Lead - Accounts Payable (EMEA)

The Lead Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for managing the overall accounts payable function and ensuring the accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices, employee reimbursements, and payments. This role provides operational leadership to the AP team, oversees daily workflow, ensures adherence to policies and controls, and drives process improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance. 

• Oversee the end-to-end accounts payable process, including invoice receipt, validation, approvals, coding, and payment processing.

• Lead, guide, and support the AP team to meet operational targets and service-level agreements.

• Review and approve payment runs, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely disbursement.

• Monitor and reconcile vendor accounts, resolve complex queries, and maintain strong vendor relationships.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, tax regulations (VAT, WHT, GST, etc.), and audit requirements.

• Support month-end and year-end closing activities, including AP accruals and reconciliations.

• Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements and automation opportunities.

• Coordinate with Procurement, Treasury, and Accounting teams to streamline workflows and improve data accuracy.

• Prepare and present AP metrics, dashboards, and reports for management review.

• Act as a point of escalation for complex invoice or system-related issues.

• Assist in system implementations, upgrades, and testing related to AP modules.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

• 8–10 years of experience in Accounts Payable, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.

• Strong knowledge of ERP systems (NetSuite, Oracle, or similar).

• In-depth understanding of AP processes, accounting principles, and tax compliance.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.

• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines.

• Experience in a shared services or multinational environment.

• Familiarity with AP automation tools (e.g., Beanworks, Coupa, Quadient)

• Continuous improvement mindset and experience with process optimization initiatives.

• Knowledge of local tax compliance, adherence to local laws as well.

• Experience working in a shared services or multinational environment.
• Exposure to automation tools and process improvement initiatives (e.g., OCR, AI-driven invoice processing).