Accountant, Accounts Payable

Job Description Requisition Number: 19319 Contract Type: Permanent Location(s): Chennai, IN Accountant, Accounts Payable The job responsibilities outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may evolve over time and be reviewed according to business needs. Role Description Summary The Accounts Payable (AP) Specialist is responsible for managing the end-to-end invoice processing lifecycle, ensuring timely and accurate posting, compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and SOX requirements. This role will focus exclusively on the finance-side of AP (excluding procurement and vendor master data activities) including invoice validation, GR/IR clearing, payment processing, compliance checks, and system-based reconciliations. The role will also contribute to integration of new entities, S/4HANA AP functionality, automation support, exception handling, and continuous monitoring of control compliance through dashboards and reporting. Primary Responsibilities / Key Result Areas - Process vendor invoices (PO-based and Non-PO) accurately and timely in accordance with accounting standards and company policies. - Manage GR/IR clearing and reconciliations, ensuring timely follow-ups with relevant teams for resolution of open items. - Perform 3-way match verification (PO, GRN, Invoice) for applicable invoices; escalate mismatches to stakeholders for timely closure. - Ensure accurate and compliant month-end close activities including accrual postings and invoice reclassification entries. - Review and execute vendor payments as per defined schedules while ensuring approvals and compliance with SOX controls. - Proactively identify compliance risks or control gaps in AP processes and ensure timely mitigation and documentation. - Monitor exception queues, blocked invoices, and aged items; prepare root cause analysis and drive issue closure with relevant teams. - Prepare and share compliance dashboards and payment status updates, highlighting potential risks and ensuring stakeholder alignment. - Support AP process alignment during new company onboarding or ERP integration (S/4HANA), ensuring readiness and minimal disruption. - Collaborate with auditors and internal control teams for documentation, walkthroughs, and sample support during audits and reviews. COMPETENCIES - Accuracy & Detail Orientation: Strong focus on accurate invoice processing, reconciliation, and documentation handling. - Compliance-Driven Mindset: Actively monitors and addresses control gaps and ensures adherence to SOX and internal policies. - Process Discipline & Timeliness: Ability to work under pressure and manage high volumes within strict timelines. - Analytical & Reporting Skills: Capable of analyzing exceptions and reporting compliance and operational status through dashboards. - Collaboration & Communication: Proactive coordination with internal stakeholders to resolve invoice/payment issues and close actions. Qualifications & Experience - Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Commerce, or Finance;. - ERP Experience: Hands-on experience in S/4HANA Accounts Payable module is essential. - Finance System Knowledge: Strong understanding of AP processes, GR/IR logic, payment runs, and accounting postings. - Technical Skills: Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; experience with dashboard/reporting tools or automation scripts is an advantage. - Work Experience: 68 years of experience in AP operations within a shared services or corporate finance environment, with exposure to audit and compliance reviews. SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. For more information on SES, click here.