Job Description:Manager, Accounts PayableJob Summary:The Manager, Accounts Payable is a strategic leader responsible for transforming the AP function into a scalable, data-driven, and technology-enabled operation. This role will lead process optimization, AI enablement, KPI development, global standardization, and cross-functional alignment across multiple regions, while ensuring strong internal controls and SOX compliance. You will build a high performing team, strengthen internal controls, and scale processes to support a public company environment. You will partner with Accounting and Finance leadership to ensure accurate reporting, strong cash management, and audit readiness.
Key Job Responsibilities:Strategic Leadership & Transformation
- Lead the evolution of the AP function into a best-in-class, highly automated operation
- Assess and evolve team structure and capabilities to align with a more automated, analytics-driven AP function
- Drive AP transformation initiatives across US, Brazil, and Spain teams (including acquired entities)
- Partner with leadership and third-party consultants to evaluate and redesign transactional service models
Process Optimization & Automation
- Own optimization and stabilization of Medius implementation, ensuring maximum ROI
- Drive adoption of AI tools and automation to increase touchless invoice processing
- Drive measurable improvements in automation adoption (e.g., touchless invoice rate, exception reduction) leveraging Medius and AI tools
- Identify inefficiencies and redesign workflows toward exception-based processing
- Lead GR/IR cleanup strategy and ongoing governance to improve financial accuracy and visibility
- Drive vendor adoption of e-invoicing and digital processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual processing
Data, Analytics & KPIs
- Design and implement AP KPIs and dashboards (cycle time, touchless rate, cost per invoice, exception rates)
- Establish consistent reporting cadence with actionable insights to Finance leadership
- Use analytics to proactively identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
- Ensure KPIs are aligned to enterprise goals including working capital optimization and operational efficiency
Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Build and develop a high-performing AP organization with strong analytical and process improvement capabilities
- Upgrade team skill sets to align with automation, AI, and advanced analytics needs
- Foster accountability, proactive communication, and continuous improvement mindset
- Provide regular, structured, and transparent communication to Finance leadership
Global Alignment & Integration
- Standardize AP processes across all regions and acquired entities
- Align policies, systems usage, and performance metrics globally
- Support integration of new business units into the AP operating model
Controls, Compliance & SOX Governance
- Ensure adherence to SOX controls and maintain strong internal control environment across AP processes
- Design, document, and enforce standardized AP controls, including segregation of duties, approval workflows, and payment controls
- Partner with Internal Audit to support SOX audits, walkthroughs, and control testing
- Proactively identify control gaps and lead remediation efforts
- Ensure compliance with company policies and global regulatory requirements
- Establish governance over vendor master data, banking changes, and fraud prevention measures
Month-End Close & Financial Operations
- Oversee AP-related month-end close activities, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
- Ensure proper accruals for goods/services received but not invoiced (GR/IR)
- Review and validate AP balances, reconciliations, and aging reports
- Own resolution of AP-related discrepancies in partnership with Accounting to ensure accurate financial reporting
- Drive continuous improvement in close timelines and accuracy through automation and process discipline
- Provide insights and analysis related to AP activity impacting financial statements
Qualifications:- 7+ years of experience in AP or shared services, with significant leadership experience
- Proven experience in AP transformation, automation, or shared services optimization
- Strong understanding of SOX compliance and internal control frameworks
- Experience with AP automation tools (Medius or similar required)
- Experience with AI tools, process mining, or advanced analytics preferred
- Experience working across global teams and multiple regions
- Strong leadership, change management, and influencing skills
Preferred qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- Experience supporting external audits and public company reporting cycles
- Track record of implementing automation or system transformations
- Experience operating in a global or multi-entity environment
Success Metrics:- % of touchless invoice processing
- Reduction in cost per invoice
- Improvement in GR/IR aging and accuracy
- KPI adoption and reporting effectiveness
- Month-end close timeliness and accuracy
- SOX compliance effectiveness and audit results
- Process cycle time reductions
- Team capability uplift (analytics, automation adoption)
- Stakeholder satisfaction and communication effectiveness
