Accounts Payable Manager, EMEA

* Lead and manage the PTP team, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments.* Provide guidance, training, and development opportunities to enhance team capabilities.* Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and drive continuous improvements to optimise service delivery.* Implement training programmes to enhance team knowledge of PTP processes and systems.* Drive a customer service-oriented culture within the team, ensuring high levels of service and responsiveness to internal and external stakeholders.* Oversee the accurate and timely processing of invoices from multiple sources, ensuring adherence to company policies and compliance requirements.* Ensure timely payments to vendors, resolving discrepancies and disputes effectively.* Maintain strong relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.* Drive significant improvements in payment performance, with reference to Payment Practices Reporting requirements.* Monitor and drive compliance with the Purchase Order (PO) process, ensuring that invoices are matched correctly against POs and goods receipts.* Work with business units to increase PO adoption and ensure adherence to the No PO, No Pay policy.* Educate vendors and internal teams on the importance of three-way matching (PO, goods receipt, invoice) to enhance control and efficiency.* Ensure full ownership of the AP sub-ledger, ensuring reconciliation to the general ledger at period end.* Accurately account for all purchase ledger transactions, including payments and rejected payments.* Ensure regular reconciliations of accounts payable transactions, resolving discrepancies promptly.* Prepare and present PTP reports to senior management, highlighting key metrics and insights.* Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance.* Ensure adherence to company policies, internal controls, and regulatory requirements related to PTP processes.* Support internal and external audit requests, providing necessary documentation and explanations.* Mitigate financial and operational risks by implementing robust control mechanisms.* Drive compliance from the business and vendors with regard to the No PO, No Pay policy, ensuring strict adherence and implementing corrective actions as necessary.* Drive compliance from the business and vendors regarding the Purchase Order policy, ensuring adherence and implementing corrective actions as necessary.* Ensure compliance with SOX controls, maintaining proper documentation and adherence to internal financial control standards.* Act as the key point of contact for PTP-related queries from internal stakeholders across EMEA.* Work closely with procurement, finance, and treasury teams to align PTP operations with broader business objectives.* Drive initiatives to enhance vendor relationships, including improved communication and service levels.* Partner with Finance teams to ensure that purchase requisitions, PO approvals, and goods receipting processes are aligned with best practices and business needs.* Educate vendors and internal stakeholders on compliance requirements and best practices.* Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience in leading a PTP or Accounts Payable team.* Expertise in full-cycle accounts payable and PTP processes, preferably within a shared services or multinational environment.* Proficiency in ERP systems, particularly SAP and Ariba, with a focus on PTP module configurations.* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify trends and drive process improvements.* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.* Experience in implementing automation tools (e.g., robotic process automation, AI-driven workflows) to optimize processes.* Understanding of compliance, internal controls, and risk management related to PTP functions.* Knowledge and enforcement of SOX compliance controls and their application within PTP processes.****Qualifications & Skills****:***** Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent relevant experience).* A recognised accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA) is desirable.* Significant experience in leading a PTP or Accounts Payable function, ideally within a shared service centre or multinational environment.* Strong track record in process optimisation, automation, and digital transformation initiatives.* Demonstrated experience managing and developing high-performing teams.* Proven experience in stakeholder management, including working with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.* Experience implementing and enforcing Purchase Order policies and improving three-way matching compliance.* Advanced proficiency in ERP systems, particularly SAP (including SAP S/4HANA) and Ariba.* Expertise in automation tools (e.g., robotic process automation, AI-driven workflows) to optimise PTP processes.* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and drive actionable insights.* Knowledge and enforcement of SOX compliance controls and their application within PTP processes.* Ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.* Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.* Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.#J-18808-Ljbffr…