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6 Accounts Payable Supervisor Job Description Templates and Examples

Accounts Payable Supervisors oversee the accounts payable department, ensuring that all invoices are processed accurately and timely. They manage a team of clerks or specialists, handle escalations, and ensure compliance with company policies and financial regulations. At junior levels, roles focus on processing invoices and maintaining records, while supervisors and managers are responsible for team leadership, process improvements, and strategic planning.

1. Accounts Payable Clerk Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

[$COMPANY_NAME] is seeking an organized, detail-oriented Accounts Payable Clerk to join our Finance & Accounting team in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. This role is an individual contributor position focused on accurate, timely processing of vendor invoices, maintenance of payables records, and supporting month-end close processes. The successful candidate will implement and follow standardized accounts payable procedures, use accounting systems to reconcile transactions, and contribute to process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and internal control.

Responsibilities

  • Process end-to-end accounts payable activities: invoice receipt, three-way matching (PO–receipt–invoice), coding, and data entry into the ERP system (e.g., NetSuite, Oracle, SAP, QuickBooks)
  • Prepare, validate, and schedule vendor payments (ACH, wire, check) according to payment terms while maintaining cash flow awareness
  • Reconcile vendor statements, resolve discrepancies, and communicate professionally with vendors to close outstanding items
  • Support month-end close: prepare AP accruals, aged payables reports, and journal entries; provide supporting documentation for audits
  • Maintain AP master data: vendor setup, W-9 collection, 1099 reporting support, and ensuring segregation of duties and SOX-ready controls where applicable
  • Operate within the accounts payable workflow automation tools and document management systems; tag and archive supporting invoices and approvals
  • Identify and escalate exceptions, duplicate payments, and invoice disputes; conduct root-cause analysis and propose corrective actions
  • Collaborate with procurement, receiving, and other cross-functional teams to resolve invoice routing and approval issues
  • Contribute to process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and small automation projects to improve cycle time and accuracy

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • 1+ years of hands-on accounts payable or general accounting experience in a corporate finance or shared services environment
  • Proficiency with Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables) and comfort learning ERP systems (NetSuite, Oracle, SAP, Dynamics, QuickBooks)
  • Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail; demonstrated ability to reconcile accounts and resolve discrepancies
  • Solid understanding of basic accounting principles (GAAP) and accounts payable lifecycle
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for vendor interactions and internal stakeholders

Preferred:

  • Experience with AP automation platforms (AvidXchange, Tipalti, Bill.com, Coupa) and OCR invoice capture tools
  • Prior exposure to 1099 reporting, sales/use tax considerations, or SOX/compliance environments
  • Associate degree or certificate in accounting, bookkeeping, or related field
  • Prior experience in high-volume payables, multi-currency transactions, or international vendor payments

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • ERP and accounting software: NetSuite, Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, QuickBooks (experience with one or more preferred)
  • AP automation and invoice capture: Bill.com, Tipalti, AvidXchange, Stampli, Coupa
  • Payment rails and treasury basics: ACH, domestic and international wire, virtual card programs
  • Microsoft Excel advanced functions: VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, pivot tables, conditional formatting
  • Document management and workflow tools: SharePoint, Concur, DocuSign, Google Drive
  • Basic SQL or data extraction experience is a plus for reporting and reconciliations

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Process-oriented mindset with a focus on accuracy, timeliness, and internal control
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload in a high-volume environment
  • Professional vendor-facing communication; ability to negotiate payment terms and resolve disputes tactfully
  • Collaborative team member who documents processes, shares knowledge, and supports continuous improvement
  • Demonstrated adaptability to change and willingness to adopt new finance systems and automation
  • Integrity and discretion when handling confidential financial information

Benefits and Perks

Salary: [$SALARY_RANGE]

We offer a competitive benefits package including:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement plan with employer match (401(k) or local equivalent)
  • Paid time off and paid holidays; flexible time-off policies
  • Professional development stipend and paid training/certifications
  • Commuter benefits, wellness programs, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Opportunities for cross-functional growth within finance, treasury, and accounting teams

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at all levels of the organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. We encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply.

Location

This is a hybrid position based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. A successful candidate will be expected to work from the office at least three days per week to support cross-functional collaboration and finance close activities.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your accounts payable experience and why you are interested in this role.

