Accounts Receivable Specialist

Basic Function

Reporting to the AR Manager, Asia & AfMEI, this position provides technical accounting and analysis support for Order to Cash (OTC) workstreams with focus on Accounts Receivable (AR).  This position is responsible to execute an accurate, timely Cash Application process and AR related reconciliations on the incoming funds related to customers and intercompany collections. This position is responsible for Customer billing/ invoice processing and ensuring invoice output is sent to customers and ensure a smooth month end close process This position is also responsible to identify and resolve any AR related issues (e.g. unbilled deliveries, customer’s payment discrepancies) and follow up any internal stakeholders’ request as it may arise. The incumbent should also promote process automation by minimizing manual cash postings whilst ensure team objectives are met within LYB Accounts Receivables standards and in-country local regulations and governances. 

The AR Specialist should build healthy relationships with multiple internal stakeholders including Credit, Supply Chain, Sales, Treasury and Tax.    He / She will also propose any improvement area to improve AR KPI’s, align and manage expectations from internal customers

Roles & Responsibilities

• Assist AR Manager, Asia & AfMEI to drive AR standard operating procedures (SOPs) and compliance across the organization
• Support integration, adoption and optimization of standardized AR Automation application, tools, and workflow processes
• Prepare timely and accurate AR related Account Reconciliations in SAP; or any other EFP system as instructed that includes balancing and reconciling cash general ledgers 
• Settle AR related open and aged items that remain uncleared from daily automated cash application process
• Report AR reconciling items based on Account Reconciliation policy and follow up with responsible parties to resolve any imbalance
• Conduct various analysis on AR KPI’s dashboard to support any project and benchmarking activities.  Whenever in need, liaise with Subject Matter Expert (SME) for root cause analysis and formulate an action plan
• Identify cash application issue and propose a solution to improve performance / further automate of AR cash postings 
•  Coordinate with team members to ensure AR process documentation, work instructions and activities list are properly followed
•  On a quarterly basis, provide support to external auditors on regular SOX Audits and Revenue Recognition Audits
•  Support AR team to complete Internal and External Audit as needed
• Monitor billing /invoice due lists, address issues and ensure resolution of queries prior to month end close
• Record Journal entries for miscellaneous 3rd party invoices and file appropriate documentation
• Run control reports daily, to check accuracy of E-Billing set-ups and liaise on changes with the Master Data team
• Process E-Billing documents or issue manual tax invoice as per local regulations. 
•  Issue invoices, cancel/rebill and credit/debit notes as per request.
•  Assist AR Manager, Asia & AfMEI with ad hoc tasks as assigne

Min. Qualifications

Education:
•    Bachelor’s degree or above in Accounting, Finance or related discipline

Work Experience: 
•    2 to 3 years of Accounts Receivables related experience and / or training
•    Working experience in a multinational company environment, with ability to adapt a fast-paced, dynamic and deadline driven environment.
•    Exposure to technical GAAP knowledge (USGAAP, IFRS, and local country) related to a wide variety of topics, with an ability to extract appropriate accounting elements from business deals / contracts
•    Experience with Internal Controls and SOX/404 requirements will be considered an asset.

Skills:
•    Be familiar with SAP system is preferred
•    Proficient in MS Office Suite including Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint and Access
•    Able to handle multiple tasks and meet aggressive deadlines 
•    Passion for driving continuous improvement 
•    Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential given the diverse nature of operating landscape and cultural sensitivities

Licenses & Certifications:
•    Professional qualifications: not essential