Accounts Payable Manager

Accounts Payable ManagerThe Accounts Payable Manager leads a high-impact accounts payable function for a growing multinational organization, owning end-to-end AP operations and month-end close outcomes with a focus on accuracy, timeliness, and compliance. This role builds scalable processes, strengthens controls, and elevates the experience for both vendors and employees while modernizing systems and workflows to support continued growth. You will manage and develop a team, serve as a trusted advisor to Finance and Procurement, and ensure ethical, independent vendor relationships within a strong internal control and SOX-focused environment.ResponsibilitiesLead and manage the Accounts Payable function, owning end-to-end AP operations and month-end close outcomes with a focus on accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.Manage a team of five direct reports, providing coaching, guidance, and performance development while fostering a culture of accountability and service.Develop, monitor, and ensure compliance with the Expense Report policy, including travel and entertainment (T&E) processes and standards.Ensure all electronic and check disbursements, independent contractor payments, and tax payments are processed accurately and on time.Develop, implement, enhance, and optimize AP systems, functions, procedures, and policies to align with organizational guidelines and best practices for the AP team.Provide outstanding customer service by responding to AP and expense report questions and concerns in a professional and timely manner to meet business needs.Oversee the month-end close for Accounts Payable, ensuring accurate reconciliations, accruals, journal entries, and timely posting to the general ledger from a transactional perspective.Ensure compliance with internal controls, SOX requirements, and segregation of duties related to accounts payable and disbursements.Monitor and report key AP performance metrics, including aging, exception rates, and payment accuracy, and use insights to drive continuous improvement.Partner cross-functionally with Finance, Procurement, and other business leaders, serving as a trusted AP advisor and aligning AP processes with broader business objectives.Drive modernization of AP operations by optimizing ERP and AP workflows, approval processes, and controls to support scale and efficiency.Maintain ethical, independent vendor relationships, protecting the integrity of the AP function and ensuring adherence to policies and controls.Translate business needs into system and process improvements within a large ERP AP environment, including readiness for 1099 reporting.Champion continuous improvement initiatives within the AP team, identifying process gaps, implementing enhancements, and supporting the overhaul of existing workflows.Essential Skills3–5+ years of direct Accounts Payable experience in a transactional processing environment.2+ years of people management experience leading and developing AP or finance operations teams.Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to manage multiple workbooks and use pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and XLOOKUPs.Experience working in a large ERP accounts payable environment, with the ability to translate business requirements into system and process improvements.Comfort working in a SOX-controlled environment, with a solid understanding of segregation of duties and internal control requirements.Demonstrated ability to build and improve AP workflows, tighten controls, and standardize policies to create scalable and efficient processes.Proven experience providing high-quality customer service to internal stakeholders and vendors, with clear and professional communication.Ability to oversee AP-related month-end close activities, including reconciliations, accruals, and journal entry preparation for posting to the general ledger.Strong attention to detail, risk awareness, and documentation skills, with the ability to identify issues early and escalate appropriately.Resilience and grit, with the ability to lead through change as the AP team undergoes process improvements and team restructuring.Additional Skills & QualificationsBachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.Travel and entertainment (T&E) expense management experience.Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365).Experience with Salesforce.Continuous improvement mindset, with a track record of identifying opportunities to streamline processes and enhance controls.Ability to build strong partnerships with vendors and internal stakeholders while maintaining policy compliance.Experience preparing or supporting 1099-related processes within AP.Empathetic yet accountable leadership style, with the ability to coach, develop, and elevate team performance.Comfort operating in a fast-paced, evolving AP environment where processes are being overhauled and improved.Work EnvironmentThis role is part of the Accounting & Finance team and is based onsite in Virginia. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position is fully onsite during the onboarding period, which is expected to be the first three months, and then transitions to a hybrid arrangement with one remote day per week. The environment centers on a large ERP-based AP operation, leveraging technologies such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, Salesforce, and advanced Excel tools. The team is currently undergoing a transformation to build better processes and modernize workflows, creating a dynamic, change-oriented atmosphere where continuous improvement and collaboration are highly valued. Dress expectations are typical of a professional office setting.