Senior Manager, Accounts Payable

Sonesta Hotels•Orlando, FL

3d•$120,000 - $135,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Accounts Payable is accountable for leading and transforming the enterprise-wide Accounts Payable function across a multi-property environment. This role establishes the strategic direction for AP operations, drives scalable processes, and delivers measurable financial outcomes, including working capital optimization and cost efficiency. This leader partners closely with Finance, Treasury, Procurement, Operations, and Technology to align Accounts Payable with broader organizational objectives, ensuring a high-performing, compliant, and technology-enabled Procure-to-Pay ecosystem. The role operates with significant influence, advising senior leadership while leading a multi-level organization through growth, transformation, and increasing complexity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
8–12+ years of progressive Accounts Payable or Procure-to-Pay experience
Demonstrated experience leading large or multi-level teams, including managing managers
Proven track record of driving transformation initiatives and scaling operations in complex, multi-entity environments
Strong financial acumen, including experience influencing working capital and cost efficiency metrics
Deep knowledge of AP processes, internal controls, and financial operations
Experience with ERP systems, AP automation platforms, and workflow technologies
Advanced data analysis and reporting capabilities (Excel and related tools)
Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior and executive leadership
Strong problem-solving, strategic thinking, and change management capabilities

Nice To Haves

Experience in hospitality or other multi-entity, high-volume environments
Experience leading AP transformation, automation, or shared services initiatives
MBA, CPA, or other relevant professional certification
Experience with systems such as Yardi, Birchstreet (EPRO/Nexus), and Concur

Responsibilities

Own the enterprise Accounts Payable strategy and operating model across all business units and entities
Drive measurable financial outcomes, including working capital optimization (DPO), discount capture, and cost-to-process improvements
Partner with Treasury to align payment strategies with cash flow objectives and free cash flow optimization
Accountable for the AP function budget, including staffing, systems, and vendor-related costs
Provide executive-level reporting and insights on AP performance, risks, and financial impact
Oversee end-to-end AP operations, including invoice processing, three-way matching, expense management, payment execution (check, ACH, virtual card, purchasing card), and vendor master data governance
Establish and enforce enterprise-wide service level expectations, controls, and performance standards
Own the AP control environment, including fraud prevention, vendor data governance, and compliance with internal and regulatory requirements
Serve as the primary escalation point for complex operational, compliance, and vendor-related issues
Lead internal and external audit engagement, including control design, documentation, issue remediation, and continuous improvement
Define and execute a multi-year AP transformation roadmap focused on automation, digitization, and scalability
Lead initiatives to increase touchless invoice processing and improve end-to-end Procure-to-Pay efficiency
Identify and implement value-generating payment strategies, including virtual card expansion, rebate programs, and early payment discounts
Partner with Technology to deploy and optimize AP systems, automation tools, and integrations
Anticipate future business needs (growth, acquisitions, complexity) and evolve AP capabilities accordingly
Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership across Finance, Procurement, Treasury, and Operations
Drive alignment and integration across the Procure-to-Pay lifecycle
Influence decision-making through data-driven insights and business case development
Lead or contribute to enterprise-wide initiatives impacting financial operations and shared services
Develop and execute vendor payment and engagement strategies that enhance vendor experience and create financial value
Oversee critical vendor relationships, ensuring service levels, issue resolution, and alignment with organizational objectives
Optimize payment methods and vendor onboarding to improve efficiency, security, and rebate opportunities
Lead a multi-level organization, managing managers and supervisors within the AP function
Build and develop a strong leadership pipeline, including coaching and mentoring future leaders
Drive organizational design, workforce planning, and capability development to support scale and complexity
Establish a high-performance culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, and service excellence
Set clear expectations and hold leaders accountable for operational, financial, and cultural outcomes