Accounts Payable Lead - Finance Shared Services

About the role

The Accounts Payable Lead plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and precise handling of invoices and payments within the AP team. This position involves managing daily operations, addressing escalations, and supporting reconciliation efforts while ensuring compliance with company policies. The AP Lead serves as a key link between the AP team and management, driving improvements in processes and maintaining adherence to internal controls.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Oversee and guide the daily functions of the accounts payable team, including processing invoices, approvals, and payment cycles.
• Ensure all AP transactions, such as vendor invoices and employee expenses, are processed accurately and on time.
• Validate invoice entries and payment requests, ensuring they align with company policies and are supported by appropriate documentation.
• Manage the daily activities of the expense team, ensuring timely processing of employee reimbursements.
• Distribute workloads effectively and prioritize tasks to maintain productivity and meet reimbursement deadlines.
• Address escalated inquiries from vendors and resolve payment-related issues by collaborating with both vendors and internal departments.
• Respond promptly to AP-related questions from vendors, employees, and other departments.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and company policies within the AP function.
• Assist with the preparation of documentation and reports for audits, both internal and external.
• Review and authorize expense reports and payments in accordance with company guidelines.
• Provide guidance to AP team members, ensuring they are familiar with established processes.
• Train new hires on AP procedures, systems, and company policies.
• Monitor team performance and contribute to skill development and best practices within the team.
• Identify opportunities for process enhancements to boost efficiency and minimize errors in the AP function.
• Participate in projects related to AP automation and system upgrades to streamline processes.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities, including reconciliations in the General Ledger and Sub-Ledger.
• Prepare and analyze AP aging reports and outstanding payments as needed.
• Supervise vendor statement reconciliations and address discrepancies promptly.
• Manage team attendance, shift coverage, and workload planning to ensure adequate senior coverage.
• Proactively address performance, behavior, and conduct issues following company and HR policies.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, provide constructive feedback, and document necessary follow-ups.
• Escalate performance or behavioral issues to the AP Manager as needed.
• Model professionalism and ethical conduct within the team.
• Support the coaching and development of team members while maintaining consistency and discipline.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related discipline is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in accounts payable or a related field, with proven expertise in AP processes and systems.
• Strong knowledge of accounts payable principles, internal controls, and compliance standards.
• Proficiency in accounts payable software and ERP systems (experience with systems such as SAP, Oracle, or IFS is advantageous).
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks with attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a professional approach to handling escalations.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for reporting and analysis.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with internal teams and external vendors.
• Experience in leading or mentoring team members within accounts payable or finance.
• Familiarity with high-volume, fast-paced environments or multinational organizations.

Practical notes

We offer flexible and hybrid work arrangements to accommodate diverse needs and lifestyles while fostering an inclusive workplace. Our commitment to community and collaboration drives innovation and strengthens connections among colleagues.

IFS is a global company generating over a billion dollars in revenue with more than 7,000 employees worldwide. Our advanced AI technology supports our award-winning enterprise software solutions, empowering our customers to excel at critical moments. We prioritize internal AI adoption to remain at the forefront of technological advancements, enabling our team to unlock creativity and productivity.

At IFS, we value flexibility and innovation, focusing on making a positive impact in the world. We are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity, reflecting the varied cultures and perspectives of our customers and communities.

Joining our team means being part of a global and diverse environment, contributing to sustainability efforts, and making a meaningful difference. If you are ready to challenge the status quo, we encourage you to apply and #MakeYourMoment with us at IFS.