Lead – Accounts Payable

About ZEISS India

ZEISS is a global leader in Optics and Optoelectronics, shaping technological progress in Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Research. In India, ZEISS operates across Sales & Services, Manufacturing, and our Global Capability Center — combining innovation with operational excellence.

Role Summary

We are looking for an experienced Lead – Accounts Payable to play a key role in transforming ZEISS India’s Accounts Payable (AP) function into a fully digital, efficient, and compliant operation.

This role requires strong subject matter expertise in Accounts Payable and proven experience in Automation, Process Improvement, and ERP transformation (preferably SAP S/4HANA).

The role will actively support the Senior Manager – Accounts Payable, acting as a key driver of change and helping design and implement best-in-class AP processes while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and seamless vendor management.

Key Responsibilities

1. Process Transformation & Automation

• Lead and support automation initiatives within the AP process to enhance speed, accuracy, and compliance.
• Collaborate with IT and Global Teams to implement and optimize SAP S/4HANA functionalities relevant to Accounts Payable.
• Identify process bottlenecks and help design digital workflows for invoice processing, approvals, and payments.
• Deploy and support digital tools such as OCR, RPA, or AI-enabled platforms to minimize manual intervention and improve efficiency.

2. Subject Matter Expertise in Accounts Payable

• Function as a subject matter expert (SME) for all AP-related processes, systems, and compliance requirements.
• Drive standardization and harmonization of AP processes across ZEISS India’s business units – Sales & Services, Manufacturing, and the Global Capability Center.
• Ensure seamless integration of AP processes with Procurement, Treasury, and accounting functions.
• Support in developing and maintaining SOPs, process documentation, and control frameworks in line with ZEISS global finance standards.

3. Operational Excellence & Compliance

• Oversee day-to-day AP operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and completeness in vendor invoice processing and payments.
• Ensure compliance with GST, TDS, and RBI regulations for domestic and foreign payments.
• Maintain strong internal controls and support audits, reconciliations, and risk reviews.

4. Reporting & Analytics

• Prepare and publish MIS reports, dashboards, and analytical insights on AP metrics, vendor aging, and payment performance.
• Use data-driven insights to identify trends, highlight risks, and propose process improvements.
• Support the Senior Manager – AP in defining and monitoring KPIs related to automation, compliance, and efficiency.

5. Collaboration & Change Management

• Work closely with Procurement, IT, Finance, and other business units to drive digital transformation goals.
• Collaborate with vendors to facilitate digital invoicing and payment processes.
• Promote a tech-first, data-driven culture within the AP team through upskilling and adoption of new tools and technologies.

Qualifications & Experience

• MBA in Finance (preferred) or equivalent postgraduate qualification in accounting/finance.
• 5+ years of exclusive experience in Accounts Payable, including at least 2 years in automation or process transformation projects.
• Firsthand experience in SAP (preferably S/4HANA) with exposure to AP process configuration, testing, or implementation.
• Strong understanding of the Indian Tax and Regulatory Framework – GST, TDS, and RBI compliance.
• Working knowledge of digital tools such as Power BI, RPA, OCR, or AI-based finance solutions.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Tech-savvy, process-oriented, and enthusiastic about continuous improvement in financial operations.

Why Join ZEISS India

• Be part of a global innovation leader committed to digital transformation.
• Contribute to building a best-in-class AP function that drives efficiency and compliance.
• Experience a collaborative, high-performance culture with global exposure and growth opportunities.