IBM

At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.

In this role, you'll work in one of our IBM Consulting Client Innovation Centers (Delivery Centers), where we deliver deep technical and industry expertise to a wide range of public and private sector clients around the world. Our delivery centers offer our clients locally based skills and technical expertise to drive innovation and adoption of new technology.

The PTP Team Lead assists the Delivery Manager with the delivery of a high quality, client focused service to clients and for the timely and accurate processing of complex F&A transactions and all related tasks within agreed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and control frameworks. They assist in strategy development, assist in setting and achieving operational objectives and track and report service performance. They handle escalated and more complex customer service issues. They are responsible for leading, motivating and managing their team of F&A professionals. They ensure that the team is cross-trained/multi-skilled and proactive client focused. In addition, they continually strive to improve the F&A processes and motivate their team members to do the same. They have impact on strategic financial results within their area of responsibility. A Fin & Admin Delivery Team Leader can also have operational responsibilities as a F&A professional. The employee focuses on individual/team objectives and development of professional effectiveness.

Your Roles and Responsibilities

1. Lead, Motivate, and Manage: The team leader will lead, motivate, and manage a team of F&A professionals, ensuring they are cross-trained, multi-skilled, and proactively client-focused.
2. Problem-Solving: Recognize job-related problems, analyze causes using existing techniques or tools, prepare and recommend solution alternatives, and challenge the validity of existing procedures and processes with the intent to enhance and improve them.
3. Strategy Development: Assist in the development of strategies and set operational objectives, working closely with the Delivery Manager.
4. Complex Customer Service Issues: Handle escalated and more complex customer service issues, ensuring client satisfaction and adherence to SLAs.
5. Process Improvement: Continuously strive to improve F&A processes and motivate team members to do the same.
6. Reporting: Track and report service performance, contributing to strategic financial results within their area of responsibility.
7. Operational Responsibilities: As an F&A professional, the team leader may also have operational responsibilities, focusing on individual/team objectives and professional effectiveness development.
8. Impact on Business: Accountable for individual or team results, with the potential to contribute to activities that impact customer satisfaction, immediate costs, or expenses.

Per Process: 

1. Vendor Master Data Management
   • Maintaining accurate and updated vendor records
   • Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations
   • Implementing effective controls against duplication or fraud
2. Invoice Receipt and Processing
   • Procedures for invoice receipt and verification
   • Understanding electronic invoicing systems and OCR
   • Manual invoice handling processes
3. Payments
   • Familiarity with various payment methods and processing
   • Understanding of payment terms, conditions, and discounts
   • Implications of late payments
4. Query Management
   • Handling and resolving vendor queries efficiently
   • Communicating effectively with vendors
   • Documenting resolutions for future reference
5. Reconciliation
   • Principles of accounts payable reconciliation
   • Matching transactions and resolving discrepancies
   • Maintaining detailed records
6. Month-End Closing
   • Ensuring accurate recording, reconciliation, and reporting of transactions
   • Preparation of financial statements
   • Understanding carry forward balances and their implications
7. System Proficiency
   • Proficiency in using ERP systems and Accounts Payable Automation tools
   • Other financial management software
8. Compliance
   • Understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and company policies
   • Ensuring processes align with legal and ethical standards
9. Leadership and Soft Skills
   • Motivating and guiding team members
   • Managing conflicts and fostering a positive team environment
   • Effective communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
   • Problem-solving abilities

These points encapsulate the key knowledge areas for a PTP Team Lead in the context of vendor management, invoice processing, payments, query management, reconciliation, and month-end closing.

1. Years of Experience: Minimum 5 to 7 years of relevant experience in Accounts Payable, Finance, or a related administrative role. This experience should include extensive invoice and vendor management, query resolution, invoice reconciliation, payment reporting, and reconciliation activities. The candidate should demonstrate a profound understanding of accounts payable procedures, ERP systems, and a robust track record of maintaining accurate financial records. Additionally, they should have experience in process review and improvement, ideally including participation in client reviews.
2. Skill Set Required:
   • Accounting Skills: Advanced knowledge of GAAP and financial record keeping, with demonstrated proficiency in complex accounting tasks.
   • Computer Skills: High proficiency in using standard office software and ERP systems. Familiarity with advanced data management and manipulation tools would be advantageous.
   • Data Entry Skills: High level of accuracy and speed in entering financial data into systems.
   • Analytical Skills: Robust ability to analyze financial data, identify trends, and make strategic decisions.
   • Problem-Solving Skills: Exceptional capacity to troubleshoot complex issues, resolve discrepancies, and find innovative solutions.
   • ERP/Mainframe Experience: Extensive practical experience of operating in an ERP or mainframe environment, including proficiency in system navigation, data extraction, and advanced report generation.
   • Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to liaise effectively with internal teams, vendors, management, and other stakeholders at all levels.
   • People Management: Proven experience in managing teams, including hiring, performance management, and professional development.
3. Qualification: A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field is required. A master's degree or relevant professional certification (such as CPA or CFA) would be highly desirable.

1. Domain/Process Knowledge:
   • Overall Accounting Processes: Expert-level demonstrated skill set across various accounting processes, including review of processes and participation in client reviews.
   • Monthly Close/Reporting Processes: Proficiency in leading or participating in the monthly close and reporting processes.
2. ERP/Computer/Data Entry:
   • ERP System Experience: In-depth experience with ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, Concur or Ariba, including customization and system administration where applicable.
3. BPO/Large Company Experience: Practical experience working in a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) environment or within a large corporation, demonstrating an understanding of these complex structures and processes.
4. People Management Experience: Proven experience in managing teams, including hiring, performance management, and professional development.
5. Interpersonal Skills: The candidate should exhibit very high interpersonal skills. They should be able to work collaboratively in a team, build strong professional relationships, and maintain a positive, professional attitude under pressure.
6. Maturity and Dependability: The role requires a very high level of maturity and dependability. The candidate must be able to handle sensitive financial information confidentially, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
7. Analytical Skills: High analytical skills are required. The candidate should be able to interpret complex financial data and make strategic, data-driven decisions.
8. Excel Skills: High proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential. The candidate should be highly comfortable with data manipulation, pivot tables, VLOOKUP functions, and advanced features such as macros or Power Query.

Beyond these, the ideal candidate should display adaptability to new systems, a commitment to continuous learning, and a relentless focus on maintaining the highest standards of data integrity and compliance with financial regulations. Leadership potential and the ability to mentor junior team members are essential, as is the capacity to drive process improvement and manage change within the Accounts Payable function.