Job Summary
The Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable Manager is responsible for overseeing end-to-end AP and AR functions, ensuring accurate financial transactions, timely payments, efficient collections, and compliance with company policies and accounting standards. The role requires strong leadership, process optimization capability, and stakeholder management.
Key Responsibilities
Accounts Payable (AP) Management
- Oversee the full AP cycle including invoice processing, verification, approvals, and vendor payments.
- Ensure accurate and timely disbursement of payments (invoices, expense reports, credit cards).
- Manage vendor relationships and resolve discrepancies or payment issues.
- Monitor aging reports and maintain healthy payable cycles.
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, policies, and statutory regulations (GST, TDS, etc.).
- Optimize AP processes through automation and efficiency improvements.
Accounts Receivable (AR) Management
- Oversee invoicing, billing accuracy, and timely issuance of customer invoices.
- Manage collections, follow-ups, and dispute resolution with customers.
- Monitor AR aging and ensure reduction in overdue receivables.
- Develop and implement credit control policies.
- Reconcile customer accounts and investigate discrepancies.
- Drive cash flow improvements by strengthening collection processes.
Financial & Reporting Responsibilities
- Prepare and review AP & AR reports, including aging analysis and cash flow projections.
- Support month-end and year-end closing processes.
- Ensure proper accounting entries and reconciliations in ERP systems.
- Provide insights and recommendations to improve working capital efficiency.
- Support internal and external audits related to AP and AR.
Process Improvement & Compliance
- Identify and implement automation opportunities in AP/AR processes.
- Strengthen internal controls and ensure audit readiness.
- Maintain SOPs for AP and AR operations.
- Ensure adherence to accounting standards and company policies.
Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and manage AP and AR teams.
- Set KPIs and monitor team performance.
- Conduct training and development initiatives.
- Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in commerce, master’s in commerce /MBA Finance preferred).
- 8–12 years of experience in AP/AR and overall accounting functions.
- Proven experience in managing teams.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial processes.
- Proficiency in ERP systems (PeopleSoft, SAP, Oracle, etc.) and MS Excel. (PeopleSoft preferred)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
- Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
- Ability to handle high transaction volumes and meet deadlines.
Preferred Skills
- Experience in shared services or global delivery environments.
- Exposure to process automation tools (RPA, workflow tools).
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- AP processing accuracy and cycle time
- Reduction in overdue receivables (DSO)
- Vendor/customer satisfaction levels
- Compliance and audit scores
- Process efficiency improvements
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.
