Description

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Manager of Accounts Payable & Process Automation, to own the end-to-end AP function and lead our AP managers and team. This key role will involve setting AP strategy, driving automation and AI-enabled process improvement, ensuring tax and regulatory compliance, and partnering across Finance and IT to keep pace with FreshDirect's fast-moving, high-volume business.

What You'll Do

• Provide strategic leadership to the Accounts Payable team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Set clear objectives, coach AP managers and supervisors, and ensure ongoing professional development.
• Own the end-to-end AP process, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices and credits, proper sales tax and 1099 compliance, and reliable, easily accessible recordkeeping across a high-volume, cold-chain business.
• Design and enforce a strong internal control environment for Accounts Payable, ensuring compliance with period-end closing requirements and all relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance AP processes through automation and AI, including invoice capture (e.g., Esker), robotic process automation (e.g., Power Automate), and machine-learning-assisted matching and GR/IR anomaly detection, to reduce manual work and improve accuracy and scalability as the business evolves.
• Lead AP's role in ERP and financial systems optimization, partnering with IT to configure new tools and transition the team and business partners onto enhanced platforms.
• Manage vendor contractual arrangements and discount-term negotiations in partnership with Merchandising, and own vendor master governance and strategic vendor relationships.
• Manage coordination of all external, internal, and compliance audits involving Accounts Payable, and oversee timely completion of regulatory reporting, such as the 1099 process.
• Develop and maintain robust AP policies and procedures that support standardization, risk mitigation, and scalable growth. Ensure alignment with industry best practices and FreshDirect's operational priorities.
• Identify opportunities to apply AI across accounting and finance workflows beyond AP - including AR, close, reconciliations, reporting, and tax - to reduce manual effort, strengthen controls, and speed up turnaround times.
• Champion AI adoption across FreshDirect, sharing lessons learned from automation journey with other departments and serving as a go-to resource for teams exploring how AI can improve their own processes.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA a plus).
• 5+ years of progressive accounting/AP experience, with at least 3+ years managing managers or multi-level teams. Experience in a private equity-backed company is a plus.
• Experience in an inventory-driven industry (three-way match, PO exceptions, pricing variations, freight claims, etc.); cold-chain or grocery/perishables experience a plus.
• Experience sponsoring or leading finance automation or AI initiatives strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, as well as advanced Excel skills.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail.

Our Values at FreshDirect

We live these values every day:

A Passion for our customers
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We listen, innovate, and act quickly to exceed expectations with every order and interaction.

One team, one mission
Everyone contributes & every role matters. We break silos, lift each other up, and share a relentless focus on delivering results. That way, we win together.

Delivering excellence, every time
We take pride in the quality of our food, service, and the experience we create. Our team goes above and beyond to earn trust and guarantee 100% freshness.

Act with integrity
We operate with honesty, respect, and accountability in how we treat our customers, teammates, and partners. We own our outcomes and always do what's right, even when no one is watching.

Make fast, bold decisions
We challenge the status quo, embrace technology, and take smart risks to build a better future. At the same time, we stay true to our NYC roots and care for our community.

We love food. Yes, literally all of us.

What You'll Love About Working Here

• A fast-paced, innovative environment where ideas turn into action
• Opportunities for growth - many of our leaders have risen through the ranks
• Direct impact on how thousands of customers experience food every day

Salary

$145,000.00

Total Rewards & Benefits
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
• PTO, Safe & Sick Time, and Paid Holidays
• Medical, Vision, Dental, and Voluntary Disability coverage
• 401(k) with employer match and Life Insurance
• State-of-the-art Bronx campus with on-site basketball court, cafeteria, and employee market
• Onsite FREE parking
• FREE employee shuttle bus service from nearby Subway station
• Training, leadership development, and tuition discount at local colleges
• 20% employee discount on FreshDirect online orders and Brooklyn wine store
• Minimum 50% employee discount at our onsite employee market
• Mobile phone discounts through partnerships with T-Mobile and Verizon
• Gym membership discounts through NYSC

Our CultureWe embrace an in-office culture, composed of individuals who thrive on the collaboration and energy that comes from working together in a shared space. We are looking for people who excel in this environment, where physical presence enhances connections and engagement. At FreshDirect, we've created an environment that thrives on teamwork, where associates can innovate, grow, and have successful careers. Many of our leaders have successfully come up through our ranks. Because of our team's extraordinary efforts, we are a leading innovator in the e-commerce and grocery industries.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the Team member(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of individuals in this position. Position expectations may be subject to change as the needs of the organization changes.