Job Description: Subject Matter Expert – Accounts Receivable (AR)

Position Summary

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Accounts Receivable (AR) is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness of the organization’s receivables management processes. The SME acts as a bridge between finance operations, billing, project teams, and management — driving process standardization, compliance, and continuous improvement within the AR function. This role demands a deep understanding of end-to-end order-to-cash (O2C) processes, strong analytical acumen, and the ability to ensure adherence to company policies and client contractual terms.

Key Responsibilities (Derived from KRAs)

Billing and Invoicing Management

• Audit and verify completeness of billing for all projects (including ad-hoc ones).
• Ensure accurate and timely billing based on project milestones, deliverables, or time and material (T&M) contracts.
• Guarantee that all billings are completed within the defined cut-off dates and submitted to clients promptly.
• Maintain the Monthly Billing Audit Tracker to ensure 100% accuracy and compliance.

PO and Contract Management

• Ensure Purchase Orders (POs) and contracts are properly documented, tracked, and renewed before expiration.
• Maintain and update the PO Tracker with follow-up status and renewal timelines.
• Liaise with sales, project, and procurement teams to resolve PO-related issues proactively.

Project Transition and Setup

• Facilitate seamless financial transitions during onboarding of new projects, ensuring billing, contract, and PO details are in place.
• Support project teams in setting up billing models, formats, and documentation requirements for each engagement.

Query and Email Management

• Monitor and respond to all queries and emails received on the AR mailbox within stipulated timelines.
• Ensure efficient assignment, resolution, and closure of client communications and internal escalations.

Reporting and Analytics

• Update and publish weekly report and other AR-related reports with 100% accuracy.
• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to collections, DSO (Days Sales Outstanding), and billing cycle efficiency.

Process Improvement and Compliance

• Identify areas for process enhancement and contribute to updating SOPs and workflow documentation.
• Drive initiatives to automate manual tasks, improve efficiency, and strengthen internal controls.
• Support internal and external audit activities with required documentation and explanations.

Strategic Tasks

• Prepare Billing Models and assist management in forecasting and revenue recognition.
• Undertake special assignments such as AR system upgrades, dashboard improvements, or reconciliations as directed by the Finance Head or CFO.
• Execute any other tasks assigned, ensuring delivery within the agreed timelines.

Other Responsibilities

• Manager Collections and cash application and AR aging management.
• Month-end and year-end closing activities, ensuring accuracy of revenue recognition and AR balances.
• Act as a subject matter advisor for AR policies and system functionalities (e.g., ERP, SAP).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (sales, delivery, and legal) to resolve billing disputes or escalations.

Key Skills and Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of Accounts Receivable and Order-to-Cash processes.
• Strong understanding of GST/Sales Tax, TDS/With holding Tax and other statutory compliances in billing and collections.
• Excellent command of MS Excel and ERP/SAP systems.
• Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and process orientation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Accounting, or Finance (Master’s preferred).
• 5-6 years of experience in AR, Billing, or Finance operations, with at least 1 year in a senior or SME role.
• Experience in service-based or project-driven industries preferred.