2. Accounts Payable Specialist Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

[$COMPANY_NAME] is seeking a detail-oriented Accounts Payable Specialist to manage end-to-end invoice processing, vendor payment execution, and month-end AP close activities. This role requires strong technical proficiency with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, AP automation platforms, and payment rails. The ideal candidate will continuously optimize AP workflows, maintain controls and compliance, and partner with procurement, treasury, and tax teams to drive predictable cashflow and accurate financial reporting.

Responsibilities

  • Execute full-cycle accounts payable: invoice receipt, validation, three-way matching, coding, approval routing, and payment processing across domestic and international vendors
  • Operate and optimize AP automation tools (OCR/ICR capture, automated matching, exception routing) to increase straight-through processing rates and reduce manual touchpoints
  • Manage vendor onboarding and maintenance processes, including W-9/Tax ID verification, payment term negotiation, and bank account validation
  • Prepare and execute electronic payments (ACH, SEPA, wire transfers, RTP) and coordinate check runs with treasury and banking partners
  • Reconcile AP subledger to general ledger monthly; investigate and resolve aged payables, unapplied credits, and payment discrepancies
  • Support month-end and quarter-end close deliverables: accruals, cut-off testing, account reconciliations, and AP-related journal entries
  • Maintain and improve internal controls, SOX-compliant processes, and audit-ready documentation for AP activities
  • Partner with procurement, legal, and tax to resolve contract/coding issues, tax withholding, and VAT/GST queries
  • Develop operational KPIs (days payable outstanding, invoice cycle time, automation rate) and deliver regular reporting to Finance leadership
  • Mentor junior AP staff, participate in continuous improvement initiatives, and document standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or equivalent practical experience, or 3+ years in accounts payable or shared services roles
  • Hands-on experience with ERP systems such as Oracle, SAP, NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics for AP transactions
  • Proficiency with AP automation platforms (e.g., Tipalti, Bill.com, Coupa, Basware) and optical character recognition (OCR) tools
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, pivot tables) and comfort writing basic SQL queries for reconciliations and data extracts
  • Practical knowledge of payment rails (ACH, wire, SWIFT), vendor banking, and multi-currency settlements
  • Strong understanding of internal controls, SOX, and audit processes
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proven ability to collaborate across finance and cross-functional teams

Preferred:

  • Experience in high-volume AP environments or corporate shared services/scaled finance organizations
  • Familiarity with tax withholding, VAT/GST filing impacts on payables, or vendor tax classification
  • Certifications such as Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP), CPA, or accounting certification a plus
  • Prior exposure to ERP implementations, data migrations, or AP transformation projects

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • ERP platforms: Oracle E-Business Suite, SAP S/4HANA, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics
  • AP automation & procure-to-pay: Coupa, Ariba, Basware, Tipalti, Bill.com
  • Payment platforms: ACH, SEPA, SWIFT, RTP, virtual card programs
  • Data and reporting: Advanced Excel, SQL, Power Query, Power BI or Tableau for AP analytics
  • Document capture & workflow: OCR/ICR engines, Kofax, ABBYY, DocuSign integrations
  • General ledger and reconciliation tools; familiarity with bank connectivity and payment gateway integrations

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Process-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset and a track record of implementing efficiency gains
  • High ownership and accountability for accuracy under tight month-end deadlines
  • Ability to lead small cross-functional projects, write clear SOPs, and deliver stakeholder-facing reports
  • Comfort navigating ambiguity and influencing peers without direct authority
  • Commitment to inclusive collaboration and respect for diverse perspectives in problem solving

Benefits and Perks

Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) plan with company match or pension contribution where applicable
  • Generous paid time off, paid parental leave, and paid volunteer days
  • Professional development stipend, certification reimbursement, and internal mobility programs
  • Commuter benefits, flexible spending accounts (FSA/HSA), and wellness programs
  • Equity or long-term incentive opportunities for eligible roles

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Location

This is a hybrid position based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. A successful candidate will be expected to work from the office at least three days per week to support cross-functional collaboration, month-end close activities, and vendor/invoice processing cycles. Reasonable accommodations will be considered.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your AP experience and the ERP/AP automation platforms you have operated. Only complete applications will be considered.

3. Accounts Payable Coordinator Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

[$COMPANY_NAME] is hiring an Accounts Payable Coordinator to manage end-to-end accounts payable operations, enforce internal controls, and optimize invoice-to-payment workflows. In this role you'll own invoice processing, vendor statement reconciliation, payment execution, and AP aging analysis while partnering cross-functionally with Procurement, Treasury, and Finance Operations to improve cycle times and reduce risk. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented financial operations professional with strong ERP experience and process-improvement instincts based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION].

