At Alcon, we are inspired by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care, we boldly innovate, champion progress, and act with speed. We recognize and celebrate the contributions of our people, offering career opportunities that empower growth and fulfillment. Together, we go above and beyond to make a lasting impact on the lives of our patients and customers. We cultivate an inclusive culture and invite diverse, talented individuals to join us in shaping the future of eye care.
Manager, Accounts Receivable (APAC) is responsible for leading Accounts Receivable (AR) and Invoice-to-Cash (I2C) operations across the Asia Pacific region, overseeing the collection and management of approximately USD 325 million in monthly receivables across 11 countries. The role leads a team of approximately 10-12 associates within a broader organization of more than 30 associates across shared service centers and local country teams, ensuring operational excellence, strong stakeholder partnership, and timely cash collection performance.
The position is accountable for end-to-end Invoice-to-Cash processes including Credit Management, Collections, Dispute Resolution, Cash Application, and Accounts Receivable Reporting. The role partners closely with Commercial Leadership, Country Finance Leaders, Treasury, Customer Operations, Global Process Owners, and Finance teams to drive working capital improvements, optimize cash flow performance, strengthen compliance and controls, and deliver high-quality services to the business.
Additionally, the Manager, Accounts Receivable supports continuous improvement initiatives, process standardization, automation programs, and system enhancements while contributing to the development and evolution of Alcon’s Accounts Receivable Service Delivery model across the APAC region.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Service Deliveries:
- Lead and manage the AR/I2C team, providing guidance, coaching, and operational support to ensure delivery of high-quality financial services.
- Oversee end-to-end Accounts Receivable operations including Credit Management, Collections, Dispute Resolution, Cash Application, and AR Reporting.
- Ensure service delivery aligns with agreed service levels, SLAs, KPIs, and business objectives.
- Drive operational excellence through adherence to accounting policies, internal controls, compliance requirements, and audit standards.
- Build strong partnerships with Finance, Treasury, Commercial teams, local country organizations, auditors, and banking partners.
- Support business decision-making through effective receivables management, cash flow optimization, and reporting insights.
- Foster a customer-focused culture that promotes service excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Champion a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, respect, and equal opportunities for all associates.
Manage Day-to-Day Activities:
- Drive attainment of key operational metrics including Blocked Orders %, AR Aging %, Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), dispute turnaround time, and receivables management performance.
- Monitor collection activities and customer follow-ups to ensure timely recovery of outstanding receivables.
- Provide guidance and support to team members in resolving escalated collection issues and customer disputes.
- Resolve complex AR/I2C accounting matters through effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
- Lead month-end closing activities related to Accounts Receivable, including provisions and doubtful debt reserve assessments.
- Review operational performance trends and identify improvement opportunities to enhance productivity, accuracy, and customer experience.
- Support implementation of system enhancements, automation initiatives, and process optimization projects.
- Drive adoption and effective utilization of Receivable Management and Finance Now tools across the organization.
- Ensure accurate and timely AR reporting to support leadership decision-making and financial governance.
Compliance
- Ensure all AR/I2C processes, policies, and procedures are documented, maintained, and consistently followed.
- Maintain compliance with corporate accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and internal controls.
- Support internal and external audits by ensuring accurate, complete, and auditable financial records.
- Monitor adherence to established governance frameworks, approval authorities, and financial policies.
- Identify control gaps and implement corrective and preventive actions to mitigate operational and financial risks.
- Complete all required compliance, ethics, and regulatory training requirements within established timelines.
- Promote a strong compliance culture through accountability, transparency, and continuous process improvement.
People Management
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of approximately 10-12 associates, fostering a high-performing and engaged organization.
- Establish clear performance objectives, provide regular feedback, and support career development planning.
- Promote knowledge sharing, collaboration, and best practice adoption across the AR/I2C organization.
- Drive employee engagement initiatives and contribute to a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
- Support organizational change initiatives, system implementations, process transitions, and transformation programs.
- Build strong stakeholder relationships across regional and global functions to ensure effective service delivery and business partnership.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING:
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related discipline.
- Professional qualification such as ACCA, CPA, CIMA, CA, or equivalent is preferred.
- Lean Six Sigma, Process Excellence, or Project Management certifications are an added advantage.
Languages:
- Fluent in written and spoken English (mandatory).
- Fluent in written and spoken Mandarin (mandatory).
- Mandarin proficiency is required to support stakeholders and business operations in APAC countries requiring Mandarin business communication.
Experience:
- 8+ years of progressive experience in Accounts Receivable, Invoice-to-Cash (I2C), Shared Services, Finance Operations, or related Finance functions.
- Previous experience managing Financial Services with close collaboration across Accounts Receivable, Treasury, Finance, Commercial, and OTI functions.
- Proven leadership experience managing teams in a multinational shared services or matrix organization.
- Strong background in credit management, collections, dispute management, cash application, AR reporting, and working capital management.
- Experience leading process improvement, transformation, system implementation, automation, or ERP projects.
- Demonstrated success partnering with senior business stakeholders across multiple countries and cultures.
- Experience in healthcare, medical device, pharmaceutical, or other highly regulated industries is preferred.
Technical Skills:
- Strong SAP knowledge and experience within Accounts Receivable and Finance processes.
- Deep understanding of Invoice-to-Cash processes, receivables management, and financial controls.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and reporting capabilities.
- Experience with receivables management platforms, financial reporting tools, and ERP environments.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and performance management skills.
- Experience driving automation, process standardization, and operational excellence initiatives.
Personal Attributes:
- Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to service excellence.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills across diverse cultures and functions.
- Results-oriented with the ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
- Proactive, adaptable, and resilient when managing business challenges and organizational change.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a global organization.