OverviewThe Senior Manager of Accounts Payable is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership over Cavender's end-to-end AP function. This role oversees all aspects of vendor payments, reconciliations, and team performance while ensuring strong internal controls, compliance with GAAP, and timely financial reporting. Reporting to the Director of Accounting & Controls, this position serves as a key partner to Finance leadership, Operations, Merchandising, Real Estate, and IT, driving process improvements, scalability, and financial accuracy across the organization.
Duties and Responsibilities- Support the "Cavender's Culture" and drive our Mission, Vision, and Values.
- Serve as a strategic accounting leader and trusted partner to internal stakeholders across Finance, Operations, Merchandising, Sales, and IT
- Provide overall leadership and oversight of Accounts Payable operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and timely processing of transactions
- Lead, develop, and support teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Oversee the full AP lifecycle, including invoice processing, vendor payments, contra payables, reconciliations, accruals, and month-end close activities
- Establish, monitor, and analyze KPIs and operational metrics to drive performance, visibility, and informed decision-making
- Ensure timely and accurate month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities related to AP, including reconciliations and journal entries
- Partner with the Director of Accounting & Controls to maintain and strengthen internal controls, ensuring compliance with GAAP, SOX, and company policies
- Identify and implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and system enhancements to reduce manual effort and improve scalability
- Collaborate with IT and Finance on ERP functionality, system upgrades, and workflow optimization related to payables and receivables
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow analysis by providing accurate AP insights and reporting
- Serve as a key point of contact for internal and external audits, ensuring audit readiness and timely delivery of documentation
- Assist with the development and maintenance of accounting policies, procedures, and documentation related to AP operations
- Support Finance leadership with special projects, system implementations, acquisitions, integrations, or ad hoc reporting initiatives
- Lead the evaluation, redesign, and rebuild processes, controls, and workflows to address gaps, improve efficiency, and support scalable growth.
Qualifications and Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
- 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant experience overseeing Accounts Payable function
- 3+ years of people management experience, including managing managers or senior-level staff
- Strong working knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, SOX compliance, and financial close processes
- Demonstrated experience leading complex AP operations in a fast-paced environment
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools
- Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
Preferred Skills - CPA or other relevant professional certification
- Experience with SAP or other enterprise ERP systems
- Experience in retail, consumer goods, or multi-entity environments
- Experience supporting Real Estate-related accounting activities
- Proven experience driving process automation and system improvements
