Manager, Accounts Payable

About the Role

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.

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