Ar Specialist

**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.**The Accounts Receivable Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including collections, billing, customer relationship & process improvement areas. The Accounts Receivable Specialist will work across functions including Sales, commercial and accounting to ensure proper recording, processing and timely collection of AR.Analyze problems and issues that arise. Monitor to ensure that monthly reports are completed on a timely basis. Coordinate and work closely with AR team in Mexico, US and India.**Duties And Responsibilities**Primary responsibilities of the Accounts Receivable Specialist includes the below for our CALA regions:- Maintain close relationship with customers in the region, sharing updated aging status with them and addressing their concerns to ensure timely cash collection- Monitor and report collection status to management and Billing team- Ensure billing and invoicing are completed timely and deadlines are met- Review A/R and billing for compliance with finance team policies as well as adherence to SOX controls- Responsible for the review and comprehension of customer contracts and/or purchase orders as it relates to billing structure/payment terns/invoice delivery in collaboration with billing team- Assist with month-end close and coordinate of team deliverables- Perform other relevant duties as requested by management/internal/external audit- Perform account reconciliation research & resolution- Actively participates in continuous operational improvements. Specific activities include, but are not limited to, offering feedback to manager related to new customer projects requiring IT involvement, proactively addressing issues, collaborating with IT team to improve efficiency, working closely with OM and tax team to help facilitate closure to billing issues that may arise.- Review the work of A/R Billing Specialists to ensure accuracy and efficiency- Demonstrate sound decision making and problem-solving abilities- Create documentation for any new A/R functions- Support information technology initiative that link directly with our overall strategic business objectives as an organization.- ** Education, Certification and Training**, **Job Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities**- 5+ years of Accounts Receivable experience- Driven to detailed experience and high-quality error free work, relentless pursuit of excellence- Self-motivated to resolve problems and challenges- Accepts supervision and displays excellent team player attitude- Adapts well to change- Positive, upbeat attitude- Highly organized and able to build efficiency into processes- Ability to supervise others- Accounts Receivable experience required- Knowledge of audit processes preferred- Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities- AA in Accounting or equivalent experience**Abilities And Skills****_Comprehensive knowledge of:_**- A/R analysis and reporting- Invoice creation and management- Experience with Oracle a plus**Proven Skills In**- Communication, both verbal and written (fluent in English required)- Planning and organizing- Decision Making- Problem Solving**Demonstrated Ability To**- Be self-directed, have excellent initiative and organizational skills- Work in an environment that is fast paced and demanding- Handle multiple demands with a sense of urgency, drive and energy- LI-CN**At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard. Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.****If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.