Accounts Payable_Senior Professional_Hyderabad

As a Senior Lead in Accounts Payable, you will drive the global AP strategy and lead efforts to streamline supplier maintenance and payment processes, reducing overdue outstanding for US and ACs. You will oversee a large global team and collaborate with partners to ensure financial objectives are met. The Director will champion operational excellence, ensure compliance with PwCs internal controls and policies, and lead transformation initiatives aligned with the firms strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Transformation:

• Drive the global Accounts Payable strategy, identifying opportunities for standardization, scalability, and efficiency.
• Lead and mentor a global AP team, ensuring consistency and accuracy in supplier maintenance and settlement processes.
• Champion automation initiatives (e.g., OCR, RPA, e-invoicing) and collaborate with technology teams to enhance ERP/AP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP).
• Work closely with Source to Pay Product Owners to ensure technology enables efficiency and high quality.
• Support cross-functional initiatives and represent AP in firmwide forums and governance bodies.

Operational Oversight:

• Develop and implement strategies to reduce overdue outstanding and improve AP management efficiency.
• Oversee booking and approval of vendor payments, ensuring compliance with firm policies.
• Manage escalations related to overdue invoices and drive timely resolution.
• Provide regular outstanding reports and analytics to senior leadership.
• Ensure efficient management of supplier code maintenance and user access.
• Monitor and improve KPIs such as invoice turnaround time, payment accuracy, and vendor satisfaction.

People Development:

• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Drive performance management, capability building, and succession planning in line with PwCs Evolved Professional Pathways (EPP) and Leadership Standards.
• Serve as facilitator for process and tools training for managers and senior managers.

Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure adherence to PwC’s global and local expense and procurement policies.
• Lead internal and external audits, ensuring SOX and regulatory compliance.
• Implement controls to mitigate fraud and manage vendor risk.

Process Improvement:

• Support in creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), process maps, and quality checklists.
• Partner with Procurement, Treasury, Tax, and Business Units to resolve issues and align on strategic initiatives.
• Serve as the escalation point for vendor disputes and payment exceptions.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• CA or CPA certification is preferred but not required.
• 15–20+ years of experience in finance operations, billing, or collections.
• Proven leadership experience in a similar role, preferably within a Big4 or large consulting environment.
• Experience managing large global teams and stakeholders.
• Significant exposure to US ways of working, especially in large US MNCs or professional services firms.
• Should be comfortable in working from office
• 2-11pm IST shift and should be flexible to join call with global leaders at any time

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of industry trends and best practices.
• Proficiency in leading large-scale financial projects and initiatives.
• Advanced skills in financial planning and risk management.
• Visionary leadership and ability to drive organizational change.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to handle high-stakes decisions.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Strong influence and negotiation skills to drive strategic initiatives.
• Professionals from Big 4s or similar firms will be preferred