Lead - Accounts Payable

Introduction: A Career at HARMAN Automotive

We’re a global, multi-disciplinary team that’s putting the innovative power of technology to work and transforming tomorrow. At HARMAN Automotive, we give you the keys to fast-track your career.

• Engineer audio systems and integrated technology platforms that augment the driving experience
• Combine ingenuity, in-depth research, and a spirit of collaboration with design and engineering excellence
• Advance in-vehicle infotainment, safety, efficiency, and enjoyment

About the Role

The AP & Disbursement Team Leader is responsible for managing end-to-end Accounts Payable operations and payment disbursement processes across multiple geographies. This role ensures timely, accurate, and compliant processing of vendor invoices and payments while driving process standardization, efficiency, and continuous improvement in a global shared services environment.
Your Team

This role reports into the Manager, Finance position and has 4-6 direct reports.
What You Will Do

1. Accounts Payable Operations

• Oversee end-to-end AP processes including invoice processing, 2-way & 3-way matching, vendor master data validation, and issue resolution
• Ensure timely and accurate posting of invoices in compliance with company policies and accounting standards
• Monitor and manage pending invoices, aging, and exception queues

2. Payment & Disbursement Management

• Manage payment cycles (weekly/bi-weekly/monthly) across multiple payment methods (bank transfers, checks, ACH, wire, etc.)
• Review and approve payment proposals ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, SOX requirements, and treasury guidelines
• Coordinate with banks, treasury teams, and vendors to resolve payment-related issues

3. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and mentor a team of AP and disbursement analysts
• Allocate workload, set performance goals, and monitor individual/team performance
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback
• Support team skill development and cross-training initiatives

4. Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key interface between internal stakeholders (procurement, finance, business units) and external vendors
• Handle escalations related to vendor payments and invoice processing
• Collaborate with global teams across regions to ensure alignment and consistency

5. Process Improvement & Transformation

• Identify opportunities for process automation, standardization, and efficiency improvements
• Drive implementation of best practices and continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)
• Support system implementations, migrations, and transitions to shared services

6. Compliance & Controls

• Ensure adherence to company policies, audit requirements, and regulatory frameworks
• Maintain strong internal controls and documentation for audit readiness
• Support internal and external audits by providing required documentation and explanations

What You Need to Be Successful

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent stakeholder communication and influencing ability
• High attention to detail and problem-solving capability
• Knowledge of global payment processes and banking systems
• Process-oriented mindset with continuous improvement focus
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-cultural, global environment
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or related field
• 10–12 years of experience in Accounts Payable / Finance Operations
• 2–4 years of team management experience in a global/shared services environment
• Experience working with ERP systems (SAP)
• Strong knowledge of AP processes, payment mechanisms, and financial control

Bonus Points if You Have

• A proven track record in team management is a distinct advantage
• Certified Public Accountant qualification is a plus
• Proactive, goal-oriented decision making
• Ability to effectively work across functional boundaries to bring tasks to successful conclusion

What Makes You Eligible

• Be willing to travel internationally occasionally if required
• Be willing to work in an office; this role is eligible to work remotely up to full-time with occasional trips into the Shared Services office location required (this could be on 24-hour notice)
• Successfully complete a background investigation and an occupational health screening (may include a drug screen) as a condition of employment

What We Offer

• Flexible work environment, allowing for full-time remote work globally for positions that can be performed outside a HARMAN or customer location
• Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products (JBL, HARMAN Kardon, AKG, etc.)
• Extensive training opportunities through our own HARMAN University
• Competitive wellness benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Access to HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and Cafeteria (where available)

• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.

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HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.