Section Manager, Finance Operations & Systems

Summary

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Section Manager, Finance Operations & Systems to lead Accounts Payable (AP), payment processing, treasury operations, and related finance systems.
Reporting to the Director, Finance (Financial Controls & Compliance), this role is responsible for ensuring efficient, accurate, and compliant financial operations while maintaining strong internal controls and delivering high-quality services to both internal and external stakeholders.
The successful candidate will provide leadership across finance operations and systems, drive process improvements and automation initiatives, partner with cross-functional stakeholders, and contribute to finance transformation programmes. This role plays a key part in strengthening governance, improving operational efficiency, enhancing system capabilities, and supporting the organisation's strategic objectives.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

A. Accounts Payable (AP) & Payments Operations

• Lead and manage end-to-end AP operations, ensuring accurate and timely invoice and vendor payment processing.

• Oversee payment processing, approval governance, and payment controls to ensure secure, efficient fund disbursement.

• Review and approve payment proposals within delegated authority limits.

• Lead AP-related month/period-end closing activities.

• Monitor performance, service levels, and operational risks; implement corrective actions as needed.

• Drive continuous improvement to enhance efficiency and service quality.

• Lead, coach, and develop the AP & Payments team, building a high-performance, accountable culture.

• Work with business stakeholders, Procurement, and vendors to resolve issues and improve processes.

B. Treasury Operations & Cash Management

• Manage day-to-day treasury operations, including cash positioning, liquidity monitoring, funding, bank accounts, and banking relationships.

• Review and approve treasury transactions within delegated authority limits.

• Lead cash forecasting (short- and medium-term) to support liquidity and funding needs.

• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and working capital to support business operations.

• Ensure compliance with treasury policies, financial controls, and banking requirements.

• Lead treasury reporting, cash management optimization, and treasury risk management.

C. Finance Systems, Process Improvement & Transformation

• Act as the key Finance representative for AP, Payments, Treasury, and related finance systems.

• Oversee finance systems support and enhancements, and manage vendor relationships to ensure system effectiveness and governance.

• Partner with IT and vendors on system upgrades, enhancements, and issue resolution.

• Drive process improvements, automation, and control enhancements across AP, Payments, and Treasury.

• Lead or support ERP/finance systems and transformation initiatives, including UAT, business readiness, and change management.

• Manage finance-related projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

D. Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Maintain a strong control environment across AP, Payments, Treasury, and finance systems.

• Ensure compliance with internal policies, delegated authorities, and regulatory requirements.

• Support internal and external audits and drive closure of audit findings and control gaps.

• Monitor operational risks and implement risk mitigation measures.

Requirements:

A. Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.

• At least 10 years’ relevant experience in AP, payments, treasury operations, and finance systems, including 3–5 years in a managerial/people leadership role.

• Strong knowledge of:

  • Procure-to-Pay (P2P), AP, and payment processing

  • Cash management, cash forecasting, and treasury operations

  • Financial controls, governance, compliance, and audit requirements

• Experience working with Finance, Procurement, IT, banks, vendors, and business stakeholders.

• Hands-on experience with ERP and finance systems (SAP preferred), including:

  • Issue resolution and enhancement requests

  • Testing (e.g., UAT) and system improvement initiatives

• Proven experience in process improvement, automation, and finance transformation projects.

• Familiarity with SAP Finance modules, AP automation tools, e-invoicing, and workflow solutions is an advantage.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Demonstrated ability in team leadership and people development.

B. Personal Attributes & Mindset

• Ownership mindset with high accountability and strong attention to detail.

• Proactive, hands-on, and results-driven.

• Effective communicator with strong problem-solving abilities.

• Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic environment.

• Passionate about continuous improvement, automation, and operational excellence.

• High level of integrity, professionalism, and risk awareness.