Head of Accounts Payable – US

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of accounts payable professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Provide guidance and training to ensure team members are equipped to perform at their best.
• Develop and implement processes for team productivity, performance tracking, and professional development.
• Oversee the end-to-end accounts payable process, including invoice receipt, approval, coding, payment, and reconciliation.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices, expense reports, and payment disbursements.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal departments (e.g., procurement, legal, operations) and external vendors.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations, policies, and internal controls.
• Manage the preparation and review of accounts payable reports, providing insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Lead audits related to accounts payable and ensure proper documentation and support for financial audits.Develop and implement best practices for the department, ensuring alignment with the bank’s overall financial goals.
• Drive continuous improvement in the accounts payable function, identifying opportunities for automation and streamlining processes.
• Oversee the management of payment schedules and optimize cash flow management.
• Negotiate payment terms with vendors to ensure favorable outcomes for the bank.
• Act as the primary point of contact for resolving vendor disputes and issues related to payments, invoices, and account discrepancies.
• Work closely with Treasury, Tax, and other finance functions to ensure smooth payment processes and accurate reporting.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and execute strategies for managing the company’s liabilities and cash flow efficiently.

Qualification & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA or equivalent certification preferred).
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in accounts payable or finance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a complex organization, preferably in the banking or financial services industry.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale accounts payable operations.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills.
• Proficiency in financial software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP systems).
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Preferred

• Experience with automation tools and initiatives to optimize the accounts payable process.
• Familiarity with the financial regulations specific to investment banking and financial institutions.

Benefits

• Insurance Benefits
• Retirement Benefits
• Vacation Policy
• Other Perks and Benefits…