Company Overview
[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]
Role Overview
[$COMPANY_NAME] is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Manager to lead and optimize our end-to-end accounts payable function. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will own AP operational management, internal controls, vendor relationships, and automation initiatives to ensure timely, accurate supplier payments and compliance with corporate policy and external regulations. This role is ideal for a leader with strong ERP expertise, SOX controls experience, and a proven track record of improving AP KPIs through process redesign and technology.
Responsibilities
- Lead a cross-functional AP team (direct reports 3-8), including hiring, performance management, mentoring, and career development.
- Manage day-to-day AP operations: invoice receipt and validation, three-way matching, PO/non-PO processing, payment runs (ACH, wire, check), and vendor reconciliations.
- Own month-end close activities related to accounts payable: accruals, aging analysis, accounts reconciliations, and variance explanations to meet financial close deadlines.
- Design, document, and enforce internal controls and SOX-compliant processes for AP; lead control testing and remediation with Internal Audit and external auditors.
- Drive AP automation and continuous improvement initiatives: invoice OCR/PO matching, RPA for high-volume tasks, supplier portal rollouts, and eInvoicing to reduce manual touchpoints and DPO where appropriate.
- Partner with Treasury to manage payment timing, cash forecasting inputs, and fraud prevention measures (positive pay, ACH/Wire controls, segregation of duties).
- Manage vendor relationships and dispute resolution processes; negotiate payment terms and early payment/discount programs in coordination with Procurement.
- Develop and track AP KPIs (DSO/DPO, invoice cycle time, payment accuracy, exception rate) and deliver monthly/quarterly dashboards to Finance leadership.
- Own policy updates, SOPs, and training programs to scale AP best practices across global/local teams and shared services.
- Collaborate with IT/ERP teams on AP system configuration, upgrades, integrations (ERP, TMS, P2P), and data migration projects.
Required and Preferred Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of progressive AP experience with at least 2 years in a people-manager role leading AP teams or shared-service operations.
- Hands-on experience with ERP systems (NetSuite, Oracle EBS, SAP S/4HANA, or similar) and AP automation tools.
- Strong knowledge of US GAAP, AP accounting, month-end close procedures, and vendor management.
- Proven experience implementing AP process improvements and working with internal/external auditors on SOX controls.
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Power Query) and experience with BI/reporting tools (Tableau, Power BI) for KPI reporting.
- Excellent communication skills with ability to present metrics and remediation plans to senior finance stakeholders.
Preferred:
- Experience with multinational payables operations and cross-border payments (SWIFT, FX implications, VAT/GST considerations).
- Familiarity with P2P platforms (Coupa, Ariba), invoice OCR/AI solutions, and RPA tooling (UiPath, Automation Anywhere).
- Certifications such as CPA, CMA, or Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP).
- Experience managing transitions to shared services or third-party managed services.
Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies
- ERP platforms: NetSuite, Oracle EBS, SAP S/4HANA (configuration and reporting).
- AP automation: OCR/eInvoicing, supplier portals, P2P platforms (Coupa, Ariba).
- Payments: ACH, wire, card, SWIFT; treasury system integration experience preferred.
- Analytical and reporting tools: Excel (advanced), Power BI, Tableau, SQL for data validation and KPI dashboards.
- Workflow and RPA tools: UiPath, Automation Anywhere, or equivalent for process automation.
Soft Skills and Cultural Fit
- Proven leader with a track record of developing high-performing teams and driving cross-functional change.
- Detail-oriented with strong process discipline and commitment to compliance and auditability.
- Data-driven decision maker capable of translating metrics into actionable improvement plans.
- Effective stakeholder manager: collaborates with Procurement, Treasury, Tax, Legal, and IT to align on risk, cost, and operational objectives.
- Comfortable leading projects and presenting to senior leadership; pragmatic, results-focused, and resilient under month-end pressure.
Benefits and Perks
Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]. Total compensation includes base salary, performance-based bonus eligibility, and equity where applicable. Benefits include medical/dental/vision plans, 401(k) with company match, paid parental leave, flexible PTO, professional development stipend, commuter or parking subsidies for office days, and company-sponsored wellness programs.
Equal Opportunity Statement
[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
Location
This is a hybrid position based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. A successful candidate will be expected to work on-site at least three days per week to support cross-functional collaboration, month-end close activities, and vendor meetings. For candidates outside the immediate area, relocation assistance may be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Application Instructions
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your AP transformation experience and leadership approach. Applications that clearly demonstrate alignment with the listed qualifications will be prioritized.