Sr. Manager, Accounts Payable - Automation & Process Improvement

Role Summary

The Senior Manager, Accounts Payable will manage the operational functions and activities of a fast-paced Accounts Payable Department, ensuring work requirements are performed timely and accurately, using data analytics and automation to drive daily processes. The role mentors and leads the Global Accounts Payable Team, providing clear communication and training as needed, and reports to the Global Process Owner P2P.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Global Accounts Payable team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Build effective relationships and provide stakeholder service across departments and act as a business partner on AP matters and inquiries.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance the efficiency and scalability of the payments function.
• Set direction for the Accounts Payable function to align with Finance goals and support continuous improvement, analytics, and automation.
• Drive strategic initiatives within AP, including enhanced use of systems (SAP VIM, Ariba) and reducing manual tasks.
• Identify and implement technology solutions and automation to streamline workflows and increase transparency in the AP process.
• Oversee accuracy and timeliness of monthly close activities related to AP, including accruals, reconciliations, and vendor aging reviews.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in payment processing, financial reporting, transaction processing, and data reconciliation.
• Serve as escalation point for complex vendor issues, payment discrepancies, or policy exceptions, working cross-functionally to resolve root causes.
• Maintain internal controls within AP, ensuring proper segregation of duties, approval workflows, and compliance with policies.
• Support audit and compliance efforts (e.g., 1099s) by ensuring AP is organized, documented, and responsive to inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, regulations, and internal policies, mitigating risks and safeguarding financial integrity.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of work experience with 5+ years in leading a Global Accounts Payable team
• Operational experience using data analytics and automation within the Procure to Pay cycle
• Experience with SAP Ariba, VIM is a plus
• Proven ability to interact with multiple levels of stakeholders internally and externally
• Self-directed, dynamic, customer-centric change-agent who thrives in a changing environment
• Highly collaborative; aligns effectively with colleagues and business partners to deliver results
• Skilled communicator and relationship builder across networks while managing diverse stakeholders
• Champions productivity improvements through Process Improvement and continuous learning
• Bachelor’s Degree Required
• Excellent attention to detail
• Business acumen to develop partnerships with key stakeholders and provide a strategic perspective

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree Required