Deputy Manager - Vendor Accounting (Material)

Overview

The Deputy Manager for Vendor Accounting in the Material department will lead a small team to manage and streamline vendor invoice processing and accounting operations. This role involves oversight of invoice verification, SAP transaction posting, vendor and stakeholder liaison, ensuring financial compliance, and driving process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise 4–5 vendor accounting associates to ensure daily work is executed efficiently and meets service levels and deadlines.
• Distribute work, track team productivity, review performance, and provide coaching and support for process adherence.
• Manage vendor accounting functions, assisting in the accurate and timely processing of all vendor invoices following company policies and controls.
• Oversee invoice processing including PO-based, non-PO, and service invoices, verifying documents through coordination with plant officials and other departments.
• Ensure prompt parking and posting of invoices in SAP and review supporting documents like service entry sheets before approval.
• Monitor vendor portal usage to facilitate seamless invoice tracking and resolution of discrepancies, blocked entries, and exceptions.
• Act as the main escalation contact for invoice, payment, and reconciliation issues, collaborating closely with plant accounting, procurement, commercial heads, user departments, and vendors.
• Coordinate with the general ledger accounting team for provisions, accruals, reconciliations, and month-end closings.
• Contribute to maintaining financial controls and compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, internal policies, and statutory requirements such as ESI and PF for service invoices.
• Maintain and share compliance trackers with plant accounting and HR teams to ensure timely follow-ups.
• Ensure proper archival of accounting records and support internal and external audits by providing required documentation.
• Prepare operational KPI reports and MIS analysis; support examination of vendor expenses and payment patterns to identify efficiency and cost-saving improvements.
• Identify bottlenecks in processes and champion continuous improvement of procedures, controls, and compliance within vendor accounting operations.

Experience & Qualification

• 4 to 8 years of professional experience in accounting, finance, accounts payable, or vendor accounting roles.
• At least 2 to 3 years of hands-on SAP experience focusing on invoice processing, vendor accounting, and managing financial transactions.
• Experience with accounting software and ERP systems for accurate invoice processing, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Prior experience in team leadership or supervision is advantageous.
• Exposure to freight accounting processes adds value.
• Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Accounting, Finance, or related fields is required.
• MBA in Finance or similar postgraduate qualification is a plus.
• Professional certifications in accounting, finance, SAP, shared services, or Procure-to-Pay (P2P) functions are preferred.

Competencies & Skills

• Strong leadership and ability to mentor junior team members effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact with internal teams and external vendors.
• Detail-focused with strong organizational and prioritization capabilities.
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
• Proactive with a problem-solving attitude and capacity for independent and collaborative work.
• Comprehensive knowledge of vendor accounting, accounts payable processes, invoice reconciliation, payment cycles, financial reporting, and accounting controls.
• Familiarity with accounting standards, taxation, statutory compliance, and operational governance.
• Proficient in SAP (minimum 2-3 years practical experience), Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting, and working knowledge of vendor portals and ERP systems.