Accounts Payable Specialist - Payments

Company Description
Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.
Smiths Detection is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.
Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.
This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.
Job Description
Job Purpose
The individual will be a key member of the Smiths Detection Global finance team and will be a part of the finance shared services centre (“SSC”) in India. The role will join us at an exciting, dynamic moment in the function’s maturity. The individual will be responsible for providing various financial supporting services (including accounts payable and related accounting, reporting and controls) to different sections of the Global finance team.
The position requires extensive working knowledge of accounts payable and payment operations, with the ability to independently manage complex activities, solve non‑routine issues, and ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payments across multiple entities. The role operates with limited supervision, supports market finance teams, and provides functional guidance to AP associates to ensure smooth and accurate payment execution.
In addition to individual payment processing responsibilities, the Analyst would be responsible for:
Payment Operations & Financial Control:
Examine payment files to verify accuracy, adherence to financial guidelines, and ensure the timely processing of transactions.
Independently manage end‑to‑end vendor and employee payments in SAP as per the payment run calendar.
Review reconciled balance sheet accounts regularly and identifying and resolving discrepancies to ensure accurate financial reporting.
Review and assess payment forecasts to ensure they align with the organization’s financial goals and cash flow requirements.
Review cash forecasts and monitor payable variances to manage cash flow, identifying and addressing any significant differences. Liaise with Treasury on cash requirements.
Monitor the clearing of advance payments, ensuring they are correctly allocated and reconciled against outstanding balances.
Review bank reconciliations to confirm that the bank statements align with the organization’s financial records, resolving any discrepancies.
Ensure that bank clearing processes are accurate and completed in a timely manner, addressing any issues that arise to maintain financial accuracy.
Review netting reconciliations to verify that the offsetting of payables and receivables is accurate and in compliance with financial policies.
Carefully review invoices to ensure that processing is accurate, payments are made on time, and all transactions comply with financial regulations.
Compile and analyse Key Performance Indicator (KPI) data to track progress, support strategic decisions, and highlight areas for improvement.
Review mailboxes to ensure that responses are made on time.
Prepare and review vendor payment forecasts, comparing actuals versus forecasts and investigating variances.
Payment responsibility as an individual
Responsible for payments to external and internal vendors in SAP as per payment run calendar for entities.
Processing payments for employee expense claims on a periodical basis
Prepare payment forecast related to vendor payments and compare actuals with forecast.
Performing Intercompany reconciliations on a monthly basis as part of month closing
Performing bank clearing activities and also prepare bank reconciliations (as required) on a timely basis.
Operation of all controls in relation to general ledger, including balance sheet reconciliations related to AP area & provide commentary as may be required.
Perform new and complex tasks/postings arising within payments area with minimum instructions.
Support other team members/peers and provide instructions/guidelines to processing team members in order to ensure that business deliverables are completed with efficiency.
Managing supplier queries to ensure that they are resolved timely & efficiently.
Carrying out defined minimum controls around accounts payable process as warranted by divisional control framework.
Providing support for internal and external audit
Implementing divisional system enhancements/ improvements relevant to the accounts payable function.
Any other ad hoc task per business requests.
Provide support for internal and external audits, ensuring completeness and accuracy of documentation.
Qualifications
Technical Knowledge
5–7 years of hands‑on accounts payable experience, with strong focus on payments operations.
Extensive knowledge of AP processes, bank clearing, reconciliations, and payment controls.
Strong SAP skills including use of purchase orders and SAP expense processing.
Qualification B.com/ MBA
Experience from Shared Service Centre environment is highly advantageous.
Should be a self - starter and able to perform all routine work without specific instructions.
Able to communicate clearly in fluent spoken and written English.
Strong Excel skills and Microsoft office programmes.
Additional Information
We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.
At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)

Grade: 07
Employee Group: Permanent
Global Region: Asia Pacific