Job Description

Description
Senior Finance Specialist - R2R
Location: Chennai, India
Required Language: English
Employment Type: Full-Time
Seniority Level: Associate
Travel Mode: Moderate
About Us:
Buckman is a privately held, global specialty chemical company with headquarters in Memphis, TN, USA, committed to safeguarding the environment, maintaining safety in the workplace, and promoting sustainable development. Buckman works proactively and collaboratively with its worldwide customers in pulp, paper, leather, and water treatment to deliver exceptional service and innovative specialty chemical solutions to help boost productivity, reduce risk, improve product quality, and provide a measurable return on investment. Buckman is in the middle of a digital transformation of its businesses and is focused on building the capabilities and tools in support of this.
Purpose:
The General Accounting Senior Specialist ensures accurate and timely financial accounting by maintaining the general ledger, preparing reconciliations and journal entries, and supporting month-end/year-end close. The role is critical to compliance, audit readiness, and providing reliable financial data for decision-making.
Qualifications & Experience:

• 7-9 years of relevant professional experience preferred.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Semi-qualified or fully qualified Cost Accountants or Chartered Accountants are highly preferred
• Familiarity with ERP systems, especially SAP.
• Experience with online platforms for GST, TDS, VAT, WHT, and ROC return filings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel.

1.Timely and Accurate accounting closes

• Manage close calendar with clear deadlines and ownership.
• Ensure all journal entries, accruals, and adjustments are posted accurately and on time.
• Perform reconciliation of all balance sheet items.
• Match subledger balances with the general ledger and resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS/GAAP and internal policies.
• Flag and investigate unusual transactions.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams for data alignment.
• Lead accruals for unbilled expenses (e.g., utilities, payroll).
• Validate and post adjustments for prepaid expenses, depreciation, amortization, and inventory variances.
• Ensure proper cut-off procedures for revenue and expense recognition.
• Book and reconcile intercompany service invoices.
• Upload and validate MIS reports (GROW), including cash budgeting, FCF forecast, GRN, inventory in transit, and consumption reports.
• Prepare monthly GL reconciliation reports (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cashflow, DWC, Expense Report).

2. Balance Sheet Integrity and Reconciliations

• Prepare monthly reconciliations for all GL accounts.
• Match balances with supporting documentation.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Maintain audit trails and certify reconciliations in system trackers.
• Review and approve reconciliations performed by junior staff.
• Escalate aged or unusual balances.
• Collaborate with AP, AR, Payroll, Tax, and Treasury teams.
• Standardize reconciliation templates across regions.
• Continuously review and improve reconciliation policies.

3. Financial Reporting

• Review trial balances and generate financial statements (P&L, BS, CF).
• Ensure accurate subledger to GL postings.
• Perform variance and analytical reviews against budgets and prior periods.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS/GAAP/local GAAP.
• Collaborate with FP&A, Tax, Treasury, and Controllers for reporting accuracy.
• Drive process improvements to reduce reporting cycle time.

4. System and Data Integrity

• Monitor and resolve subledger to GL interface errors.
• Reconcile subledger and GL balances regularly.
• Maintain accurate master data (Chart of Accounts, cost centers).
• Enforce access controls and segregation of duties.
• Document corrective actions and standardize system checks.

5. Audit and Compliance Support

• Prepare audit schedules and documentation.
• Respond to internal and external audit queries.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements.
• Lead remediation efforts for audit findings related to close activities.

6. Performance Monitoring and Process Optimization

• Deliver accurate dashboard reporting of team performance.
• Conduct root cause analysis on close delays and discrepancies.
• Map and document current R2R workflows.
• Implement automation using SAP scripting, Power Automate, QLIK dashboards.
• Standardize templates and reporting formats.
• Participate in Kaizen/Lean workshops for process redesign.
• Track and report KPIs (e.g., close cycle time, reconciliation backlog, automation ROI).

Skills Required