Operations Lead

About Lowe'sLowe's is a FORTUNE 100 home improvement company serving approximately 16 million customer transactions a week in the United States. With total fiscal year 2024 sales of more than $83 billion, Lowe's operates over 1,700 home improvement stores and employs approximately 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing, improving community spaces, helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts and providing disaster relief to communities in need. For more information, visit Lowe's India, the Global Capability Center of Lowe's Companies Inc., is a hub for driving our technology, business, analytics, and shared services strategy. Based in Bengaluru with over 4,500 associates, it powers innovations across omnichannel retail, AI/ML, enterprise architecture, supply chain, and customer experience. From supporting and launching homegrown solutions to fostering innovation through its Catalyze platform, Lowe's India plays a pivotal role in transforming home improvement retail while upholding strong commitment to social impact and sustainability. For more information, visit Lowes IndiaAbout the Team The Accounting Department is responsible for ensuring accurate financial management across various functions, including Customer Payments Accounting, Cost and Margin Analysis, Vendor Set-Up and Maintenance, Expenses Payables, Invoice Processing and Capital Assets, and Inventory Accounting. This role involves maintaining and reconciling the General Ledger, ensuring the reporting of accurate balances of P&L and Balance Sheet, processing invoices, and supporting comprehensive Reporting and Analytics to guide business decisions. The department also plays a key role in transforming IT tools and systems to streamline accounting processes, improve data accuracy, and enhance overall efficiency, contributing to the company's financial integrity and operational success.Job Summary:The Operations Leader of the Accounting Team will oversee and optimize all accounting functions and processes for our operations. This role is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and compliance of all financial reporting, managing the team's daily activities, and driving process improvements that align with the company's strategic goals. The ideal candidate will combine strong leadership abilities, technical accounting expertise, and a keen understanding of retail operations.Roles & Responsibilities: Core Responsibilities: (Accounting Department)Leadership & Team Management: Inspires, coaches, and develops a team of professionals; sets clear expectations; fosters a collaborative and high-performance culture.Effective Communication: Clearly articulates ideas, secures buy-in, and influences stakeholders across all levels.Decision-Making: Makes informed, data-driven decisions aligned with organizational priorities.Strategic Focus: Applies intermediate-level strategic thinking and planning to drive operational improvements and align with business goals.Business Acumen: Utilizes deep understanding of financial and operational drivers to optimize performance.Adaptability: Demonstrates resilience and flexibility in dynamic or ambiguous environments.Stake Holder Management: Builds and nurtures productive internal and external partnerships.Results Orientation: Maintains a relentless focus on achieving measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.Integrity and Ethics: Maintains the highest standards of ethical behavior.Empathy and Care: Shows genuine concern and respect for team members and stakeholders.Relational Skills: Cultivates trust and fosters healthy interpersonal dynamics.Process Improvement & Automation: Identify inefficiencies in current accounting and operational processes and implement best practices for continuous improvement. Collaborate with IT and external vendors to automate and streamline accounting processes, ensuring optimal system usage. Oversee the implementation of new accounting software or tools to enhance productivity.Core Responsibilities: Lead the end-to-end Accounts Payable (AP) process for retail operations across multiple business units, stores, and distribution centers for LPS business.Oversee invoice processing for both trade (merchandise/vendor) and non-trade (services, rent, utilities) payables.Ensure timely and accurate matching of POs, goods receipts, and invoices (3-way matching) in compliance with corporate and vendor terms.Handle escalation and exceptions such as unmatched invoices, returns, pricing disputes, and missing credits in collaboration with Merchandising, Store Operations, and Buying teams.Supervise AP team, assigning daily priorities and ensuring SLAs and KPIs (accuracy, turnaround time, query resolution) are met.Conduct regular team reviews, identify training gaps, and promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors to resolve payment discrepancies, chargebacks, and deductions promptly.Coordinate with Merch Category Managers, LPS Warehouse Directors to ensure proper validation of vendor claims, rebates, and promotional allowances.Support month-end and year-end closing activities, including accruals, reconciliations, and aging analysis.Identify automation opportunities in the process via ERP tools.Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives to reduce manual touchpoints, eliminate duplicate payments, and enhance accuracy.Present performance dashboards and insights to senior finance leadership on a periodic basis.Years of Experience: Minimum of 10-12 years of experience in accounting, with at least 4 years as people leader (with team size in retail accounting or a similar role.Strong knowledge of GAAP and accounting principles.Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Open Text, People Soft/Oracle, Mainframe, POS Systems) and MS Excel (pivot tables, v-lookups, formulas etc.).Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.Experience managing team members, providing training and support.Prior experience with retail accounting preferred not required.Education Qualification & Certifications (optional)Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field.Master's degree in accounting, Finance or any related field.Skill Set Required Primary Skills (must have)Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Be a team leader with good communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teamsExcellent Time Management and Organizational skillsKeen eye and focus towards automations and simplificationsSecondary Skills (desired)Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced dynamic environment.Willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities across teams.Strategic mindset to learn things on the go and upskill teamKnowledge on Microsoft Office Suite (Power Point, Word, Advanced Excel) is a mustKnowledge on advanced excel and Visualization skills such as Power BI/Tableau/ MicroStrategy etc., will be an added advantage.Good Presentation and Networking SkillsAttention to detail and the ability to manage conflicting priorities and stakeholdersEffective CommunicationAdvancedGaining Buy-in and InfluenceAdvancedDecision-MakingIntermediateInspiring and Motivating OthersAdvancedPersonal Flexibility and AdaptabilityAdvancedNavigating Unfamiliar SituationsIntermediateManaging Diverse RelationshipsIntermediateResults-Driven FocusIntermediateMaintaining Strategic FocusIntermediateUpholding Integrity and EthicsUniversalBuilding Collaborative RelationshipsAdvancedDemonstrating Empathy and CareUniversalBusiness AcumenAdvancedRelational SkillsUniversalLowe's is an equal opportunity employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law.