Responsibilities

  • Process, code, and validate invoices across multiple systems (ERP, AP portals, P-Card) ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policy and SOX control requirements
  • Perform three-way matching (PO, invoice, receipt) and research/resolve exceptions to maintain low invoice exception rates
  • Execute vendor payments (ACH, wire, check), including payment runs, check runs, and payment file generation in Treasury/ERP systems
  • Reconcile vendor accounts and statements monthly; investigate and clear unmatched items, deductions, and unapplied credits
  • Maintain AP subledger integrity: post journal entries, assist with month-end close tasks, and prepare supporting schedules for external audit
  • Manage vendor onboarding and maintenance: W-9 collection, vendor master updates, tax classification, and duplicate/vendor controls
  • Respond to vendor inquiries and build strong vendor relationships to improve payment accuracy and dispute resolution times
  • Develop, document, and continuously improve AP processes, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and internal control checklists
  • Partner with cross-functional teams (Procurement, Treasury, Tax) to implement process improvements, automation projects (OCR, AP automation), and maintain compliance
  • Provide ad-hoc reporting and KPI tracking: DPO, AP aging buckets, invoice cycle time, and payment error rates

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • 2+ years of hands-on accounts payable or financial operations experience in a high-volume environment
  • Proven experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Workday Financials) and AP modules
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, pivot tables, conditional formatting) and comfort with CSV file manipulation
  • Strong knowledge of accounts payable procedures: invoice matching, accruals, vendor reconciliation, and payment lifecycle
  • High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to prioritize in a deadline-driven month-end cadence
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective vendor and stakeholder interactions

Preferred:

  • Experience with AP automation tools (Tipalti, Bill.com, Stampli) and OCR/AI invoice capture solutions
  • Familiarity with Treasury processes and payment file formats (ACH, SEPA, ISO 20022)
  • Prior exposure to Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance and audit support
  • Associate or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent professional experience
  • Certifications such as Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP) or AP/AR Certificate are a plus

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • ERP platforms: SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Workday Financials
  • AP automation and invoice capture: Tipalti, Bill.com, Stampli, OCR tools
  • Payments and treasury systems: SWIFT/wire, ACH processing, payment file generation
  • Data and reporting: Microsoft Excel (advanced), Google Sheets, SQL querying for ad-hoc reconciliations
  • Collaboration and ticketing: Concur, Coupa, Jira, ServiceNow for vendor requests and PO matching workflows

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Operational rigor: consistently follows documented processes and contributes to control maturity
  • Analytical mindset: identifies root causes of discrepancies and implements durable fixes
  • Stakeholder orientation: communicates clearly with vendors, procurement, and finance leadership
  • Continuous improvement focus: proactively suggests automation, KPI improvements, and efficiency gains
  • Curiosity and learning: willingness to adopt new tools, embrace automation, and mentor peers
  • Integrity and confidentiality: handles sensitive financial and vendor data with discretion

Benefits and Perks

Salary: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Comprehensive benefits package includes:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement savings plan with employer match
  • Paid time off, paid holidays, and parental leave
  • Learning and development stipend; access to professional certification support
  • Flexible spending accounts and commuter benefits where applicable
  • Employee assistance program and wellness resources

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Location

This role is based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION] with the expectation to work on-site; occasional hybrid flexibility may be available depending on team needs. Candidates must be authorized to work in the jurisdiction where they are based.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter through our careers portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

4. Accounts Payable Supervisor Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

[$COMPANY_NAME] is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Supervisor to lead day-to-day AP operations, optimize invoice-to-pay processes, and ensure accurate financial reporting. In this supervisory role you will manage a distributed AP team, own month-end AP close deliverables, implement controls and automation (AP workflow, OCR, vendor portals), and partner with Procurement, Treasury and ERP leadership to scale accounts payable functions across the organization.

