Manager - Accounts Payable

Job Description

Role Overview

The Accounts Payable Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end Accounts Payable function within the Finance Shared Services Center (FSSC), ensuring high-quality, timely, and compliant delivery of all Procure-to-Pay (P2P) activities.

This role goes beyond operational oversight and requires a strong leader capable of driving accountability, managing a large and diverse team, resolving escalations, and embedding a high-performance culture within the AP function.

The successful candidate will play a key role in stabilizing operations, strengthening controls, and driving continuous improvement and automation across global AP processes.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Ownership & Delivery

• Lead the end-to-end AP process including invoice processing (PO & non-PO), expense claims, payment preparation, and reconciliations.
• Ensure all transactions are processed accurately and within agreed SLAs.
• Drive backlog clearance, aging management, and timely resolution of outstanding items.
• Monitor and manage key AP KPIs including turnaround time, accuracy, aging, and productivity.

Team Leadership & People Management (Critical Focus Area)

• Lead, coach, and manage a team of AP professionals across multiple process areas.
• Drive a culture of ownership, accountability, and high performance across the team.
• Actively manage performance, including addressing underperformance, coaching leads, and setting clear expectations.
• Ensure proper workload allocation, shift coverage, and operational discipline across the team.
• Build leadership capability within AP Leads and Seniors, with a strong focus on people management.

Escalation Management & Stakeholder Handling

• Own and resolve complex operational escalations from suppliers, internal stakeholders, and finance teams.
• Act as the primary point of contact for critical AP issues impacting service delivery.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with global stakeholders across Finance, Procurement, and Operations.
• Ensure clear, professional, and timely communication across all stakeholder interactions.

Controls, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure adherence to internal controls, policies, and audit requirements across all AP processes.  
• Strengthen governance around invoice approvals, expense processing, and payment controls.
• Support internal and external audits, ensuring full documentation and compliance readiness.
• Identify control gaps and implement corrective actions proactively.

Process Improvement & Automation

• Continuously identify and drive process improvements to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.  
• Partner with Finance Systems and automation teams to implement digital solutions and reduce manual intervention.
• Drive standardization and global alignment of AP processes across entities.
• Support strategic initiatives including AI, automation, and P2P transformation programs.

Reporting & Insights

• Deliver accurate and timely reporting on AP performance and operational metrics.
• Provide insights on trends, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
• Support monthly business reviews and leadership updates with clear, data-driven analysis.

Qualifications

Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (professional qualification preferred).
• 8–12+ years of experience in Accounts Payable / P2P, with significant exposure to Shared Services.
• Proven experience managing medium to large teams in a high-volume environment.
• Strong understanding of AP processes, internal controls, and compliance requirements.
• Experience working in global or multi-entity environments.

Key Competencies (Critical for Success)

Leadership & Resilience

• Strong, confident leader capable of managing challenging people situations.
• Ability to set direction, enforce standards, and hold individuals accountable.
• Comfortable operating in high-pressure, high-volume environments.

Operational Excellence

• Deep understanding of AP processes and ability to quickly identify inefficiencies.
• Strong focus on accuracy, timeliness, and service delivery.

Stakeholder Management

• Ability to manage senior stakeholders and difficult conversations professionally.
• Clear and effective communicator across all levels.

Problem Solving & Ownership

• Hands-on approach to resolving issues and driving outcomes.
• Strong decision-making capability, particularly in ambiguous situations.

Why Join / Impact of Role

• Opportunity to lead and shape a globally integrated AP function within a growing Shared Services organization.
• Direct impact on operational stability, efficiency, and transformation initiatives.
• Key role in strengthening governance, automation, and scalability of Finance operations.

Additional Information

We embrace flexibility and hybrid work opportunities to support diverse needs and lifestyles, while also valuing inclusive workplace experiences. By fostering a sense of community, we drive innovation, strengthen connections, and nurture belonging. Our commitment ensures you can work in a way that suits you best, while also engaging with colleagues to share ideas and build meaningful relationships.