Accounts Payable Lead

Accounts Payable Lead

Location: Orlando, United States of America

Thales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world's largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference. When you rely on airlines to connect you in flight, you rely on Thales. In an increasingly fast paced world, we make the unpredictable, predictable by connecting and entertain passengers to make your life better. Combining a diversity of talents, we master the decisive moments that matter to passengers and airlines. Whatever it takes.

Position Summary

Thales is looking for an Accounts Payable Lead, who will be responsible for leading the end-to-end accounts payable process while serving as the primary interface between suppliers, project controllers, project managers, Accounting, Finance, and the offshore service provider to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payment processing. In this position, you will oversee all aspects of accounts payable operations, including payment creation and analysis, supplier account aging, purchasing treatment determinations, and coordination with Infosys, while driving process efficiency, maintaining strong internal controls, and delivering a high level of customer service to both internal and external stakeholders. You will act as the lead for the procure-to-pay process, fostering collaboration across cross-functional teams and ensuring financial transactions are processed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with company policies and accounting standards.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Lead the end-to-end procure-to-pay (P2P) process across the AGS Americas business, including the AGS and TCC business lines, serving as the primary liaison with Infosys, the offshore Accounts Payable service provider, to ensure efficient, accurate, and compliant accounts payable operations.
• Manage all supplier payment activities, including payment proposal generation, payment processing, supplier account aging analysis, reconciliations, dispute tracking and resolution, and the timely payment of supplier obligations while partnering with Procurement, Finance, Project, Operations, and Receiving teams to resolve invoice and supplier account issues.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities by preparing journal entries, reviewing and approving account reconciliations, managing intercompany payable transactions, facilitating quarterly certifications, preparing status reports, and supporting corporate financial reporting requirements.
• Maintain effective communication and collaboration with Procurement, Finance, Program Management, Operations, suppliers, and other internal stakeholders to ensure timely invoice approvals, resolve payment issues, provide accounts payable status updates, and deliver a high level of customer service.
• Maintain strong internal controls and regulatory compliance by supporting internal control assessments, audit readiness, external audit requests, accounting policy adherence, reconciliation activities, and compliance with applicable company policies and financial reporting requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement by monitoring accounts payable performance, supporting special projects, implementing process and system enhancements, assisting with new tools and initiatives, and performing additional responsibilities as assigned to improve operational efficiency and financial accuracy.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance with 35+ years of relevant accounting or finance experience, or a Master's degree in Accounting or Finance with 1+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience performing account reconciliations, monthly accounting transactions, and financial close activities with a strong understanding of accounting principles and processes.
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications with advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for financial reporting, analysis, and data management. Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent judgment, organizational, planning, and time management skills, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to interpret and follow general instructions, manage changing priorities, and consistently meet quality, productivity, and deadline expectations.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or for assuming sponsorship of an employment visa now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with both U.S. and international stakeholders.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy when processing financial transactions, analyzing data, and maintaining accounting records.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing business needs, and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and drive effective resolutions.
• Experience using financial systems or ERP platforms, with SAP experience strongly preferred.
• Schedule: First Shift, MondayFriday, during core business hours. (Adjust this if the hiring manager provides a more specific schedule.)

If you're excited about working with Thales, but not meeting the requirements for this position, we encourage you to join our Talent Community!

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. Thales is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between Total Target Cash (TTC) 71,250.00 - 118,750.00 USD Annual.

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance

Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period

Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off

Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program