Responsibilities

  • Supervise and mentor a team of AP specialists and clerks; conduct staffing, performance reviews, and training to improve productivity and accuracy
  • Manage end-to-end invoice processing including receipt, three-way PO matching, coding, approvals, and payment execution across ACH, wire, virtual card and check
  • Oversee vendor onboarding, maintenance, and 1099/withholding compliance; resolve escalated vendor inquiries and disputes
  • Own AP month-end close: reconcile AP ledger to sub-ledgers and statements, prepare AP aging analysis, accruals, and variance explanations for Finance leadership
  • Implement and maintain internal controls, SOX-ready documentation, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for AP activities
  • Drive continuous improvement: evaluate AP automation tools (RPA, OCR, AP automation platforms), optimize approval workflows, reduce invoice cycle time and duplicate payments
  • Partner with Treasury on cash forecasting, payment runs, and payment optimizations to maximize working capital
  • Coordinate audits and provide schedules, supporting documentation and responses to internal/external auditors
  • Develop KPIs and dashboards (e.g., Days Payable Outstanding, invoice processing time, exception rates) and report results to Finance management

Required Qualifications

  • 5+ years of progressive accounts payable experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory or team lead role
  • Strong technical proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle E-Business Suite, NetSuite) and AP modules
  • Hands-on experience with AP automation tools, OCR/ invoice capture systems, and electronic payment platforms
  • Demonstrated expertise in PO/non-PO invoice processing, vendor management, 1099 administration, and tax withholding compliance
  • Proven track record owning month-end close deliverables and preparing reconciliations and accruals
  • Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, pivot tables, Power Query) and experience building financial reports or dashboards
  • Excellent organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced finance organization
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent professional experience; relevant certifications (e.g., CPA, CMA, CPP) are a plus

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) applied to finance operations
  • Prior exposure to multi-entity accounting, intercompany transactions and multi-currency payments
  • Familiarity with AP tax/reporting requirements in [$COMPANY_LOCATION] and international vendor payments
  • Experience integrating AP workflows with Procure-to-Pay (P2P) systems and supplier networks

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • ERP: SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics or similar
  • AP Automation / Invoice Capture: Basware, AvidXchange, Tipalti, Coupa, Bill.com, Kofax
  • Payments & Banking: ACH, wire transfers, virtual card programs, SWIFT
  • Reporting & BI: Excel (advanced), Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent reporting tools
  • Audit & Controls: SOX compliance, reconciliation tools, document management systems

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Leadership: track record of coaching teams, driving accountability, and leading change
  • Analytical: able to translate AP metrics into operational improvements and decision-ready insights
  • Communication: clear, professional interaction with vendors, cross-functional partners, and senior finance stakeholders
  • Process-oriented: habit of documenting procedures, maintaining quality control, and reducing operational risk
  • Collaborative: demonstrated ability to partner with Procurement, Treasury, Tax and IT to deliver end-to-end solutions

Benefits and Perks

Salary: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Full-time benefits typically include:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
  • 401(k) or local retirement plan with company match
  • Paid time off, parental leave and paid holidays
  • Professional development stipend and certification support
  • Flexible spending accounts / commuter benefits
  • Employee assistance program and wellness resources

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Location

This role is remote within [$COMPANY_LOCATION]; candidates must be based in and authorized to work in [$COMPANY_LOCATION] and available for occasional on-site meetings as required by business needs.

How to Apply

We encourage applicants to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification. If you are excited about the role and bring relevant AP, leadership or process improvement experience, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your supervisory experience, ERP systems you have supported, and a notable process improvement you led.

5. Accounts Payable Manager Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

[$COMPANY_NAME] is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Manager to lead our accounts payable function and drive operational excellence across invoice-to-pay workflows. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will be accountable for designing, implementing, and continuously improving AP controls, vendor lifecycle management, payment operations, and ERP integrations to ensure timely, accurate vendor payments and strong auditability. This role requires a hands-on leader with deep experience in AP processes, ERP systems (NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, or similar), payment rails, and internal controls.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the end-to-end accounts payable lifecycle including invoice receipt, validation, coding, approval routing, payment execution, and reconciliation across multiple entities and currencies
  • Own AP policy and process design: standardize invoice approval matrices, three-way matching rules, exception handling, and SLA targets (invoice cycle time, payment accuracy)
  • Implement and maintain internal controls and SOX-compliant processes; produce documentation for auditors and respond to audit inquiries
  • Optimize vendor onboarding and master data governance in the ERP to reduce duplicate vendors and payment failures
  • Manage payment operations across ACH, wire, virtual card, and check workflows; negotiate payment terms and fees with banks and payment processors
  • Partner with Treasury to forecast cash requirements and implement payment prioritization strategies
  • Drive automation initiatives: evaluate and implement AP automation, OCR/AI invoice capture, vendor portals, and integrations with AP/ERP tools to increase straight-through processing
  • Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing AP team: set KPIs, conduct performance reviews, and build clear career paths
  • Provide cross-functional partnership with Procurement, Finance, Tax, and IT on PO matching, tax withholding, intercompany billing, and ERP configuration
  • Investigate and resolve complex vendor disputes and payment exceptions using data-driven analysis and remediation plans

