Senior Manager, Accounts Payable

Sr. Manager, Accounts Payable

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students. We're on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big. Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We're changing. Because students need a better way. We're looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students—and for each other. This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It's where you're empowered to bring your authentic self to work. Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you—from physical and mental to financial and professional. You'll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more. We're obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking "why not?" when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills. Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.

The Sr. Manager, Accounts Payable will be responsible for leading and optimizing the Accounts Payable function and managing the payments programs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accounting, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage a team effectively. They will also have an in-depth understanding of Workday Financial systems, financial reporting requirements and be able to stay up to date on changes to accounting regulations and industry trends.

What You'll Do:

• Lead and manage the Accounts Payable team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance the efficiency and scalability of payments function including planning, forecasting, and reporting.
• Partner with key stakeholders (e.g. Procurement, Vendor Management, Accounting, FP&A, Treasury, IT) to ensure alignment of financial processes and objectives.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in payment processing, financial reporting, transaction processing, and data reconciliation.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end close activities related to A/P.
• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline workflows, enhance automation, and reduce operational costs.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive performance improvements and ensure high-quality output.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards, regulations, and internal policies, mitigating risks and safeguarding the company's financial integrity.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.

What You Have:

Minimum education, skills and experience required:

• Proven track record of managing and optimizing finance operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance.
• Experience with financial systems and tools (Workday ERP, financial reporting software, etc.), with strong proficiency in Excel and data analysis.
• Familiarity with GAAP, SOX, and other regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to drive results and navigate complex financial challenges.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and process optimization.
• Strong ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Excellent people management skills, with a focus on coaching, development, and fostering a positive team culture.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and at all levels of the organization.
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and ensure accuracy in financial operations.

Preferred education, skills, and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• MBA or professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CMA) is a plus.
• 7+ years of experience in finance or accounting, with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing finance operations teams.