We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Accountant Accounts Payable team, focusing on Quality Audit from a Tax and Compliance perspective. The ideal candidate will be a Chartered Accountant (CA) or Cost Accountant (CMA) with significant experience in the manufacturing or semiconductor industry. This role requires a strong analytical mindset, advanced Excel skills, and a passion for automation and AI-driven process improvements.

Key Responsibilities:

- Process Implementation & Controls: Establish and maintain robust processes, policies, and controls for the AP function, ensuring compliance with India taxation laws (TDS, GST).

- Quality Assurance: Conduct quality audits of invoice processing, validate invoices against checklists, identify mismatches, and resolve discrepancies efficiently.

- Automation & AI Solutions: Drive automation initiatives using AI tools (e.g., AppZen, Copilot) to enhance invoice validation, fraud detection, and workflow automation.

- Team Leadership: Manage and inspire a high-performing team, conduct regular reviews and appraisals, and provide guidance as a subject matter expert.

- Audit Support: Coordinate with controllership teams and support external/internal audits, ensuring timely and accurate financial data and documentation.

- Stakeholder Management: Interface with internal auditors, SOX compliance teams, and external auditors.

- ERP & Reporting: Demonstrate hands-on experience with Oracle ERP systems and advanced MS Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Visio).

- Analytical Excellence: Analyze trends in invoice discrepancies, optimize payment cycles, and improve vendor performance metrics.

- Continuous Improvement: Adapt quickly to changes, manage ad-hoc requests, and proactively seek opportunities to learn and implement best practices.

Tax Compliance:

- TDS Applicability: Analyze and determine the nature of expenses and assess TDS applicability accurately.

- TDS Compliance: Conclude appropriate TDS sections and rates for supplier invoices with hands-on expertise.

- Knowledge of LWT/LDC Rules: Ensure proper application of Lower Withholding Tax (LWT) and Lower Deduction Certificate (LDC) rules.

- GST Validation & Compliance: Validate GST applicability and verify correctness of CGST, SGST, and IGST under diverse scenarios such as FTWZ, Bill of Supplies, SEZ invoices, Bond-to-Bond sales, and deemed exports.

- A1/A2 Payments: Apply prior knowledge of A1/A2 payments, including TDS and GST implications.

- STPI & SEZ Compliance: Maintain familiarity with GST compliance and procedures for STPI and SEZ units.

Qualifications & Requirements:

- Chartered Accountant (CA) or Cost Accountant (CMA) qualification.

- Bachelors degree in Finance or Accounting.

- 8+ years of relevant experience, preferably in manufacturing or semiconductor industries.

- Experience with Big 4 or Public Accounting Firm is an advantage.

- Proven track record in implementing scalable AP solutions and AI-driven automation.

- Advanced proficiency in Excel and other MS Office applications (PowerPoint, Visio).

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

- Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

- Experience managing teams and driving high performance.