Description

Position at Wilsonart

Accounts Payable Manager

Position Summary
The Accounts Payable (AP) Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end accounts payable function within a centralized shared services environment. This role ensures the timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments, drives process standardization and efficiency, and maintains strong internal controls. The AP Manager partners cross-functionally with Procurement, Finance, and business unit leaders to optimize working capital, enhance vendor relationships, and support scalable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership
• Lead and manage the daily operations of the accounts payable function across multiple North American business units within a shared services model
• Ensure timely, accurate processing of high-volume invoices, expense reports, and payments
• Oversee month-end close activities related to AP, including accruals and reconciliations
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as invoice cycle time, payment accuracy, discount realizations and exception rates
Process Improvement & Transformation
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including automation, workflow optimization, and standardization of AP processes
• Partner with Finance Transformation and IT teams to implement and enhance ERP systems and AP technologies (e.g., OCR, e-invoicing, RPA, newer AI enabled and cloud based tools)
• Establish and maintain scalable processes to support organizational growth and acquisitions
Compliance & Controls
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, SOX requirements, tax reporting and regulatory standards
• Maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting related to AP
• Support internal and external audits, including documentation and issue remediation
Vendor & Stakeholder Management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors to resolve issues and optimize/extend payment terms
• Collaborate with Procurement to enforce purchasing policies and improve procure-to-pay (P2P) alignment
• Act as a key point of escalation for complex invoice or payment issues
Team Leadership & Development
• Lead, coach, and develop a team within a shared services structure, potentially including offshore , outsourced resources and temporary resources as needed.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service excellence
• Manage staffing, performance, and succession planning

Qualifications

Education & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or graduate degree a plus)
• 5-10+ years of progressive accounts payable or finance operations experience
• 3-5+ years of leadership experience in a shared services or centralized environment
• Experience in a large, complex organization (preferably $1B+ revenue)
Technical Skills
• Strong knowledge of procure-to-pay (P2P) processes and best practices
• Experience with ERP systems (preferably Oracle R12)
• Familiarity with AP automation tools (OCR, e-invoicing platforms, RPA, newer AI enabled and cloud based tools)
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills
Leadership Competencies
• Proven ability to lead teams through change and transformation
• Strong problem-solving and process improvement mindset
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and controls

Key Success Metrics
• Invoice processing cycle time and cost per invoice
• Percentage of invoices processed straight-through (touchless)
• On-time payment rate and capture of early payment discounts
• Audit results and control effectiveness
• Employee engagement and team productivity
Work Environment & Scope
• Operates within a shared services model supporting multiple business units and geographies
• May oversee onshore and offshore resources
• High-volume, fast-paced environment requiring strong prioritization and organizational skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Sitting in a comfortable position with frequent opportunity to move about. Examples: executive, management and secretarial position