Role Overview
A leading global organization is seeking a Manager, Accounts Payable to oversee end-to-end payables operations across multiple legal entities. Reporting to the Finance Controller, this role leads a team of AP specialists, acts as the primary liaison between Finance, Procurement, and external vendors, and drives automation, process standardization, and strong internal controls — all in alignment with US GAAP and company policies.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced AP leader who wants to shape a high-performing team, modernize the P2P process, and partner across the business in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment.
What You'll Do
Team Leadership & Development
- Build, mentor, and manage a team of AP Specialists and Senior Associates — setting clear KPIs, conducting regular reviews, and enabling continuous skill development
- Allocate workloads effectively to ensure metric adherence across invoice processing, vendor master maintenance, payment runs, T&E expense management, and period-end close.
Invoice & Payment Processing
- Oversee the end-to-end Procure-to-Pay (P2P) cycle including PO creation and approval monitoring, 2-way/3-way matching (PO–Invoice–Receipt), invoice processing with business-level approval, and payment execution via banking platform
- Ensure accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices across multiple business units; monitor AP aging to maintain optimal DPO
- Review and approve high-value payment batches; manage escalation of exceptions and discrepancies in coordination with Procurement and business stakeholders
- Monitor and maintain direct debit payment tracking
- Oversee employee expense reimbursements in compliance with company policies.
Month-End Close & Reporting
- Lead AP month-end and year-end close — ensure all invoices are posted, accruals are raised for open POs and uninvoiced services, and AP accounts are reconciled to the GL
- Prepare and review AP sub-ledger aging reports, vendor reconciliation statements, and balance sheet schedules; present variance analyses and KPI dashboards to the Finance Controller
- Coordinate with the GL/Reporting team to ensure AP transactions are correctly reflected in financial statements in line with US GAAP and company accounting policies.
Vendor & Stakeholder Management
- Maintain strong working relationships with key vendors and business stakeholders to promptly resolve payment disputes, debit balances, and aged credits
- Collaborate closely with Procurement to streamline the P2P process, onboard new vendors, and maintain accurate vendor master data
- Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors on AP-related queries, providing schedules and reconciliations as required.
Systems, Automation & Process Improvement
- Leverage ERP platforms (NetSuite, Oracle, Dayforce, SAP, or MS Dynamics) and travel management platforms (Concur, Navan) to drive automation of invoice capture, approval workflows, and payment processing
- Identify and champion process improvement initiatives — reducing manual touchpoints, improving straight-through processing (STP) rates, and implementing e-invoicing solutions
- Support Finance and ERP upgrades, system migrations, and integration of new entities or business units into the AP platform
- Define and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Risk and Control Matrix (RACM), and Delegation of Authority (DoA) for all AP processes; ensure SOX controls are operating effectively.
Decision-Making & Scope
- Approve vendor payments within defined Delegation of Authority (DoA) limits
- Partner with Procurement on vendor onboarding, PO lifecycle management, and exception handling
- Collaborate with Finance-IT and ERP teams on system enhancements, integrations, and upgrades
- Engage with external auditors and tax authorities to resolve queries and provide audit support
What You'll Bring
- B.Com / M.Com / MBA (Finance); CA Inter or CMA Inter is a strong plus
- 7–10 years of progressive Finance & Accounting experience; minimum 3 years in a supervisory AP or P2P role
- Hands-on experience managing end-to-end AP operations including invoice processing, payment runs, and period-close activities
- Proficiency in at least one major ERP — NetSuite, SAP, Oracle Financials, Dayforce, or MS Dynamics
- Advanced Microsoft Excel — pivot tables, XLOOKUP, SUMIFS, Power Query; Power BI or similar reporting tools a plus
- Strong written and verbal English communication skills; able to engage effectively with senior stakeholders, vendors, and global counterparts
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to identify root causes and implement lasting process fixes
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a Global Business Services / Shared Services environment supporting global clients
- Exposure to multi-currency transactions, intercompany AP settlements, and foreign vendor payments
- Prior experience with SAP Concur or similar travel & expense / procurement platforms
- Familiarity with AP automation tools (Coupa, Ariba)
- Experience using Claude or similar AI platforms for automation initiatives
- Experience in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, or technology sector
Please note that this is a confidential search. We kindly ask that all candidates keep details of this opportunity and any related conversations private throughout the recruitment process.
