Associate Accountant, Accounts Receivable (P1)

Ciena is committed to our people-first philosophy. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a personalized and flexible work environment that empowers an individual’s passions, growth, wellbeing and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

Why Ciena:    

• We are big proponents of life-work integration and provide the flexibility and tools to make it a reality with remote work and potentially, part-time work. 

• We believe an inclusive, diverse and barrier-free work environment makes for empowered and committed employees. 
• We recognize the importance of well-being and offer programs and benefits to support and sustain the mental and physical health of our employees and their families and also offer a variety of paid family leave programs. 
• We are committed to employee development, offering tuition reimbursement and a variety of in-house learning and mentorship opportunities. 
• We know that financial security is important.  We offer competitive salaries and incentive programs, RSU’s (job level specific) and an employee share option purchase program. 
• We realize time away to recharge is non-negotiable.  We offer flexible paid time off! 

• Great work deserves recognition. We have a robust recognition program, with ongoing and enhanced awards for exemplary performance. 

How You Will Contribute:     

The Accounts Receivable Billing Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties which includes invoicing, Customer & PO reconciliation, and customer support. The Accounts Receivable Billing Specialist will work across functions to ensure proper recording and processing for their billing sector.  He / She will have knowledge of local billing requirements and work as a liaison with the applicable Local Accounting Team / Firm to ensure the accuracy of the customer invoice.

Essential duties & Responsibilities:

• Daily invoicing to customers based on customer purchase orders, shipping reports, various Account Receivable reports and contracts.
• Daily communication and coordination with various internal/external departments to verifies validity of account discrepancies by obtaining and investigating information from sales, customer service departments and Customers.
• Ensure Customer invoices meet any Local or Government (statutory) requirements by working closely with Customer, Sales Team and /or Local Accounting Team / Firms.
• Ensure billing and invoicing are completed timely and deadlines are met.
• Perform other relevant duties as requested by Management.
• Performs miscellaneous tasks and projects as assigned by Manager.
• Resolve escalated issues in the A/R department on priority basis.
• Create documentation for new and or updated A/R processes and distribute throughout the team.
• Manages / Complete daily trackers or other reports maintained as a part of AR Process.
• Responsible for SOX compliances & assistance to Internal / Statutory Auditor.
• Summarizes Receivables through AR Aging Report (Invoice Level Outstanding) & Resolves Outstanding Aging issues by examining customer payment plans, payment history, credit line in coordination with collections department.
• Coordination & perform Month End related activities & Customer Account Reconciliations.
• Protects organization's value by keeping information Confidential.

What Does Ciena Expect of You?

• Initiative – you’re a self-starter who works with limited direction and is committed to delivering against aggressive deadlines.
• Agility – you are readily able to make key decisions and manage competing and ever-changing account priorities and largely driven by the software development process.

• Communication expertise – you have the ability to influence and tailor your message and ideas to the audience to ensure understanding and consensus.
• The flexibility to work independently and as part of a broader team – you thrive in a multi-disciplinary team environment, but are comfortable working independently as required.
• Relationship builder – with an ability to influence, you’re able to get work done through others.
• A commitment to innovation – you keeps abreast of the market and competitive developments and are always keen to formulate new ideas and problem solve.

The Must Haves:

• BCOM, BCOM (H) from reputed college.
• 3-5 years of relevant industry experience.
• Previous Experience in A/R Billing, Analysis & Reporting, Issue resolution & Coordination with Collection team.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Accounting knowledge and experience in Oracle R12.
• Be self-directed, problem solver, decision maker & should have excellent initiative and organizational skills.
• Work in a complex environment that is fast paced and demanding.
• Handle multiple demands with a sense of urgency, drive and energy.
• Accepts supervision and displays excellent team player attitude.
• Adapts well to change & Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong Communication (Both Verbal & Written).

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