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of progressive accounts payable experience with at least 2 years in a managerial or supervisory role
  • Proven expertise with ERP systems (NetSuite, Oracle, SAP, or comparable) and AP modules; hands-on experience configuring AP workflows and vendor master data
  • Deep knowledge of payment rails (ACH, wire, RTP, virtual card) and bank connectivity best practices
  • Experience implementing AP automation tools (invoice OCR, RPA, TMS) and improving STP rates
  • Strong internal controls experience, including SOX control design and audit readiness
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze KPIs and financial metrics to drive operational improvements

Preferred:

  • Professional certification such as CPA, CMA, CTP, or Certified Accounts Payable Professional
  • Experience with multi-entity, multi-currency accounting and intercompany reconciliation
  • Familiarity with tax withholding, 1099 reporting, and indirect tax considerations
  • Prior experience integrating AP systems with procurement platforms (Coupa, Ariba) and payment platforms (Bill.com, Airbase, Ramp)

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • ERP systems: NetSuite, SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud ERP, or equivalent
  • AP automation and invoice capture: Kofax, ABBYY, UIPath, Tipalti, Stampli
  • Payment processors and banking APIs: ACH, wire, SWIFT, virtual card providers, tokenization
  • Reconciliation and reporting: Excel (advanced), SQL for transactional queries, BI tools (Looker, Tableau, Power BI)
  • Identity and access controls: role-based access, segregation of duties tooling

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Leadership: track record of building, mentoring, and scaling finance operations teams
  • Process orientation: strong aptitude for process mapping, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement
  • Cross-functional collaborator: experience partnering with Procurement, Treasury, Tax, and IT to deliver integrated solutions
  • Communication: ability to present operational metrics and remediation plans to senior leadership and external auditors
  • Decision-making: comfort making prioritized trade-offs in high-volume payment environments while maintaining control and compliance
  • Bias for action: proven ability to lead automation projects and drive measurable efficiency gains

Benefits and Perks

Salary: [$SALARY_RANGE]

Our total rewards package typically includes:

  • Competitive base salary with performance bonus potential
  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
  • 401(k) or local retirement plan with employer match
  • Generous paid time off and paid parental leave
  • Professional development stipend and certification reimbursement
  • Flexible work arrangements and wellbeing programs
  • Employee assistance program and financial planning resources

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities during the recruiting process; please notify us to request an accommodation.

Location

This role is a hybrid position based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. A successful candidate will be expected to work from the office at least 3 days per week to support vendor meetings, month-end close execution, and cross-functional collaboration. Occasional travel may be required for bank or vendor site visits.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your relevant AP leadership experience and achievements. Candidates who meet the core qualifications are encouraged to apply.

6. Accounts Payable Director Job Description Template

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

[$COMPANY_NAME] is hiring an Accounts Payable Director to lead and transform our global payables organization. Reporting to the VP of Finance, you will own the end-to-end accounts payable strategy, controls, and operating cadence across ERP platforms and shared services. You will design scalable AP operations that reduce cycle time, strengthen controls (including SOX and internal audit readiness), optimize working capital through pay terms and early-pay programs, and accelerate AP automation initiatives using RPA, OCR, and vendor portals. This is a strategic leadership role combining technical accounting acumen, operational execution, and people leadership to deliver measurable improvements in cash flow, compliance, and supplier experience.

