Accounts Payable Manager – EMEA

Accounts Payable Manager – EMEA

Department: Finance – Accounts Payable

Role Purpose

Lead and oversee the end-to-end Accounts Payable function across EMEA, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of supplier transactions across multiple entities. Drive standardization, internalization of processes, and operational excellence, while managing a distributed AP team and supporting the broader finance transformation agenda.

This role plays a critical part in strengthening financial controls, improving cash management visibility, and supporting scalable growth across EMEA operations.

Key Responsibilities

AP Operations Management

• Oversee the full Accounts Payable cycle across EMEA entities (invoice processing, payments, reconciliations)
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of high invoice volumes across multiple countries and legal entities
• Monitor and manage AP performance KPIs (cycle time, ageing, accuracy, backlog)

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a regional AP team (local + shared services if applicable)
• Define roles, responsibilities, and service levels within the AP organization
• Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement

Payments & Cash Management

• Oversee payment runs across EMEA ensuring compliance with payment terms and internal approvals
• Partner with Treasury to optimize cash flow planning and supplier payments

Controls, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures and local statutory requirements (incl. VAT)
• Strengthen internal controls across AP processes
• Act as key contact for auditors on AP-related matters

Process Standardization & Transformation

• Lead harmonization and standardization of AP processes across EMEA entities
• Drive transition from outsourced to in-house AP models where applicable
• Identify and implement automation opportunities (ERP workflows, OCR, etc.)

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Act as escalation point for complex vendor issues and internal stakeholders
• Partner with Procurement and Operations to ensure effective three-way matching and purchasing compliance
• Maintain strong relationships with key suppliers

Reporting & Month-End Close

• Oversee AP closing activities (accruals, prepayments, reconciliations)
• Deliver AP ageing, analytics, and insights to senior finance leadership
• Support group reporting and audit requirements in coordination with EMEA finance leadership structures

Qualifications & Experience

• 6–10 years of experience in Accounts Payable / Finance Operations
• Proven experience managing AP in a multinational, multi-entity environment (EMEA scope preferred)
• Experience leading teams (direct + indirect / shared services)
• Strong experience with ERP systems (Oracle NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, etc.)
• Track record in process transformation, insourcing, or shared service center models

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities
• High attention to detail with strong control mindset
• Solid understanding of VAT and local compliance requirements across EMEA
• Process-driven, with focus on standardization and efficiency
• Excellent stakeholder management across Finance, Procurement, and Operations
• Advanced Excel and reporting capabilities

Nice-to-Have

• Experience in data center, infrastructure, or retail / asset-heavy environments
• Exposure to finance transformation programs or ERP implementation