The Global Accounts Payable (AP) Process Manager is responsible and accountable for the end-to-end design, governance, and optimization of the global AP process across all regions and functional areas. This role ensures the standardization, compliance, and operational excellence of AP activities in alignment with company strategy, while driving automation and leading continuous improvement initiatives. As a subject matter expert, the role bridges Finance, Procurement, IT, and regional teams to enhance service delivery, control, and cost efficiency.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Process Ownership & Strategy
- Define and implement the global Accounts Payable strategy to support the company’s financial and operational goals.
- Lead the end-to-end design and lifecycle management of AP processes across all legal entities, business units, and geographies.
- Serve as the global subject matter expert for all AP processes, policies, and compliance.
Standardization & Optimization
- Develop and enforce global AP policies and procedures, ensuring consistency and scalability while accommodating local legal/tax compliance.
- Identify and implement workflow optimizations and automation initiatives (e.g., e-invoicing, 3-way match, auto-posting).
- Drive global use of ERP/AP platforms (e.g., SAP), in collaboration with IT and process stakeholders.
Compliance, Controls & Risk Management
- Ensure adherence to financial reporting standards, internal controls, and all applicable tax and regulatory frameworks (e.g., VAT, withholding tax).
- Oversee vendor master data integrity, segregation of duties, and payment approval hierarchies to prevent fraud and error.
- Support internal/external audits, ensuring proper documentation and process traceability.
Process Monitoring & Performance Management
- Define and track key AP performance metrics (e.g., invoice cycle time, on-time payment rate, blocked invoices, early payment discount capture).
- Deliver recurring reports and insights to Finance leadership; identify root causes and lead corrective action where KPIs fall short.
Training, Documentation & Change Management
- Create and maintain global process documentation and SOPs.
- Design and deliver training sessions and materials for AP teams, business users, and approvers to promote policy adherence and system proficiency.
- Lead change management efforts during system implementations or process updates.
Vendor Engagement & Issue Resolution
- Support the setup and maintenance of vendor master data in compliance with global policy.
- Collaborate with Procurement, Legal, and local Finance to resolve invoice disputes, exceptions, and vendor escalations.
- Promote strong vendor relationships through timely and accurate payment practices.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Governance
- Engage with global stakeholders (Finance, Procurement, IT, Treasury, Tax) to align process priorities and business needs.
- Lead and/or participate in global governance forums for Procure-to-Pay process alignment.
Project Leadership & Transformation
- Lead or co-lead cross-functional AP projects including system enhancements, process automation, and digital transformation efforts.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS REQUIRED
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
- Advanced degree (MBA, MAcc) or relevant certifications (CPA, CMA, Six Sigma) are a plus.
Experience
- 7–10 years of progressive experience in Accounts Payable leadership, ideally in logistics, transportation, or a similarly complex, multi-entity environment.
- Demonstrated success in driving process improvement, automation, and AP governance at a global or regional level.
- Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and AR tools.
- Proficient in Excel.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong understanding of end-to-end AP processes, internal controls, and financial reporting principles.
- Proactive mindset with strong analytical, problem-solving, and continuous improvement capabilities. Able to simplify complexity.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills across cultures and functions.
- Resilience under pressure, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and manage competing priorities.
- Ability to lead without authority in a matrix environment.
- Cross-cultural awareness.
- Bilingual English- Spanish; additional languages are an asset.
