Job Description

Introduction

The Economist Group is the leading source of analysis on international business and world affairs. We deliver our information through a range of media formats, from social media channels, newspapers and magazines in print to conferences and other digital services.

The Economist Group is currently looking for a Billing / Admin Support Executive to be based in Gurugram, India. The role is part of the wider Group Finance department and is responsible for providing support to the various sales teams globally from order to invoice: managing inventory calendar, order entry, contract verification in preparation for invoicing, and invoicing.

Accountabilities

Invoicing

• Carry out pre-billing checks prior to invoice runs, checking for commissions, local taxes, completeness of addresses, etc.
• Produce weekly, monthly and annual invoicing from the Naviga booking and invoicing system for advertising
• Prepare pre-payment invoices when required to gain payment from customers.
• Raise and send invoices in PeopleSoft in accordance to finance schedule for non-advertising products
• Set up future billing installments for larger projects and follow up with project teams on delivery
• Ensure correct product coding for financial reporting
• Set up new customer accounts as needed
• Upload invoices in Salesforce when required and add any additional information in Salesforce that can facilitate resolving of future queries
• Raising credit notes and ensure that correct documentation and approval has been obtained according to company policy.

Order processing

- Assist with approval process in OperativeOne for online orders

- Receive advertising orders and checking that all necessary backing documents have been provided by the sales team

- Process and prioritise advertising orders according to strict deadlines

- Accurately entering the order details into Naviga

- Clarify any ambiguity, and liaise with the Ad Production and Ad Operations teams to ensure successful delivery, invoicing and revenue reporting.

- Handle queries arising from order input

Salesforce order verification process

• Reviewing opportunities in Salesforce to ensure that they are complete and accurately reflect the contracts for billing and revenue recognition purposes
• Approving opportunities and generating invoice instructions for Billing team
• Liaising with the FPI team and the finance team to generate correct product codes
• Assist with credit and rebill matters: reopening opportunities and updating information
• Assist in guiding Sales teams from contract signing to invoicing
• Liaise with Sales, Finance and Billing teams to facilitate the Salesforce process

Other duties

• Assist in keeping the customer database up to date and clean, and participate in data cleansing when required.
• Assist with system testing as required
• Assist or provide cover for other team members as necessary.
• Other tasks as required by the Sales Support Manager and the wider global finance team

Experience, skills and professional attributes

Education and training

• Demonstrate solid numeric skills is essential
• Interest in business, finance or accountancy

Previous work experience

• Demonstrate previous experience from a similar admin or support role
• Experience of database/data entry to high level of accuracy
• Experience of working in a multi-currency support function
• Experience with Salesforce and Peoplesoft packages an advantage

Knowledge

• Numerate - comfortable working with numbers
• Basic data analysis and understanding of data quality
• Knowledge of Google applications and Microsoft Office (Excel)
• Knowledge of Salesforce an advantage
• Fluent in English

Personal attributes & skills

• Team player
• Attention to detail
• Organised and methodical
• Service minded
• Process driven
• Proactive, responsive, taking ownership
• Good interpersonal & communication skills
• Strong, conscientious work ethic