Senior Manager, Accounts Payable

APEX Fintech Services•Chicago, IL

2d•$104,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Accounts Payable oversees the strategy, management, and execution of the organization’s accounts payable function. This leadership role manages high-volume, complex AP operations while maintaining internal controls, regulatory compliance, and strong vendor relationships. The Senior Manager leads process improvements and technology implementations, manages AP professionals, and provides data-driven insights in collaboration with cross-functional teams to support the organization’s financial goals. Responsibilities include leading the AP team and setting its strategic direction; overseeing accurate, timely invoice and payment processing across global entities; managing vendor relationships and escalations; improving AP processes and implementing automation and ERP integrations; maintaining compliance, controls, and audit documentation; overseeing AP close activities and reporting; and partnering with Treasury, Procurement, Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Accounting. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, and 10–12 years of professional experience in accounts payable or finance operations, including at least five years in a managerial or senior leadership role. Candidates should have experience in high-volume global AP operations, ERP systems, process improvement and AP automation, and knowledge of GAAP and relevant regulatory frameworks. The position offers a hybrid work schedule for most roles, allowing employees to work from home and a primary office.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
10–12 years of professional experience in accounts payable or finance operations.
At least five years of experience in a managerial or senior leadership role.
Proven experience managing accounts payable in a high-volume environment with global operations.
Strong experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Workday, NetSuite, or similar platforms.
Expertise in driving process improvement initiatives and implementing AP automation tools.
Deep knowledge of GAAP and applicable regulatory frameworks.
Ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing teams across multiple locations; strong mentoring and coaching skills.
Advanced proficiency in accounts payable systems, ERP platforms, AP tools, automation systems, and financial applications.
Ability to analyze data and produce custom performance reporting.
Ability to develop long-term strategies and manage large-scale projects, including ERP upgrades and automation rollouts.
Strong understanding of financial statements, reconciliations, and AP accrual processes.
Knowledge of contractual terms, tax laws including 1099 compliance and VAT/GST, and SOX compliance; ability to establish and monitor internal controls.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to explain complex financial and operational concepts.
Ability to manage relationships with vendors, internal partners, and leadership; negotiation skills for vendor terms and difficult payment situations.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize workloads, meet deadlines, and manage competing priorities.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration, such as an MBA.
Professional certification such as CAPP, CMA, or CPA.
Advanced proficiency with data analytics tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or SQL.
Extensive experience managing SOX-compliant environments.
Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma.
Experience managing multinational or multi-entity accounts payable teams.
Experience implementing electronic invoicing systems and payment platforms such as Coupa, Concur, or Tipalti.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the accounts payable team, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, and career development.
Define and implement the AP function’s strategic vision in alignment with organizational financial goals.
Establish AP policies and procedures and promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Oversee accurate and timely processing of invoices, credit memos, payments, and expense reimbursements.
Develop and enforce invoice-matching best practices, including three-way matching of purchase orders, goods receipts, and invoices.
Oversee payment processing across ACH, wire, checks, and virtual credit cards, managing related workflows and risks.
Manage AP aging reports and ensure vendor payments are made on time and in accordance with payment terms.
Oversee high-volume global AP processes across entities or subsidiaries, including international payments and currency exchanges.
Serve as the senior point of contact for escalated vendor inquiries, disputes, and requests; negotiate payment terms and resolve issues.
Coordinate with Procurement and Supply Chain to align AP processes with vendor contracts and policies.
Identify and implement process improvements to reduce costs, eliminate inefficiencies, and improve the AP cycle.
Lead implementation of AP automation tools and collaborate with IT and technology teams on ERP upgrades and integrations.
Promote adoption of workflows, automation, AI, and robotic process automation to scale operations.
Ensure compliance with internal controls, corporate policies, and legal and regulatory requirements, including SOX and applicable tax laws.
Maintain documentation for internal, external, and regulatory audits; establish fraud-prevention controls and monitor systems for irregularities.
Oversee AP month-end and year-end close activities, including accruals and reconciliations.
Provide metrics and insights for budgeting, cash flow analysis, and forecasting; develop and report on AP KPIs.
Collaborate with Treasury on cash flow strategies and with Purchasing, Procurement, and Accounting to resolve workflow gaps.
Contribute AP and, where necessary, accounts receivable expertise to broader finance strategies.