Responsibilities

  • Define and execute the short- and long-term AP strategy aligned to corporate finance objectives, including cash optimization, fraud prevention, and service delivery KPIs
  • Own end-to-end AP processes: invoice receipt and capture (OCR), three-way matching, PO/non-PO invoice processing, exceptions management, dispute resolution, and payment execution (ACH, wire, virtual card)
  • Lead AP transformation programs: evaluate and select AP automation tools, implement RPA bots for high-volume workflows, integrate OCR/AI invoice capture with ERP systems, and roll out vendor self-service/portal functionality
  • Manage and develop a high-performing team of managers, supervisors, and specialists across centralized/shared services and regional locations; set clear KPIs (DPO, invoice-to-pay cycle time, exception rate, first-pass match rate), conduct regular performance reviews, and mentor finance leaders
  • Design and enforce internal controls and SOX-compliant processes for invoice approval, segregation of duties, vendor onboarding, and payment approval flows; partner with Internal Audit and external auditors during reviews
  • Partner with Treasury to optimize payment methods, liquidity forecasting, dynamic discounting/early-pay programs, and bank fee negotiation
  • Own vendor master data governance and supplier onboarding standards; partner with Procurement to address vendor disputes and contract compliance
  • Implement and monitor metrics dashboards using BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to provide real-time visibility into AP performance, exceptions and cash requirements
  • Drive cross-functional initiatives with Procurement, Tax, Legal and IT to ensure compliance with tax withholding, VAT/GST reclaim processes, and global payment regulations
  • Manage vendor relationships for high-value suppliers and lead remediation for high-risk vendors or payment discrepancies

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

  • 10+ years of progressive finance/accounting experience with at least 5 years leading accounts payable or shared services teams at scale
  • Proven track record driving AP automation, process redesign, or ERP-integrated transformations (NetSuite, SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud, Workday Financials)
  • Deep understanding of AP controls and compliance frameworks (SOX, internal audit), with hands-on experience supporting audits
  • Strong technical aptitude with vendor payment rails (ACH, SWIFT, virtual card, RTP), bank integrations and treasury coordination
  • Demonstrated ability to set and manage KPIs (DPO, invoice cycle time, exception rate) and to present insights to senior leadership and stakeholders
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing change across finance, procurement and IT
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field; equivalent experience accepted

Preferred:

  • Advanced degree (MBA, MAcc) or professional certification (CPA, CMA, ACCA, CTP)
  • Experience implementing RPA/Cognitive OCR solutions (UiPath, Automation Anywhere, ABBYY, Kofax) or AP platforms (Basware, Coupa, AvidXchange)
  • Background in multi-entity, multi-currency environments with exposure to international VAT/GST and withholding tax treatment
  • Experience negotiating bank fee schedules and managing treasury-payables integration
  • Prior experience at high-growth or multinational organizations and running remote/centralized shared services

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

  • ERP systems: NetSuite, SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Cloud Financials, Workday Financials
  • AP automation and workflow platforms: Coupa, Basware, AvidXchange, Tungsten, Tipalti
  • RPA and OCR: UiPath, Automation Anywhere, ABBYY, Kofax
  • Payment rails & treasury tools: ACH, SWIFT, virtual card providers, bank APIs, Treasury Management Systems
  • Reporting & analytics: Power BI, Tableau, Looker, SQL for data extraction and dashboards
  • Identity & access controls and GRC tooling for SOX compliance

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

  • Strategic leader with a track record of translating finance strategy into operational programs and measurable outcomes
  • Excellent communicator, able to present complex performance metrics and risk assessments to C-suite stakeholders
  • Change agent who leads by influence: experienced running cross-functional programs and gaining stakeholder buy-in
  • Operationally detail-oriented: demonstrates rigor in controls, documentation (SOPs), and process standardization
  • Coaching mindset: proven experience mentoring managers and building scalable teams
  • Inclusive leader who values diverse perspectives and builds psychologically safe environments

Benefits and Perks

Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
  • 401(k) or local retirement plan with employer match
  • Generous paid time off, parental leave and flexible paid holidays
  • Professional development stipend and certification reimbursement
  • Equity or long-term incentive plan (where applicable)
  • Well-being stipends, commuter benefits and employee assistance program
  • Hybrid work support: home office stipend and collaboration days in office

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We evaluate candidates based on their skills, experience and potential. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age or other characteristics protected by law.

Location

This role is hybrid: a successful candidate will be expected to work from the office in [$COMPANY_LOCATION] at least three days per week and will have flexibility for remote work on remaining days.

Application Instructions

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and those who may not meet every listed qualification to apply. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting relevant AP transformation, controls, or leadership experience. Candidates who demonstrate growth potential and transferable skills will be strongly considered.

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1 free coaching session
AI headshots
Not included
Conversational AI interview
Not included
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$9 / month
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Himalayas Max

$29 / month
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Himalayas profile for an example user named Frankie Sullivan