Assistant Manager - Accounts Payable & Indirect Taxes

About the Company:

At The Pant Project (www.pantproject.com), we are on a mission to bring style, comfort, and confidence to every Indian. We are a digital-first direct-to-consumer apparel brand that is bringing bottom wear with the highest quality fabrics and international fashion trends to our customers. Backed by Sorin Investments, with promoters from the family of Banswara Syntex, one of the leading textile makers of the world, we are building a fashion brand from India for the world. We have been recognized as one of Indias leading emerging D2C Fashion Start Ups 3 years in a row.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Assistant Manager - Accounts to lead our Accounts Payable and Indirect Taxes functions. The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience in managing the entire AP lifecycle, from expense booking to vendor payments, as well as a strong command of TDS and GST compliances, particularly regarding Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims. This role requires a strong understanding of accounting principles, exceptional organizational skills, and a proven track record of process improvement, including Tally implementation and design. The Assistant Manager will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of all related financial transactions and compliances while mentoring a small team.

Industry Background:

Key Responsibilities:

Accounts Payable Management:

• Oversee the end-to-end Accounts Payable process, including invoice processing, expense booking, vendor reconciliation, and payment runs
• Ensure all invoices are properly coded, authorized, and entered into Tally in a timely and accurate manner
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors, addressing and resolving any billing or payment inquiries promptly
• Manage and track employee expense reports, ensuring compliance with company policies

GST (Goods and Services Tax) Compliance:

• Manage all aspects of GST compliance, with a primary focus on maximizing and correctly claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC)
• Perform monthly reconciliation of GSTR-2B with the Purchase Register and ensure timely action on discrepancies
• Oversee the preparation and filing of monthly/quarterly GST returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B) and annual returns (GSTR-9, 9C) as applicable
• Stay updated on the latest GST regulations, notifications, and amendments to ensure full compliance and optimize tax positions
• Handle any GST-related notices or queries from tax authorities

TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) Compliance:

• Ensure timely and accurate calculation and deduction of TDS on all applicable payments
• Prepare and file quarterly TDS returns (Form 26Q/24Q) within statutory deadlines
• Generate and issue TDS certificates (Form 16A) to vendors and employees
• Handle any TDS-related notices or queries from tax authorities

Tally Implementation & Process Improvement:

• Utilize extensive experience with Tally to design and implement efficient workflows and processes for Accounts Payable and tax compliance
• Drive Tally-based projects for process automation, reporting enhancements, and better control mechanisms, particularly for GST and TDS reporting
• Provide training and support to team members on Tally usage and best practices

Team Management & Leadership:

• Supervise and mentor a small team of accounts professionals, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback
• Allocate tasks and monitor team performance to ensure deadlines are met and quality standards are maintained
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment

Reporting and Reconciliation:

• Prepare and analyze various AP and tax-related reports, including aging reports, vendor balances, and GST reconciliations
• Perform regular reconciliation of vendor accounts, bank statements, GSTR ledgers, and General Ledger accounts
• Support month-end and year-end closing activities related to Accounts Payable and tax liabilities

Audit and Internal Controls:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external audits related to Accounts Payable and indirect taxes
• Ensure all processes and documentation are in compliance with internal controls and company policies

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Commerce, Accounting, or a related field. Professional certification (e.g., CA Inter, CMA Inter) is a significant plus
• Minimum of 4-5 years of progressive experience in Accounts Payable, with at least 2-3 years in a supervisory or managerial role
• Extensive, hands-on experience with Tally ERP 9 and/or Tally Prime is preferred, including implementation, customization, and advanced reporting
• Deep knowledge and proven experience in managing GST compliance, with a specific focus on Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims and reconciliations
• Strong knowledge of Indian accounting standards and direct tax laws, particularly related to TDS
• Proven experience with the full TDS compliance cycle, from deduction to filing
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and motivate a team
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

What can you expect from us at Pant Project:

• Work in a young, fast paced organization and closely with the leadership team of the Company
• Opportunity to learn from 50+ years of industry experience in textiles
• Market comparable compensation and a fun, friendly work environment