Accounts Payable Manager

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end accounts payable process, including invoice intake, coding, approval workflows, payment execution, exception handling, and vendor inquiries.
• Establish and maintain standard AP policies, procedures, and service-level expectations (e.g., invoice turnaround times, approval escalations, payment cycles).
• Ensure accurate general ledger coding, matter attribution, and compliance with firm billing, expense, and client-related requirements.
• Oversee timely execution of payments across all payment methods while maintaining appropriate segregation of duties and controls.
• Lead, coach, and develop AP staff; set clear performance expectations and establish operating rhythms (daily workflow management, exception reviews, monthly close support).
• Design and implement structured onboarding, training, and ongoing development programs to improve accuracy, consistency, and professional growth of team members.
• Define role-specific metrics and quality standards; monitor performance and provide actionable feedback and coaching.
• Serve as the business owner for AP systems and related technology platforms, including invoice intake, approval workflows, payment processing, and reporting tools.
• Partner with Financial Systems to implement, optimize, and enhance AP technology, automation, and integrations with the firm’s financial systems.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and improve data quality through automation, standardization, and control design.
• Develop and maintain management reporting and dashboards providing visibility into invoice aging, processing cycle times, exception rates, payment volumes, and vendor trends.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including root-cause analysis of errors or delays, refinement of approval structures, and implementation of best practices.
• Act as the primary point of contact for vendor payment inquiries and issue resolution, ensuring professional and timely communication.
• Partner with attorneys, administrative departments, and firm leadership to support purchasing, expense, and payment needs while enforcing firm policies.
• Provide guidance to internal stakeholders on AP procedures, documentation requirements, and policy interpretation.
• Ensure AP operations comply with firm policies, internal control standards, audit requirements, and applicable regulatory obligations.
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation, explanations, and process insight.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment with sensitive financial, vendor, and firm information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or equivalent experience.
• Progressive experience in accounts payable or finance operations within a law firm or professional services environment (typically 5+ years).
• Prior people management experience or demonstrated ability to lead teams, establish performance metrics, and drive operational outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience leading AP process improvement, system implementations, or automation initiatives.
• Strong analytical and reporting capabilities, including invoice aging, spend analysis, and KPI development.
• Familiarity with legal or professional services financial systems, AP platforms, and payment technologies; ability to translate business requirements into system enhancements.
• Detail-oriented with a strong control mindset and commitment to accuracy and compliance.
• Process improvement orientation with the ability to standardize, automate, and scale operations.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills; ability to influence and educate attorneys and administrative leaders.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in handling sensitive information.