Director, Global Direct Payables and Inventory

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Summary of the role:

The Director, Global Direct Payables and Inventory is responsible for the global direct payables and inventory accounting processes within the Global Accounting team.  You will manage the centralized inventory purchase process from invoice processing to payment execution, and all aspects of inventory accounting and reporting.  This role also involves providing on-the-ground leadership to the Bengaluru based team, and manage teams located in Eugene, Oregon and Mexico City, as well as external resources. The ideal candidate will have a continuous process improvement mindset and establish a team culture that is focused on compliance, quality and integrity.  Reporting to the VP – Global accounting

About the role:

Global Direct Payables

• Oversee end-to-end invoice processing operations handled by outsourced partner, ensuring compliance with Service level agreements (SLAs) and internal controls.

• Manage and review weekly payment proposals, ensuring timely disbursement aligned with cash flow requirements.

• Oversee vendor management, including invoice and payments query management, master data management, vendor recoveries reconciliation.

• Oversight of balance sheet reconciliations ensuring no financial surprises and providing analysis and explanations for AP accounts during balance sheet reviews.

• Provide support for internal and external audits, including documentation, walkthroughs, and control evidence.

• Guide governance and performance oversight for outsourced partner delivery, including regular reviews, escalations, and continuous improvement projects.

• Promote process improvement, best in class practices, process automation and process efficiency within invoice-to-pay cycle

Global Inventory Accounting: Lead the global inventory accounting process, ensuring accuracy and timely accounting of inventory. Perform analytical reviews to avoid any financial surprises.

• Oversight of monthly and quarterly Journal entries such as LCM (Lower of Cost or Market) reserves Returns reserves, Shrinkage, obsolescence, and inventory adjustments.

• Ensure compliance with accounting policies and agreement on close calendar and timelines

• Conduct detailed trial balance reviews during month-end and quarter-end close

• Oversee preparation of financial reporting inputs related to inventory and partner with Controllership and FP&A

• Ensure completion of inventory account reconciliations and resolution of open items

• Support all audit requirements related to inventory, including process walkthroughs, supporting schedules, and issue resolution

• Promote process improvements through automation, standardization, and improved internal controls

Leadership & Governance

• Lead a global team across the US and Bangalore, with a mix of direct and matrixed reporting lines

• Foster a high-performance culture with strong focus on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement

• Establish KPIs and dashboards for performance tracking and issue escalation

• Partner with Controllership, Retail operations. Treasury Supply, IT, Controllership, and third-party vendors

• Lead strategic transformation projects related to direct payables and inventory accounting

About the role:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, CA/MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification

• 15+ years of experience GBS, or shared services environments, added preference of managing inventory accounting

• Experience with finance processes and systems (e.g., SAP)

• Experience with automation tools and technologies (e.g., RPA, AI).

• Technical accounting skills with a detailed understanding of current GAAP standard and SEC reporting requirements

• Advanced proficiency with Hyperion and SAP S4 experience preferred.

Benefits
We put a lot of thought into our programs to provide you with a benefits package that matters. Whether it is for medical care, taking time off, improving your health or planning for retirement, we've got you covered.

Here's a small snapshot:

• Complimentary preventive health check-up for you & your spouse

• OPD coverage

• Best in class leave plan including paternity & family care leaves

• Counselling sessions to prioritize mental well-being

• Exclusive discount vouchers on Levi's products

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to empowering individuals from all walks of life to achieve their professional goals with us, regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, or genetic information. We actively seek and encourage applications from diverse candidates, including those with disabilities, and offer accommodations throughout the selection process upon request.

To ensure that our products and culture continue to incorporate everyone's perspectives and experience, we never discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or marital, veteran, or disability status.