Senior Manager, Accounts Payable

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager of Accounts Payable to lead and optimize the Accounts Payable function for a growing financial services organization. This role will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the AP process, including vendor management, payment operations, AP controls, compliance, tax reporting, and process improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership experience, deep knowledge of AP operations, and expertise with ERP systems and AP automation technologies.

This position will partner closely with Accounting, Treasury, Procurement, Tax, Internal Audit, and business leaders to ensure efficient, accurate, and compliant processing of vendor obligations while driving operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounts Payable team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service.
• Establish departmental goals, performance metrics, and service level expectations.
• Manage staffing, workload distribution, training, and career development initiatives.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex vendor, payment, and compliance matters.

Accounts Payable Operations

• Oversee the end-to-end accounts payable process, including invoice receipt, coding, approvals, payment processing, and reconciliations.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices and employee expense reimbursements.
• Maintain strong internal controls and segregation of duties throughout the AP cycle.
• Monitor AP aging, payment trends, and cash flow implications.
• Partner with Treasury to optimize payment timing and working capital management. .

Systems & Process Improvement

• Lead AP process optimization initiatives to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Manage and enhance AP automation platforms and workflows.
• Serve as the business owner for AP-related ERP functionality and process improvements.
• Identify opportunities for automation, reporting enhancements, and operational efficiencies.
• Support ERP implementations, upgrades, integrations, and testing efforts.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and internal control frameworks.
• Oversee vendor onboarding and maintenance processes, including validation of tax documentation.
• Manage AP-related audits and provide supporting documentation to internal and external auditors.
• Develop and maintain AP policies, procedures, and control documentation.

Tax Reporting & Vendor Compliance

• Lead annual 1099 reporting processes, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and timely filing.
• Ensure compliance with IRS regulations and AP-related tax reporting requirements.
• Oversee collection and maintenance of W-9 documentation and vendor tax records.
• Partner with Tax and Accounting teams on AP-related compliance matters and regulatory reporting requirements.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7 years of progressive Accounts Payable, Accounting Operations, or Procure-to-Pay experience.
• At least 3 years of people management experience, including leading and developing AP teams.
• Strong understanding of AP processes, controls, vendor management, and payment operations.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and AP automation tools (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Workday, NetSuite, Coupa, Concur or similar platforms).
• Hands-on experience with 1099 reporting and AP-related tax compliance.
• Experience managing audits, internal controls, and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Excel and reporting capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred

• Experience within a financial services organization, including banking, asset management, fintech, insurance, wealth management, or specialty finance.
• Experience supporting multi-entity or complex corporate structures.
• Knowledge of SOX controls, risk management, and regulatory environments.
• Experience leading AP transformation or automation initiatives.
• CPA or other relevant professional certification.

Key Competencies

• Accounts Payable Operations Management
• Leadership & Team Development
• Vendor Management
• AP Automation & Process Improvement
• ERP Systems Expertise
• Internal Controls & Compliance
• Tax Reporting & 1099 Compliance
• Financial Analysis & Reporting
• Change Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration

Success Factors

The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader who combines operational expertise with a strategic mindset. They will drive efficiency through process improvement and automation, maintain strong controls and compliance standards, and build effective partnerships across Finance and the broader organization while ensuring a best-in-class accounts payable function.