Manager - Financial Operations

Job Purpose: Lead and manage the full accounts receivable and billing lifecycle within the Utilities Finance department. Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will ensure accurate and timely invoicing, revenue recognition, and effective collections to optimize cash flow. Additionally, you will drive process improvements, implement automation initiatives, and maintain strict compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls. Job Requirements: AR & Billing Operations: Lead end-to-end billing processes, finalize end-user agreements, collaborate with operations to ensure completeness and accuracy of consumption data, generate and submit final bills to clients, reconcile payments and close invoices in SAP ERP. Manage Collections & Credit Risk: Monitor aging reports and identify delinquent accounts, negotiate payment arrangements with overdue customers, escalate unresolved cases promptly, collaborate with stakeholders to define and implement optimal credit policies. Ensure Compliance & Controls: Maintain robust internal controls and ensure adherence to regulatory frameworks specific to utilities, support internal and external audits, implement policies and procedures to safeguard receivables. Reporting & Analysis: Prepare and present AR KPIs, provide actionable insights to senior leadership for decision-making. Process Improvement & Technology Optimization: Identify process inefficiencies and recommend improvements, drive automation initiatives to enhance accuracy and efficiency, optimize systems for billing and collections processes. Qualifications & Experience: Bachelor degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (MBA or CPA is a plus). 8+ years in AR, billing, credit or collections; minimum 3-5 years in a managerial role. Knowledge of GAAP, receivables internal controls, and regulatory requirements. ERP proficiency with ERP system SAP, Oracle & experience with CRM systems. Strong team building and mentoring abilities. Excellent communication and negotiation skills for interactions with customers & internal stakeholders. Experience in the utilities sector. Analytical skills with Excel, data visualization & reporting tools.