Associate

Smartstream Limited; Mumbai; On-site; INR 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Smartstream Limited is seeking an Associate to ensure timely and accurate invoice processing, monitor aging, and manage escalations. You will collaborate with internal teams and clients to resolve issues, maintain SLA adherence, and support backlog reduction initiatives.

The role requires a detail-oriented professional with strong analytical and communication skills, proficient in Excel, and experienced in AP/Finance operations.

Qualifications

• Experience in Accounts Payable, Invoice Processing, Shared Services, Finance Operations, or BPO/KPO environments.
• Strong Excel and reporting capabilities.
• Proven experience in managing invoice backlogs, escalations, and SLA-driven operations.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and team collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor invoice outstandings and aging to close pending invoices.
• Manage and escalate invoice processing issues to minimize delays.
• Ensure SLA compliance and achieve performance targets.
• Support workload planning and backlog reduction initiatives.
• Conduct regular team meetings and provide feedback to team members.
• Drive process improvements and automation initiatives.
• Identify automation opportunities to reduce manual efforts.
• Analyze root causes of non-STP invoices and recommend actions.
• Collaborate with production teams to address operational challenges.
• Build relationships with clients, external counterparties, and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, and metrics in Excel.
• Support training, mentoring, and development of team members.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with policies and HR guidelines.

Skills

Accounts Payable

Invoice Processing

SLA Monitoring

Backlog Management

Process Improvement

Root Cause Analysis

Stakeholder Management

Team Leadership

Excel Reporting

Communication Skills

Tools

VBA / Excel Macros

Pivot Tables

XLOOKUP / VLOOKUP

Data Analysis Tools

Job description

As an Associate, you will be responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate processing of invoices, monitoring outstanding invoices, managing escalations, and supporting backlog reduction initiatives. You will work closely with internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders to resolve issues, maintain SLA adherence, and deliver a high level of operational excellence.

The role requires a detail-oriented professional with strong analytical and communication skills who can identify process improvement opportunities, support automation initiatives, and contribute to improving overall process efficiency. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience in Accounts Payable, Invoice Processing, or Finance Operations environments will be an advantage.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy solving operational challenges, and are passionate about continuous improvement, we’d love to hear from you.

• Monitor invoice outstandings and aging reports to ensure timely closure of pending invoices.
• Manage and escalation invoice processing issues proactively to minimize delays and business impact.
• Ensure adherence to defined SLAs and consistently achieve operational performance targets.
• Support invoice processing planning, workload management, and backlog reduction initiatives.
• Conduct regular team meetings and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Drive process improvement and efficiency initiatives, including implementation of system or process enhancements.
• Identify automation opportunities to reduce manual efforts and improve productivity.
• Analyze root causes of non-STP (Straight Through Processing) invoices and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with production teams to understand operational challenges and communicate key issues to management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, external counterparties, and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare and maintain reports, dashboards, and operational metrics using Excel.
• Support training, mentoring, and development of team members.
• Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and process developments.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, code of conduct, and HR guidelines.

Required Skills & Competencies

Functional Skills

• Invoice Processing and Accounts Payable Operations
• Invoice Aging & Outstanding Management
• Escalation Management
• SLA Monitoring and Compliance
• Backlog Management
• Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency
• Root Cause Analysis
• Stakeholder Management

Technical Skills

• Advanced MS Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Formulas, Reporting)
• VBA / Excel Macros (preferred)
• Data Analysis and Reporting
• Process Automation Exposure
• Knowledge of Straight Through Processing (STP) concepts

Soft Skills

• Strong Communication and Presentation Skills
• Client and Vendor Relationship Management
• Team Collaboration and Leadership
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking
• Planning and Organizational Skills
• Ability to Influence and Drive Change
• Coaching and Mentoring Ability
• Attention to Detail and Time Management

Business Knowledge

• Understanding of Accounts Payable / Invoice Lifecycle Processes
• Knowledge of SG business operations (preferred)
• Understanding of audit, compliance, and governance requirements
• Awareness of industry trends and operational best practices

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experience in Accounts Payable, Invoice Processing, Shared Services, Finance Operations, or BPO/KPO environments.
• Strong Excel and reporting capabilities.
• Proven experience in managing invoice backlogs, escalations, and SLA-driven operations.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and team collaboration skills.