Accounts Payable Lead - Finance Shared Services

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The Accounts Payable Lead is responsible for supporting the AP team in the accurate and timely processing of invoices, payments, and related transactions. This role involves overseeing daily AP operations, handling escalations, assisting with reconciliation, and ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures. The AP Lead acts as a bridge between the AP team and management, helping drive process improvements and ensuring compliance with internal controls.

This position is responsible for managing the expense reimbursement function, ensuring accurate and compliant processing of employee expenses, and leading the team in resolving issues and enhancing processes. This role involves overseeing daily expense operations, supporting employees with policy guidance, handling escalations, and driving improvements in efficiency and compliance. AP lead should collaborate closely with other finance teams and serve as a subject-matter expert on expense policy and procedures.

Primary job role:

• Supervise and support the daily operations of the accounts payable team, including invoice processing, approvals, and payment runs.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of all AP transactions, including vendor invoices, employee expenses, and other payable activities.
• Review and verify invoice entries, payment requests, and support documentation for accuracy and compliance with company policies.
• Oversee the expense team’s day-to-day activities, ensuring timely and accurate processing of employee expenses.
• Monitor workload distribution and set priorities to maintain productivity and meet reimbursement timelines. 
• Handle escalated vendor inquiries, disputes, and payment issues, working closely with vendors and internal departments to resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure accurate and timely response to AP-related queries from vendors, employees, and other departments. 
• Ensure adherence to internal controls and company policies within the AP function.
• Assist in the preparation of documentation and reports for internal and external audits.
• Review and approve expense reports and payments as per company policies. 
• Provide guidance and support to AP team members, ensuring they understand and follow established processes.
• Train new team members on AP processes, systems, and company policies.
• Monitor team performance and assist in developing skills and best practices within the team.
• Identify and suggest process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance the overall AP function. 
• Participate in projects and initiatives related to AP automation, system upgrades, or other improvements to streamline AP processes.
• Assist in month-end and year-end closing activities, including AP account reconciliations in General-ledger and Sub-ledger.
• Prepare and review AP aging reports, outstanding payments, and other financial reports as required.
• Supervise vendor statement reconciliations and resolve any discrepancies in a timely manner.
• People management is a critical accountability of the AP Lead role.
• Ensure effective attendance, shift coverage, and workload planning, maintaining adequate senior coverage.
• Proactively manage performance, behavior, and conduct, addressing issues promptly in line with company and HR policies.
• Conduct regular 1:1 discussions, provide clear feedback, and document follow‑ups where required.
• Escalate performance or behavioral concerns in a timely and structured manner to the AP Manager.
• Act as a role model for professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct.
• Support coaching, onboarding, and development of team members while ensuring consistency and discipline.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field (preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in accounts payable or a related field, with demonstrated experience in AP processes and systems.
• Strong understanding of accounts payable principles, internal controls, and compliance standards.
• Proficiency in accounts payable software and ERP systems (experience with [specific system, e.g., SAP, Oracle, or IFS] is a plus).
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle escalations professionally.
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for reporting and analysis.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with both internal teams and external vendors.
• Experience leading or mentoring team members in the accounts payable or finance function.
• Experience in a high-volume, fast-paced environment or a multinational organization.

We embrace flexibility and hybrid work opportunities to support diverse needs and lifestyles, while also valuing inclusive workplace experiences. By fostering a sense of community, we drive innovation, strengthen connections, and nurture belonging. Our commitment ensures you can work in a way that suits you best, while also engaging with colleagues to share ideas and build meaningful relationships.