Deputy Manager- Vendor Accounting- Freight

Purpose Statement The Vendor Accounting Operations Team Leader is responsible for leading and managing the day\-to\-day vendor accounting operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices while maintaining compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and statutory requirements. The role will supervise a team of 4–5 associates, drive operational efficiency, resolve escalations, strengthen vendor relationships, and support continuous process improvement initiatives within the Accounts Payable function.

• *Key Roles \& Responsibilities**

• *Team Management \& Operations**

• Lead, guide, and supervise a team of 4–5 Vendor Accounting Associates to ensure smooth execution of daily operations.
• Allocate workloads, monitor productivity, and ensure adherence to defined service levels and turnaround times.
• Review team performance, provide coaching and development support, and ensure process compliance.
• Assist in managing the vendor accounting function and support the accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices.
• Ensure all invoices are processed in accordance with established policies, procedures, and internal controls.

• *Invoice Processing \& SAP Operations**

• Oversee processing of PO\-based invoices, Non\-PO invoices, service invoices, and freight invoices.
• Verify invoices against supporting documents provided by plant officials and coordinate with user departments for clarifications wherever required.
• Ensure timely parking and posting of invoices in SAP within defined timelines.
• Review service entry documentation and supporting approvals before processing.
• Monitor vendor portal activities and ensure seamless invoice processing and tracking.
• Ensure timely resolution of invoice discrepancies, blocked invoices, and processing exceptions.

• *Vendor \& Stakeholder Management**

• Support vendor relationship management by facilitating communication and resolving operational issues.
• Act as the primary escalation point for invoice processing, payment, and reconciliation\-related concerns.
• Collaborate with Plant Accounting Managers, Commercial Heads, Procurement Teams, User Departments, and Vendors to ensure smooth operations.
• Coordinate with GL Accounting teams for provision entries, accruals, reconciliations, and month\-end closure activities.

• *Compliance \& Financial Controls**

• Contribute to the implementation and maintenance of financial controls and procedures to safeguard company assets.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, internal controls, and company policies related to vendor transactions.
• Maintain and review trackers related to statutory compliance requirements, including ESI and PF compliance for service invoices.
• Share compliance trackers with Plant Accounting Managers and Plant HR teams to ensure timely follow\-up and adherence.
• Coordinate with scanning officials and ensure proper archival and maintenance of accounting records and supporting documents.
• Support internal and external audit requirements and provide necessary documentation when required.

• *Reporting, Analysis \& Process Improvement**

• Monitor operational KPIs and prepare MIS reports for review by the Process Owner.
• Support analysis of vendor expenses, payment trends, and transaction data to identify process improvement and cost\-saving opportunities.
• Identify process bottlenecks and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and control.
• Drive adherence to standard operating procedures and continuous improvement initiatives across vendor accounting operations.

• *Job Specifications**

• *Experience**

• **4–8 years of experience** in Accounting, Finance, Accounts Payable, or Vendor Accounting functions.
• Minimum **2–3 years of hands\-on SAP experience** in invoice processing, vendor accounting, and financial transaction management.
• Experience in using accounting software and ERP systems for invoice processing, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Prior experience in team handling or process supervision will be preferred.
• Exposure to Freight Accounting processes will be an added advantage.

• *Qualification**

• Bachelor's Degree in Commerce, Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• MBA (Finance) or equivalent postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage.

• *Certifications**

• Professional certifications in Accounting, Finance, SAP, Shared Services, or Procure\-to\-Pay (P2P) processes will be preferred.

• *Competencies**

• *Behavioural**

• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to guide and mentor junior associates.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with internal stakeholders and vendors.
• Detail\-oriented with excellent organizational and prioritization skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Proactive, solution\-oriented mindset with strong problem\-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.

• *Functional**

• Strong understanding of Vendor Accounting and Accounts Payable processes.
• Knowledge of invoice processing, vendor reconciliation, payment cycles, and financial reporting.
• Understanding of accounting principles, financial controls, and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with accounting standards, taxation requirements, and statutory compliance related to vendor transactions.
• Experience in operational reporting, data analysis, and process governance.

• *Technical**

• Strong working knowledge of SAP with at least **2–3 years of hands\-on experience** .
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly **Excel** , for data analysis, reporting, and reconciliation activities.
• Familiarity with vendor portals, accounting software, and ERP systems.
• Ability to navigate and utilize ERP systems effectively for invoice processing, reporting, and financial controls.
• Understanding of financial controls, documentation requirements, and process governance frameworks.

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