP S/4HANA, in full compliance with company policies, tax regulations, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and agreed timelines, as defined by SLAs/KPIs and aligned with local office requirements.
- Reconciliation: Ensuring quality in terms of accuracy and timeliness on bank reconciliation, resolving discrepancies promptly. Escalate to the Local office for any unreconciled/aged items for resolution/confirmation of treatment. Serve as the primary contact for banks on payment‑related matters and ensure compliance with banking protocols.
- Month-End Closing & Escalation: Oversee month-end PTP closing activities to ensure accurate and timely reporting. Reviewing accounting entries as required. Manage & resolve escalations from vendors, banks, and internal stakeholders, ensuring issues are efficiently resolved through monthly statement reconciliations and transaction reviews.
- Leadership & People: Act as the first level of escalation to assist & guide team members to resolve the daily operation issues. Regularly track and resolve outstanding, escalate to PTP Manager if required.
- Compliance & Reporting: Ensure adherence to company policies, external regulations, SOPs, and Target Operating Model (TOM). Provide accurate AP Reports/Dashboard, identify critical issues and drive resolution independently.
- Drive Global Process Initiative: Ability to drive global system enhancements, UAT activities, system migrations, scope expansions, standardization projects, and data mapping/cleansing initiatives.
- Team Knowledge Development: Guide and train new and existing team members through effective knowledge transfer, sharing of best practices, and ensuring continuity of service quality during transitions.
- Quality Delivery Assurance: Review payment proposals, request amendments where necessary, and ensure submissions for approval meet agreed timelines. Troubleshoot issues, work toward resolutions, and communicate risks promptly to management.
- Audit Support: Provide required documentation and timely responses to internal and external audit queries.
- Continuous Improvement: Implement best practices and proactively identify and implement improvement opportunities to enhance process efficiency, productivity, and control.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with procurement, treasury, finance, and other stakeholders to address and resolve cross-functional issues.
- Transition Support: Assist in managing transitions, migrations, and process onboarding activities.
- Other Duties: Carry out any additional tasks & responsibilities as assigned by the Manager
Professional Experience and Education
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline. Professional Qualification (ACCA/CPA/MIA etc.) is preferred.
- 6–8 years of Accounts Payable or Finance Operations Experience handling multiple countries.
- 1-3 years of supervisory experience.
- Hands-on experience with SAP S4 HANA
- Experience in shared services or corporate finance functions is an advantage.
- Experience in project management is an added advantage
Specific Knowledge & Skills
- Collaborative, Assertive, Proactive and strong Problem-Solving skills
- Proficiency in AP modules, invoice booking, and payment processing.
- Solid Knowledge of AP processes, accruals, and reconciliations.
- Ability to identify discrepancies and resolve issues effectively.
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with vendors and internal stakeholders.
- Attention to details and ability to maintain a high level of accuracy in transaction processing and documentation.
- Proactive in resolving payment and bank‑related matters.
- Strong communication skills with fluency in both written and spoken English. German language capability is an advantage
