Accounts Payable Senior Manager

National Vision•Lawrenceville, GA

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Accounts Payable is responsible for leading and transforming the Company's accounts payable function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of all vendor obligations while driving operational excellence across the procure-to-pay lifecycle. This role provides strategic leadership for accounts payable operations, internal controls, cash flow optimization, vendor management, and process automation initiatives. The Senior Manager serves as a trusted business partner to Finance, Accounting, Treasury, Procurement, Internal Audit, and executive leadership, developing scalable processes that support organizational growth and enhance financial performance.

Requirements

Four year college degree or equivalent experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or related field. (Required)
8+ years AP or financial operations experience, including team leadership. (Required)
Expert in written and verbal communication, analytical thinking, people management, problem-solving, customer service, organization, strong attention to detail, and interpersonal relationship building. (Required)
Proficiency in ERP systems (Oracle). (Required)
Advanced skills with Microsoft Excel. (Required)
Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial regulations. (Required)
Proven track record in vendor management and process improvement.(Required)
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines. (Required)

Responsibilities

Establish and execute the strategic vision and roadmap for the accounts payable function, aligning operational objectives with organizational and finance transformation initiatives.
Lead continuous improvement efforts focused on automation, digitization, process optimization, and enhanced controls across the procure-to-pay lifecycle.
Identify opportunities to leverage technology, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and workflow automation to improve efficiency, accuracy, reporting, and scalability.
Develop and implement best-in-class AP policies, procedures, and governance frameworks that drive operational excellence.
Partner closely with Treasury leadership to optimize working capital, cash flow forecasting, payment timing strategies, and liquidity management.
Establish payment strategies that balance vendor relationships with the Company's cash management objectives.
Monitor key operational and financial metrics to ensure achievement of service level agreements and departmental objectives.
Oversee compliance with company policies, accounting standards, tax regulations, and regulatory requirements, including sales/use tax and annual information reporting obligations.
Partner with Procurement to improve supplier onboarding, payment programs, contract compliance, and vendor performance.
Collaborate with Accounting, FP&A, Treasury, Payroll, and Operations leadership to ensure seamless financial processes and accurate financial reporting.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounts payable organization through coaching, performance management, succession planning, and employee development initiatives.
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, innovation, collaboration, and customer service excellence.
Evaluate organizational structure and resource requirements to support business growth and evolving operational demands.
Support internal and external audits with required documentation.
Prepare and deliver comprehensive reports to senior management that summarize accounts payable activities, highlight key performance indicators, and outline areas for enhancement.
Establish and analyze Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure accounts payable performance, implementing corrective actions to optimize processes.
Provide managerial support for daily cash flow activities and forecasting performed by executive management.
Provide training and professional development opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and knowledge in accounts payable practices.
Oversee the processing of accurate 1099's for Account Payable as required by IRS, and research IRS rules in reporting extraordinary 1099's.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.