HARSHA NEELAKANT
Bangalore
Summary
Results-driven Subject Matter Expert (OTC) and Collections Specialist with 6+ years of experience in Accounts Receivable, Collections, Credits, and OTC process improvements. Proven track record in leading teams, driving automation, and collaborating with Agile teams to enhance Zuora billing flows, reduce DSO, and improve cash collections.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Subject Matter Expert (OTC)
Azuga Inc (A Bridgestone Company)
07.2025 - Current
- Lead a team handling Collections and Churn processes, improving customer retention and reducing revenue leakage
- Spearhead multiple automation projects to streamline OTC workflows, reduce manual effort, and improve allocation accuracy
- Create and refine detailed user stories, perform UAT, and validate system enhancements in Zuora
- Collaborate with Scrum Master, testers, and engineering teams; actively participate in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and backlog refinement
- Manage suspense/unapplied payments and intercompany transfers, coordinate with treasury for accurate cash application
- Perform ageing analysis, weekly top-account reviews, and forecasting to meet monthly cash targets
- Drive paperless billing and Direct Debit projects to improve invoice-to-cash cycles
- Mentor and train junior staff; ensure SOP adherence and support process improvement initiatives
AR Specialist – Collection
Azuga Inc (Bridgestone Company)
03.2022 - 06.2025
- Managed accounts receivable processes to ensure timely collections and accurate reporting.
- Reconciled customer accounts, resolving discrepancies promptly to maintain positive relationships.
- Processed invoices and credit memos using ERP systems for streamlined financial operations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve billing accuracy and reduce errors.
- Monitored cash application processes, ensuring alignment with company policies and procedures.
- Analyzed trends in payment patterns and customer behavior, identifying opportunities for process enhancements that would improve overall AR performance.
- Increased customer satisfaction levels by promptly addressing inquiries regarding billing issues or adjustments needed on their accounts.
- Coordinated with external collections agencies when necessary, ensuring seamless handoff of delinquent accounts while protecting company interests at all times.
- Analyzed, prepared, and issued chargeback notices for payment to prevent third-party collection agency involvement.
- Improved accounts receivable efficiency by streamlining payment processing and invoice management.
- Processed tax exempt certificates, coupons, and vendor credit inquiries.
- Reviewed accounts on monthly basis to assess aging and pursue collection of funds.
Client Financial Analyst
Cerner Corporation
01.2020 - 03.2022
- Reviewed open accounts from daily ageing reports and executed timely collection activities
- Performed account reconciliations, processed refunds/adjustments, and resolved client-billing disputes
- Coordinated with Sales/Operations for escalations and unapplied credit cleanup
- Maintained daily/weekly trackers and consistently met quarterly collection targets
- Acted as liaison across Customer, Sales, Billing, and Operations to ensure compliance with SOPs
Process Associate
Gallagher Service Centre LLP
04.2018 - 11.2019
- Analysed insurance policy renewals to ensure accurate automatic renewals
- Audited client-submitted data and evaluated financial information for policy processing
- Ensured quality checks and prepared final reports for clients
Education
Business Analyst Certification -
Techcanvass Academy
Mumbai01.2024
BBA - Finance
Mallamma Marimallappa Science & BBM College
Mysore01.2014
12th - undefined
Marimallappa PU College
Mysore01.2010
SSLC - undefined
Bantwal Madhava Shenoy High School
Mysore01.2008
Skills
- Aging Report Analysis
- Collections & Churn Management
- Reconciliation & AR Cleanup
- Automation Initiatives
- Training and mentoring
- Strong analytical skills
- Time management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Process improvement
- Team Leadership & Training
- Salesforce
- NetSuite
- PeopleSoft
Timeline
Subject Matter Expert (OTC)
Azuga Inc (A Bridgestone Company)
07.2025 - Current
AR Specialist – Collection
Azuga Inc (Bridgestone Company)
03.2022 - 06.2025
Client Financial Analyst
Cerner Corporation
01.2020 - 03.2022
Process Associate
Gallagher Service Centre LLP
04.2018 - 11.2019
BBA - Finance
Mallamma Marimallappa Science & BBM College
12th - undefined
Marimallappa PU College
SSLC - undefined
Bantwal Madhava Shenoy High School
Business Analyst Certification -
Techcanvass Academy