Senior Accounts Payable – Shipping CompanyJob Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Accounts Payable professional to manage and oversee the company’s accounts payable operations within the shipping and logistics environment. The role will be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices, payments, reconciliations, and financial records while maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
The ideal candidate should have strong knowledge of accounts payable processes, excellent attention to detail, and experience handling high-volume invoices, preferably within the shipping, logistics, freight forwarding, or transportation industry.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the end-to-end accounts payable process, including invoice receipt, verification, coding, approval, and payment.
- Process high volumes of invoices related to shipping, freight, transportation, port charges, customs, logistics services, and other operational expenses.
- Verify invoices against purchase orders, contracts, delivery documents, and supporting approvals.
- Review and reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies promptly.
- Coordinate with procurement, operations, warehouse, shipping, and finance teams to ensure timely invoice approvals.
- Prepare payment runs and ensure payments are processed accurately and within agreed payment terms.
- Maintain accurate vendor master data and ensure appropriate documentation is available for all transactions.
- Monitor outstanding invoices, aging reports, and overdue payments.
- Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies, duplicate invoices, credit notes, and payment issues.
- Perform monthly AP reconciliations and assist with month-end and year-end closing activities.
- Accurately record accruals and outstanding liabilities relating to shipping and operational expenses.
- Assist with bank, vendor, and general ledger reconciliations as required.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, tax requirements, and internal controls.
- Support internal and external audits by providing required schedules and documentation.
- Prepare regular AP reports and provide management with information on outstanding liabilities and payment status.
- Identify opportunities to improve AP processes, reduce errors, and increase efficiency.
- Mentor and support junior accounts payable team members.
Shipping Industry Responsibilities
- Review and process invoices from shipping lines, freight forwarders, transporters, port operators, customs agents, warehouses, and other logistics service providers.
- Validate freight, demurrage, detention, handling, documentation, port, terminal, and other shipping-related charges.
- Coordinate with operations teams to verify shipment-related costs and supporting documents.
- Reconcile supplier invoices with shipment records, bills of lading, purchase orders, and service agreements.
- Monitor vendor balances and resolve disputes relating to freight and logistics charges.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in Accounts Payable, preferably within shipping, logistics, freight forwarding, transportation, or a related industry.
- Strong understanding of accounting principles and AP processes.
- Experience handling high-volume invoice processing and vendor reconciliations.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and basic financial reporting.
- Experience with ERP/accounting systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, or similar.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to manage deadlines and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Good communication and vendor-management skills.
Key Competencies
- Accounts Payable & Invoice Management
- ZOHO Books
- Bank Reconciliation
- Vendor Reconciliation
- Payment Processing
- Shipping & Logistics Accounting
- Month-End Closing
- Accruals & Expense Recognition
- ERP Systems
- Financial Reporting
- Internal Controls
- Problem Solving
- Team Coordination
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Invoice processing accuracy
- Timely invoice and payment processing
- Vendor reconciliation accuracy
- Reduction in invoice discrepancies and duplicate payments
- Timely resolution of vendor queries
- Compliance with payment terms and internal controls
- Successful completion of month-end AP closing
- Process efficiency and automation improvements
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: ₹30,000.00 - ₹45,000.00 per month
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Provident Fund
Education:
Experience:
- total work: 3 years (Preferred)
- Accounting software: 3 years (Required)
- QuickBooks: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
