Manager – Accounts Payable

Lead and manage the Accounts Payable function to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant processing of supplier liabilities and payments in accordance with company financial policies, regulatory requirements, and service level agreements. This role ensures effective financial controls, supports business operations through efficient vendor payment processes, and drives continuous improvement and automation initiatives across Accounts Payable systems and processes.

Strategic Roles & Responsibilities

• Support the Finance leadership team in strengthening the Accounts Payable control environment by implementing robust financial governance, policies, and process frameworks.

  
  

• Identify and implement opportunities to automate and enhance Accounts Payable processes through ERP improvements, digital workflows, and system integrations.

  
  

• Contribute to finance transformation initiatives by benchmarking AP processes and recommending best practices aligned with Group policies and operational requirements.

  
  
• Provide analytical insights and operational feedback to Finance leadership on Accounts Payable performance, risks, and process improvements.

Functional Roles & Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end Accounts Payable process including liability recognition, invoice processing, payment execution, and supplier reconciliation.

  
  

• Ensure all financial transactions are accurately recorded in the accounting system and comply with internal financial policies and regulatory requirements.

  
  

• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing activities related to Accounts Payable.

  
  

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of payments to principals, local and overseas suppliers in accordance with agreed payment terms.

  
  

• Maintain strong internal controls across the payment cycle including maker-checker approvals and verification of supplier statements of account.

  
  

• Monitor and strengthen the internal control framework for Accounts Payable to ensure compliance with financial policies and regulatory requirements.

  
  

• Ensure proper VAT treatment and Corporate Income Tax classification in line with applicable regulations.

  
  

• Review Accounts Payable journal entries, reconciliations, and transaction postings to ensure accuracy and completeness.

  
  

• Monitor integrity between accounting sub-systems and investigate discrepancies where identified.

  
  

• Ensure adherence to statutory, financial, and internal audit requirements related to Accounts Payable processes.

  
  

• Manage the supplier payment cycle including approval workflows, bank portal execution, and funding arrangements.

  
  

• Coordinate with Treasury to determine appropriate funding sources for payments including internal funds, credit facilities, letters of credit, and foreign exchange arrangements.

  
  

• Ensure optimal cash flow management through effective scheduling and prioritizing of payments.

  
  

• Identify process inefficiencies and recommend improvements to enhance operational efficiency, accuracy, and control.

  
  

• Develop and maintain dashboards and performance reports to monitor operational KPIs and service level compliance.

  
  

• Act as the primary finance contact for Accounts Payable matters with internal stakeholders and suppliers.

  
  

• Lead payment-related discussions with business units to address operational issues and ensure alignment with financial processes.

  
  

• Maintain effective supplier relationships and ensure timely resolution of vendor queries and escalations.

  
  

• Provide accurate and timely information to suppliers and business stakeholders in line with agreed service standards.

  
  

• Identify operational, financial, and compliance risks within Accounts Payable processes and implement mitigation strategies.

  
  

• Ensure accurate documentation of financial procedures, training manuals, and process guidelines.

  
  

• Support internal and external audits by providing required documentation and implementing corrective actions where necessary.

  
  

People Management Roles & Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the Accounts Payable team to ensure effective delivery of operational objectives and service standards.

  
  

• Monitor team performance against established KPIs and provide regular feedback and performance evaluations.

  
  

• Identify skill gaps within the team and coordinate training initiatives to strengthen technical and professional capabilities.

  
  

• Foster a collaborative and performance-driven work environment aligned with company values and operational goals.

  
  

• Ensure adequate succession planning and capability development within the Accounts Payable function.

  
  

Qualifications & Experience:

• Professional qualifications in Accounting or Finance such as CPA, CMA, CFA, ACA, or MBA in Finance. 

  
  

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in finance or accounts payable functions, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.

  
  

• Experience within large or multi-entity organizations and ERP-based accounting environments would be advantageous.

  
  

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial control processes

  
  

• Experience managing Accounts Payable operations within ERP environments