Senior Manager, Accounts Payable

Apex Fintech Solutions•Chicago, IL

1d•$104,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Accounts Payables, is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, management, and execution of the accounts payable (AP) function for the organization. This role plays a critical leadership position in managing high-volume and complex AP operations while maintaining strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, and vendor relationships. The Senior Manager will lead process improvement initiatives, implement cutting-edge technologies, and manage a team of AP professionals to ensure timely and accurate payment processing. As a key contributor to the finance team, the Senior Manager provides data-driven insights and collaborates with cross-functional teams to support the organization’s financial goals.

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, with at least 5 years 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 (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and applicable regulatory frameworks.
Proven ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing teams across multiple locations.
Effective at identifying strengths within a team and aligning resources strategically to maximize productivity.
Strong mentorship and coaching skills to encourage career growth.
Advanced proficiency in accounts payable systems and ERP platforms.
Strong technical understanding of AP tools, automation systems, and financial applications.
Expertise in data analysis and generating custom reporting for performance measurement.
Ability to envision and execute long-term strategies aligned with the organization’s financial goals.
A strong track record of driving efficiencies and implementing process improvements.
Proficiency in managing large-scale projects, including ERP system upgrades and automation rollouts.
Strong understanding of financial statements, reconciliations, and AP accrual processes.
Exceptional analytical skills for using data to detect trends, resolve discrepancies, and optimize workflows.
Knowledge of contractual terms, tax laws (e.g., 1099 compliance, VAT/GST), and SOX compliance.
Skilled in establishing and monitoring internal controls to mitigate fraud and ensure accuracy.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex financial and operational concepts.
Skilled in managing relationships with multiple stakeholders, including vendors, internal partners, and leadership.
Negotiation skills for vendor terms or difficult payment situations.
Strong organizational and project management skills to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines.
Adaptable to changing environments with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration (e.g., MBA).
Professional certifications, such as Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Advanced proficiency in using data analytics tools to develop actionable insights (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, SQL).
Extensive knowledge and experience with managing SOX-compliant environments.
Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma.
Experience in managing multinational or multi-entity accounts payable teams.
Involvement in implementing electronic invoicing systems and payment platforms (e.g., Coupa, Concur, Tipalti)

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the accounts payable team, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, and career development.
Define and implement the strategic vision for the accounts payable function, aligning it with the organization’s overall financial goals.
Establish organizational policies and procedures for accounts payable, ensuring consistent application across all processes.
Build a high-performing team culture focused on collaboration, accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Supervise and ensure the accurate and timely processing of invoices, credit memos, payments, and expense reimbursements.
Develop and enforce best practices for invoice matching (three-way matching: purchase order, goods receipt, and invoice).
Oversee payment processing for multiple payment types (e.g., ACH, wire, checks, virtual credit cards) while managing associated workflow and risks.
Manage accounts payable aging reports, ensuring that vendor payments are made on time and in accordance with payment terms.
Ensure the smooth execution of high-volume, global AP processes across entities or subsidiaries, including handling international payments and currency exchanges.
Serve as the senior point of contact for escalated vendor inquiries, disputes, or requests, fostering strong relationships and partnerships.
Negotiate vendor payment terms and agreements and ensure prompt issue resolution.
Work closely with Procurement and Supply Chain teams to align accounts payable processes with vendor contracts and policies.
Identify, design, and implement process improvements to reduce costs, eliminate inefficiencies, and enhance the accounts payable cycle.
Lead the implementation of accounts payable automation tools, leveraging technology to reduce manual processing efforts.
Collaborate with IT and technology teams to implement or upgrade ERP systems and integrate AP tools for seamless functionality.
Drive the adoption of best-in-class workflows, automation, and emerging technologies like AI or robotic process automation (RPA) to scale operations efficiently.
Ensure adherence to internal controls, corporate policies, and legal/regulatory requirements, including compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and tax laws (e.g., VAT, 1099s, and GST).
Maintain and oversee documentation for audits, including internal, external, and regulatory reviews.
Establish fraud-prevention controls and monitor AP systems for anomalies or irregularities.
Oversee the month-end and year-end close activities for accounts payable processes, including accruals and reconciliations.
Provide data-driven insights and financial metrics to support budgeting, cash flow analysis, and forecasting.
Develop, track, and report on KPIs such as accounts payable cycle time, invoice accuracy rates, and discounts captured.
Collaborate with Treasury on cash flow strategies to ensure appropriate funding for payables.
Partner with the Purchasing, Procurement, and Accounting teams to resolve cross-departmental gaps and ensure seamless workflow alignment.
Serve as a thought leader for accounts payable and accounts receivable (where necessary) by aligning it with broader finance strategies.