Account-to-Report Subject Matter Expert

The Account to Report (A2R) Subject Matter Expert (SME) serves as the functional expert and trusted advisor for Account-to-Report processes. The role is responsible for providing operational support, technical guidance, governance, process standardization, continuous improvement, and stakeholder management across the A2R tower. The SME acts as an escalation point for complex accounting transactions and process issues, supports transition and transformation initiatives, and ensures compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and company policies.

The role provides coaching, training, and knowledge-sharing to team members while collaborating closely with operations, business units, internal/external auditors, and global process owners to drive operational excellence and service delivery objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Provide expert support in A2R operations, including review and approval of journal entries, reconciliations, reports, and accounting transactions involving complex accounting scenarios.

• Serve as the primary escalation point for process-related issues, accounting inquiries, and exception handling to ensure timely resolution and minimal business disruption.

• Support newly migrated entities, stabilize transitioned processes, and provide functional expertise during transition, migration, and transformation activities.

• Ensure all transactions, reconciliations, and reports are completed accurately and in compliance with GAAP, IFRS (where applicable), company accounting policies, and internal control requirements.

• Perform in-depth root cause analysis for recurring issues, identify process gaps, and implement sustainable corrective and preventive action plans.

• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives, automation projects, and standardization efforts to improve efficiency, quality, controls, and service delivery metrics.

• Monitor operational KPIs, SLAs, and quality metrics, identify trends, and recommend actions to drive performance improvements.

• Perform internal control reviews and ensure documentation complies with iPace, SOX, and company control requirements, where applicable.

• Coordinate and act as a key point of contact for internal and external audit requests, ensuring timely submission of audit requirements and closure of audit findings.

• Review, update, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), process maps, desktop procedures, and knowledge management documents to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Deliver process training, mentoring, coaching, and knowledge transfer sessions to team members and newly onboarded resources.

• Partner with stakeholders, business units, and cross-functional teams to resolve operational challenges and drive process improvements.

• Participate in month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing activities to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.

• Support system enhancements, testing activities (UAT), and process change implementations impacting A2R operations.

• Actively contribute to the overall management, strategic initiatives, and development of the A2R/R2R Tower to support achievement of organizational goals and objectives.

• Support business continuity plans and provide operational coverage during critical periods, transitions, and resource constraints.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accountancy, Accounting, or a related Finance discipline.

• CPA designation is preferred but not required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5–8 years of progressive experience in Record-to-Report (R2R)/Account-to-Report (A2R) processes within a Shared Services, Global Business Services, or BPO environment.

• Demonstrated experience in process migration, transition management, stabilization, and process transformation initiatives.

• Proven track record in process improvement, stakeholder management, issue resolution, and operational excellence projects.

Functional Expertise:

Strong working knowledge and hands-on experience in:

• General Ledger Accounting

• Account Reconciliations

• Intercompany Accounting

• Fixed Assets Accounting

• Lease Accounting

• Month-End and Year-End Close

• Financial Reporting and Consolidation

• Journal Entry Preparation and Review

• Balance Sheet Substantiation

• Variance Analysis

• Internal Controls and Compliance

Technical Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

• Working knowledge of SQL, VBA/Macros, Power BI, and data analytics tools.

• Experience with SAP ERP (S/4HANA experience preferred).

• Familiarity with automation and continuous improvement tools (e.g., Power Apps, BlackLine, or similar systems) is an advantage.

Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English.

• Ability to influence stakeholders and work effectively across multiple functions and geographies.

• Strong project management and organizational skills.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Experience leading trainings, mentoring team members, and driving knowledge-sharing initiatives.

• Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated success in crisis management, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement.