Manager, Accounts Payable

Job Summary and Purpose:

The Manager, Accounts Payable oversees the accounts payable team. This person leads and manages the end-to-end Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process. This role combines project management for P2P system enhancements and process optimization, alongside direct supervision of the AP function and team to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant invoice processing and payment. This person reports to the Chief Accounting Manager.

This combined role of P2P Project Manager and Manager, Accounts Payable provides a unique opportunity to drive both strategic process improvements in procurement and payment systems while ensuring day-to-day operational excellence in managing accounts payable functions. This position is critical for organizations aiming to optimize their financial workflows, enhance supplier relationships, and ensure robust compliance controls.

Responsibilities and Key Duties:

1. Accounts Payable People Management:

• Supervise and guide the accounts payable team, ensuring accurate and timely processing of invoices, travel reimbursements, payment runs, and resolution of discrepancies.

• Monitor daily AP operations, including invoice approvals, matching, and reconciliation, to ensure efficient processing and payment compliance.

• Develop and enforce AP policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with internal controls and financial standards.

• Conduct team performance reviews, provide coaching, and ensure ongoing training to maximize the capabilities of the AP team.

2. P2P Project Planning & Execution:

• Lead and manage current P2P project (including system upgrades, process improvements, and automation initiatives), ensuring the alignment of business goals.

• Oversee cross-functional teams across procurement, finance, IT, and vendors to ensure the successful implementation of P2P solutions.

• Ensure training and support to all users on system changes, new tools, and process updates.

3. Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to streamline the P2P cycle by enhancing both the procurement and accounts payable processes, in close collaboration with the Purchasing team.

• Implement process improvements and digital solutions, including automation, to reduce manual tasks, improve accuracy, and increase speed in the AP process.

• Lead efforts to improve the vendor invoice management system (e.g., e-invoicing, automated workflows) to enhance efficiency and reduce errors.

4. System Implementation & Integration:

• Oversee the integration and optimization of P2P systems (Coupa and Concur integration into JDE), working with corporate team to ensure proper functionality and alignment of tools with business needs.

• Lead the AP system upgrade or implementation, ensuring that systems are optimized for invoice processing, vendor management, and payment controls.

• Provide ongoing training and support to local team on system changes, new tools, and process updates.

5. Stakeholder Management & Communication:

• Collaborate with local and corporate stakeholders (P&M department, purchase, finance, IT, operations) to ensure smooth project delivery and alignment between departments.

• Provide regular project updates to senior management, including progress reports, risks, and action plans.

• Animate the community of key users for P2P process.

6. Financial Controls and Compliance:

• Ensure AP operations are fully compliant with financial regulations, internal policies, and audit requirements.

• Lead periodic audits and account reconciliations to ensure accuracy and compliance with organizational policies.

• Ensure Data quality in the different tools.

7. Vendor and Payment Management:

• Manage vendor relationships, ensuring the timely resolution of payment inquiries, disputes, and discrepancies, ensuring clear communication regarding invoicing issues and dispute resolutions.

• Participate in the vendor payment process and comply with payment terms.

8. Reporting & Analytics:

• Prepare executive-level KPI reports on P2P and AP performance, highlighting achievements, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.

• Utilize data analytics to identify trends in payment behavior, supplier performance, and process bottlenecks to improve overall efficiency.

9. Key Skills and Qualifications:

* Proactive Problem Solver: Ability to identify issues in both P2P and AP processes, diagnose root causes, and implement corrective actions.

* Team-Oriented Leader: Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams, providing guidance and fostering a collaborative working environment.

* Detail-Oriented: Strong attention to detail, particularly around financial data and compliance requirements.

* Adaptable and Resilient: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment with a focus on continuous improvement.

* Accounts Payable Management: Extensive experience in managing AP operations, including invoice processing, vendor management, and payment cycle controls.

* Project Management Expertise: Strong project management skills with experience overseeing large-scale P2P system implementations or process improvement initiatives.

* System Integration & P2P Tools: Deep familiarity with P2P software and ERP systems (e.g., JDE, SAP, Oracle, Coupa, Ariba, Concur, etc.) and a proven track record of implementing or upgrading these systems.

* Process Optimization & Automation: Knowledge of process improvement methodologies (such as Lean, Six Sigma) and experience applying automation tools to streamline P2P and AP functions.

* Financial Controls & Compliance: Strong understanding of financial regulations, audit processes, and compliance requirements in the accounts payable function.

* Vendor Management: Skilled in managing vendor relationships, negotiating payment terms, and resolving payment issues.

* Analytical & Reporting Skills: Strong ability to analyze financial and operational data, derive insights, and present reports to senior leadership.

* Leadership & Communication: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to manage and mentor a team while collaborating effectively with cross-functional stakeholders.

Core Competencies:

* Shape solutions out of complexity

* Client focus

* Collaborate with empathy

* Engage and develop

* Drive ambition and accountability

* Influence others

Technical / Functional Competencies:

* Ability to use comprehensive knowledge and skills to provide guidance on analyzing data from multiple sources and identify defined risks.

* Ability to support decision making by acquiring and organizing data trends on an environment and mastering its key figures.

* Ability to monitor the evolution of the regulatory framework and good practices.

* Strong knowledge to provide guidance to interpret and apply laws, regulations and policies in area of expertise.

* Ability to promote a high-standard internal control framework, including effective segregation of duties.

* Contribute to efficient reporting of financial performance, tax and cash generation.

Qualifications:

* Education - Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field.

* Work Experience - 5+ years of experience in accounts payable, or finance roles, with at least 2-3 years in a project management or supervisory position overseeing AP functions.

Strong experience with AP systems and P2P tools and familiarity with financial systems integration.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to see, speak, and hear. Must be able to read, speak and understand English.

Working Conditions:

Standard office environment. Ability to work from home up to two days per week.

Travel Required:

Less than 5%.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties and responsibilities or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not an employment contract. Ceva reserves the right to modify job duties and/or job descriptions at any time to meet the needs of the business.

*VEVRAA Federal Contractor

**Ceva is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Ceva encourages men and women, members of all racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.

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