Manager Accounts Payable (AP)

Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Accounts Payable Manager to lead the AP function supporting our global Finance operations. The ideal candidate will bring deep full-cycle AP expertise in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, a proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams, and strong hands-on experience with ZIP and NetSuite. You will own the end-to-end payables process, ensuring strong controls, SOX compliance, accurate and timely payments, and effective vendor relationships, while leading month-end close, partnering with cross-functional stakeholders, and driving process improvement and automation.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead, mentor, and manage the AP team, including assigning work, setting priorities, conducting performance reviews, and training team members on processes, systems, and compliance requirements.

- Oversee the end-to-end AP process, including timely invoice processing, invoice validation, 3-way matching (purchase orders, receiving reports, and vendor invoices), 2-way matching (invoices, purchase orders), posting, and payment proposals, ensuring SLAs and KPIs are met.

- Review and verify invoices for accuracy, tax compliance (sales tax, WHT/TDS, GST/VAT), and appropriate approvals; review and approve payment runs and journal entries prepared by the team.

- Oversee vendor master data maintenance and approve changes; reconcile vendor statements, research outstanding balances, and resolve vendor queries and escalated discrepancies with Procurement, Receiving, Operations, and external vendors.

- Manage employee expense claims and corporate credit card transactions and reconciliations.

- Monitor AP aging, cash flow requirements, and payment schedules in coordination with Treasury, and optimise use of early-payment discounts.

- Establish, document, and enforce AP policies, procedures, and internal controls; ensure compliance with company policies and SOX regulations, prepare 1099 forms at year-end, and serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external audits.

- Lead AP month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities, including accruals and monthly balance sheet reconciliations for global entities, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.

- Prepare and present AP metrics and reports to senior Finance leadership, and escalate key risks and issues.

- Drive process improvement, streamlining, and automation of AP and expense reimbursement processes within NetSuite and related AP tools, and lead ad hoc projects.

Required Skills & Qualifications

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Commerce or Finance (B.Com, M.Com, MBA Finance, or equivalent).

- 12+ years of full-cycle Accounts Payable experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment, including at least 4 years of leading and developing a team.

- Proven ability to manage high invoice volumes with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

- Understanding of raw materials inventory, PO matching, and standard costing is strongly preferred.

- Strong knowledge of AP processes, US GAAP, internal controls, and industry best practices.

- Hands-on experience with NetSuite, Zip, FloQast, and other AP automation tools is a plus.

- Strong problem-solving skills and advanced proficiency in MS Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs).

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and vendors.

- Ability to work independently, prioritise effectively, and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.