Director, Business Optimization (AP Audits)

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a strategic and entrepreneurial leader to guide an Accounts Payable recovery audit function in Santa Ana, California. This position is well suited for a senior audit specialist who can shape client strategy, strengthen operational performance, and communicate financial value to executive stakeholders. The role combines practice leadership, client advisory work, and team development within a fast-paced services environment focused on measurable cost optimization.

Responsibilities:
• Direct the Accounts Payable recovery audit practice, leading client engagements, team delivery, and overall financial performance for the function.
• Oversee the full audit process, including data intake, review preparation, exception analysis, claim support, and recovery monitoring.
• Work closely with client finance, procurement, and shared services leaders to uncover duplicate disbursements, missed credits, overpayments, and vendor-related compliance gaps.
• Design tailored audit approaches that use data analysis, automation, and benchmarking insights to identify savings opportunities and underlying process issues.
• Present audit results, recovery opportunities, and operational improvement recommendations to senior executives such as CFOs, controllers, and procurement leaders.
• Lead recovery discussions with vendors and suppliers, securing funds on behalf of clients while maintaining accurate support and clear reporting.
• Build strong client and supplier relationships that support efficient claim resolution and long-term engagement success.
• Drive practice expansion by identifying new business opportunities, supporting strategic initiatives, and contributing to revenue and profitability goals.
• Mentor and develop team members, setting direction, promoting accountability, and building leadership capability within the group.• Significant experience in internal audit, recovery audit, accounts payable audit, or a closely related financial review environment.
• Demonstrated leadership background with responsibility for managing teams, client engagements, and business performance.
• Strong knowledge of audit program design, annual audit planning, and corporate internal audit practices.
• Ability to evaluate financial data, identify control weaknesses, and translate findings into practical business recommendations.
• Experience presenting to senior stakeholders and influencing decision-makers through clear, credible communication.
• Proven success managing client relationships and leading discussions involving negotiations, findings, and recovery outcomes.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to work across audit data, reporting tools, and Excel-based analysis.