Accountant - AR Collections

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 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 GL Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including the Preparation of various Management & GL reports & reconciliations during Week / Month / Quarter Close.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Monitor and manage the accounts receivable aging report, identifying delinquent accounts and taking appropriate action to collect outstanding payments.
• Conduct regular follow-ups with customers via Teams, Zoom, email, and other communication channels to resolve payment issues and ensure timely collections.
• Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies or disputes, working closely with the sales and customer service teams to address customer concerns professionally and efficiently.
• Maintain accurate records of all collection activities, including customer interactions, payment commitments, and any necessary adjustments or write-offs/allowances.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to implement process improvements and streamline the accounts receivable collections process.
• Working with the Cash Application Team to share remittance advice after reconciliation.
• Provide regular updates and reports to management on the status of outstanding invoices, collection efforts, and key performance metrics.
• Stay up to date with industry best practices and regulations related to accounts receivable collections, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Assist with other accounting and finance tasks as assigned.
• Preparation of Cash Forecast & anticipated amounts of collection.
• Responsible for the preparation of weekly and monthly AR balance sheet account reconciliations.
• Maintain and distribute various high-level reporting metrics to CIENA management.
• Review of Foreign currency Invoices and correct application of Forex Gain / Losses , If any.
• Understanding of Invoicing to customers based on customer purchase orders, shipping reports, receivable reports, and contracts.
• Understand contract billing terms as they relate to the analysis of the weekly billing reconciliations.
• Timely Reconciliation and resolutions of Issues to be sorted out internally & externally with IT / Projects Team.
• Perform other relevant duties & miscellaneous tasks and projects as requested by management.
• Create documentation for new and/or updated assigned processes and distribute it throughout the team.
• Protects the 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 product development lifecycle.
• · Communication expertise – the ability to influence and tailor your message and ideas in both English and French 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 a proven ability to influence, you’re able to get work done through others.
• · A commitment to innovation – you keep abreast of the market and competitive developments and are always keen to formulate new ideas and problem solve.

The Must Haves:

• Proven experience in accounts receivable collections or a similar role
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with customers and stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Well versed with Microsoft Excel skills, Power BI & Looker.
• Accounting knowledge and experience in Oracle R12 & Fusion
• CA, CFA, CPA, MBA, M.COM. from a reputed college.
• Minimum 7 to 10 years of relevant industry experience

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