Associate Manager - Recovery Specialist

Role Purpose
The Recovery / Collections Specialist will be responsible for identification, validation, and recovery of monetary impacts arising from policy deviations, incorrect payouts, or misuse of employee benefits.
The role requires strong attention to detail, rigorous due diligence, and strict adherence to defined processes, ensuring recoveries are handled fairly, accurately, and in compliance with company policies and statutory norms.

Key Responsibilities
1. Recovery & Collections Management
• Identify cases requiring recovery, including:
o Employee leisure travel (SOL) misuse / excess utilization
o Fraudulent claims or policy violations
o Incorrect reimbursements, overpayments, or payroll errors
o Execute end-to-end recovery process, including validation, calculation, communication, and closure.
o Ensure accurate and timely recovery of financial impact in line with organizational policies.

2. Due Diligence & Case Validation
• Perform detailed case investigation and verification prior to initiating recovery actions.
• Review supporting documents, transaction records, approvals, and audit trails.
• Ensure all recoveries are backed by clear evidence and policy alignment.
• Maintain high level of accuracy and zero-error tolerance in financial calculations.

3. Process Adherence & Compliance
• Follow defined SOPs and governance frameworks for all recovery actions.
• Ensure compliance with:
o Internal HR, Payroll, IR, and Benefits policies
o Applicable labour laws and statutory guidelines
o Maintain audit-ready documentation and ensure traceability of all recovery cases.

4. Stakeholder Coordination
• Collaborate with:
o Payroll & Benefits Team for recovery adjustments
o HR Business Partners (HRBPs) for employee communication and alignment
o Finance / Audit Teams for validation and reconciliation
o Handle employee interactions related to recovery with professionalism, transparency, and sensitivity.

5. Communication & Employee Handling
• Communicate recovery details clearly to employees, including:
o Reason for recovery
o Amount and calculation basis
o Recovery timelines and modes
o Address queries and concerns while ensuring policy adherence and fairness.
o Manage sensitive and escalated cases with maturity and neutrality.

6. MIS, Reporting & Controls
• Maintain trackers for recovery cases, status, and closure timelines.
• Generate MIS reports on recoveries, trends, and risk areas.
• Highlight gaps and recommend preventive controls and process improvements.

7. Risk Mitigation & Continuous Improvement
• Identify recurring issues leading to financial leakage and recommend system/process interventions.
• Support strengthening of controls in payroll, reimbursements, and employee benefits.
• Drive continuous improvement and governance enhancements in recovery processes.

Functional & Technical Skills
Functional Expertise
• Recovery & Collections Management
• Audit, Compliance & Risk Assessment
• Financial Reconciliation & Validation
• Employee Handling & Grievance Resolution

Technical Skills
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with high attention to detail
• Expertise in data validation, calculations, and reconciliation
• Proficiency in Excel (advanced), MIS reporting, and tracking tools
• Understanding of employee benefits, reimbursements, and travel policies

Behavioural Competencies
• High integrity, authenticity, and ethical judgment
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy orientation
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and due diligence
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to handle sensitive financial matters with professionalism
• Strong process discipline and compliance mindset

Qualifications & Experience
• Graduate / MBA preferred (Finance / HR / Operations)
• Minimum 6+ years of experience in recovery, collections, or compliance roles
• Proven experience in:
o Handling financial recoveries or audit cases
o Managing policy-driven validations and reconciliations
o Working in SLA-driven and process-oriented environments
o Experience in aviation / large workforce / shared services environment preferred