AP Transformation & Strategy Lead (Hybrid)

We're Sonesta International Hotels. The 8th largest hotel company in the U.S.-and growing fast. An epic blend of full-service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta's uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect. Together We Thrive -bringing quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest, every stay, across 1000+ properties in eight countries and counting. Job Description Summary The Senior Manager, Accounts Payable is accountable for leading and transforming the enterprise-wide Accounts Payable function across a multi-property environment. This role establishes the strategic direction for AP operations, drives scalable processes, and delivers measurable financial outcomes, including working capital optimization and cost efficiency. This leader partners closely with Finance, Treasury, Procurement, Operations, and Technology to align Accounts Payable with broader organizational objectives, ensuring a high-performing, compliant, and technology-enabled Procure-to-Pay ecosystem. The role operates with significant influence, advising senior leadership while leading a multi-level organization through growth, transformation, and increasing complexity. This is a Hybrid position based in our Orlando office. In office days are Tues/Wed/Thurs Job Description Key Responsibilities Enterprise Leadership & Financial Accountability Own the enterprise Accounts Payable strategy and operating model across all business units and entities Drive measurable financial outcomes, including working capital optimization (DPO), discount capture, and cost-to-process improvements Partner with Treasury to align payment strategies with cash flow objectives and free cash flow optimization Accountable for the AP function budget, including staffing, systems, and vendor-related costs Provide executive-level reporting and insights on AP performance, risks, and financial impact Operational Excellence & Governance Oversee end-to-end AP operations, including invoice processing, three-way matching, expense management, payment execution (check, ACH, virtual card, purchasing card), and vendor master data governance Establish and enforce enterprise-wide service level expectations, controls, and performance standards Own the AP control environment, including fraud prevention, vendor data governance, and compliance with internal and regulatory requirements Serve as the primary escalation point for complex operational, compliance, and vendor-related issues Lead internal and external audit engagement, including control design, documentation, issue remediation, and continuous improvement Strategy, Transformation & Innovation Define and execute a multi-year AP transformation roadmap focused on automation, digitization, and scalability Lead initiatives to increase touchless invoice processing and improve end-to-end Procure-to-Pay efficiency Identify and implement value-generating payment strategies, including virtual card expansion, rebate programs, and early payment discounts Partner with Technology to deploy and optimize AP systems, automation tools, and integrations Anticipate future business needs (growth, acquisitions, complexity) and evolve AP capabilities accordingly Cross-Functional Leadership & Influence Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership across Finance, Procurement, Treasury, and Operations Drive alignment and integration across the Procure-to-Pay lifecycle Influence decision-making through data-driven insights and business case development Lead or contribute to enterprise-wide initiatives impacting financial operations and shared services Vendor Strategy & External Partnerships Develop and execute vendor payment and engagement strategies that enhance vendor experience and create financial value Oversee critical vendor relationships, ensuring service levels, issue resolution, and alignment with organizational objectives Optimize payment methods and vendor onboarding to improve efficiency, security, and rebate opportunities People Leadership & Organizational Development Lead a multi-level organization, managing managers and supervisors within the AP function Build and develop a strong leadership pipeline, including coaching and mentoring future leaders Drive organizational design, workforce planning, and capability development to support scale and complexity Establish a high-performance culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, and service excellence Set clear expectations and hold leaders accountable for operational, financial, and cultural outcomes Qualifications & Experience Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field 8-12+ years of progressive Accounts Payable or Procure-to-Pay experience Demonstrated experience leading large or multi-level teams, including managing managers Proven track record of driving transformation initiatives and scaling operations in complex, multi-entity environments Strong financial acumen, including experience influencing working capital and cost efficiency metrics Deep knowledge of AP processes, internal controls, and financial operations Experience with ERP systems, AP automation platforms, and workflow technologies Advanced data analysis and reporting capabilities (Excel and related tools) Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior and executive leadership Strong problem-solving, strategic thinking, and change management capabilities Preferred Qualifications Experience in hospitality or other multi-entity, high-volume environments Experience leading AP transformation, automation, or shared services initiatives MBA, CPA, or other relevant professional certification Experience with systems such as Yardi, Birchstreet (EPRO/Nexus), and Concur Additional Job Information/Anticipated Pay Range Pay range: $120,000 to $135,000. Base pay offer may vary depending on various factors, including but not limited to job related knowledge, skills and job specific overall experience. Benefits Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including: Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Health Savings Account with Company Match 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match Paid Vacation and Sick Days Sonesta Hotel Discounts Educational Assistance Paid Parental Leave Company Paid Life Insurance Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance Various Employee Perks and Discounts Hospital Indemnity Critical Illness Insurance Accident Insurance Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application in addition to attaching a resume. Incomplete applications received will not be considered. #J-18808-Ljbffr