Assistant Manager

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

This role advances operational excellence within Accounts Payable at Ciena, enabling accurate financial processing and effective stakeholder alignment. It contributes to efficient Procure-to-Pay execution while strengthening compliance and continuous improvement. The position provides an opportunity to influence process transformation and team performance at scale.

How you will make an impact:

• Lead Accounts Payable operations, ensuring timely invoice processing, payments, reconciliations, and month-end close execution

• Drive service delivery performance against SLAs, KPIs, and defined quality standards

• Develop team capability through coaching, mentoring, performance management, and succession planning

• Partner with stakeholders, procurement teams, business units, and vendors to resolve issues and improve satisfaction

• Execute process transformation and automation initiatives in collaboration with project teams

• Ensure compliance with financial controls, company policies, and regulatory requirements while managing risk and escalation

• Analyse operational metrics and lead root cause actions to improve productivity and process effectiveness

The must haves:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Experience: 10+ years of experience in Finance and Accounting operations, including Accounts Payable and Procure-to-Pay processes.

• Experience managing Accounts Payable operations within shared services, captive, or global business services environments

• People leadership experience including team management, performance management, and employee development

• Application of end-to-end Procure-to-Pay processes, Accounts Payable controls, and compliance requirements

• Utilisation of ERP platforms such as Oracle, SAP, or equivalent financial systems

• Analytical problem-solving and decision-making in operational finance environments

Nice to haves:

• Experience supporting process automation initiatives using RPA, workflow tools, or AI-enabled solutions

• Knowledge of SOX compliance, internal controls, and audit requirements

• Exposure to transition and knowledge transfer activities in shared services organizations

• Certification in Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies

• Experience with vendor management and dispute resolution

• Familiarity with data analytics and visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms

• Understanding of upstream Procurement processes and downstream Accounting impacts.
   

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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.

Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.