Senior Manager - Payables

About the Role

The Senior Manager Payables will lead the end-to-end accounts payable function, ensuring accurate invoice processing, vendor management, reconciliations, and timely payments. The role focuses on optimizing cash flow, maintaining compliance with financial controls, and driving process automation and operational efficiency within the payables team.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable Operations

• Oversee the full accounts payable (AP) process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in invoice processing and payments.

• Establish and maintain AP policies, procedures, and internal controls.

• Validate and approve invoices in line with financial governance standards.

• Ensure all payments are processed as per approved terms and timelines.

Vendor Management

• Maintain strong vendor relationships and resolve invoice or payment discrepancies.

• Conduct timely vendor reconciliations and maintain updated supplier records.

• Negotiate favorable payment terms to support cash flow optimization.

Month-End & Year-End Closing

• Manage AP-related activities during monthly and annual financial closes.

• Review and prepare reports including vendor ageing, accruals, and payment summaries.

• Ensure accurate expense classification and reporting.

Audit & Internal Controls

• Ensure adherence to internal control frameworks and company financial policies.

• Support internal and external audits with reconciliations and documentation.

• Identify and mitigate risks related to accounts payable operations.

Process Improvement & Automation

• Identify opportunities to automate AP workflows and improve system efficiency.

• Collaborate with IT and finance teams to enhance ERP performance.

• Implement best practices for faster turnaround and cost-efficient operations.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of accounts payable professionals.

• Coordinate with procurement, treasury, and finance teams for seamless operations.

• Communicate effectively with stakeholders on payment schedules and compliance matters.

Candidate Profile

• 12+ years of experience in accounts payable, finance, or accounting, ideally within a large retail or corporate environment.

• Strong knowledge of ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.) and proficiency in MS Excel.

• Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, or related discipline.

• Proven leadership skills with a focus on operational excellence and stakeholder management.