International Accounts Payable Manager

About the role

We are seeking a transformational International Accounts Payable Manager to modernise our International AP operations — evolving from a transactional function into an automated, data‑driven capability that partners closely with Domestic AP leadership to deliver a seamless global experience. This role also serves as senior business owner and relationship manager for our outsourced Procure‑to‑Pay (P2P) service provider, representing P2P leadership and driving governance, performance, and continuous improvement. A highly visible role in a fast‑moving, high‑growth environment demanding agility and operational excellence.

Key responsibilities

• Lead international AP operations across regions, currencies, entities, and regulatory environments, ensuring accurate, timely, compliant processing.
• Develop and execute an International AP strategy with Domestic AP leadership, standardising processes while meeting local compliance needs.
• Partner with Finance, Procurement, and Strategic Sourcing on P2P, cash management, supplier experience, and M&A/expansion activities.
• Own the relationship with the outsourced P2P provider, setting governance frameworks (KPIs, SLAs, QBRs, escalations) and holding them accountable for performance and quality.
• Lead vendor governance routines—reviews, risk mitigation, capacity planning, roadmap alignment—while driving automation and cost efficiency with the provider.
• Ensure outsourced operations maintain strong controls, audit readiness, and data integrity.
• Partner cross‑functionally (Finance, Procurement, Treasury, Tax, HR, Technology) to reimagine AP through automation, AI, and process redesign.
• Drive transformation initiatives that cut manual effort, improve cycle times, and strengthen controls, championing continuous improvement.
• Use data and analytics on the Databricks platform to surface trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Maintain strong controls, SOX compliance, and policy adherence, including international tax, VAT/GST, and withholding rules; own e‑invoice regulation strategy.
• Track KPI/SLA performance (cycle time, accuracy, aging, exceptions, satisfaction) and lead escalation management.
• Lead and develop the International AP team, building a culture of accountability, collaboration, and strong change management.

Required profile

• 12+ years of progressive AP/Finance Operations leadership experience, including significant international AP oversight.
• Chartered Accountant degree (mandatory).
• Proven experience managing outsourced AP/P2P service providers in complex operating environments with strong vendor governance.
• Experience leading large‑scale AP transformation, automation, and shared services initiatives.
• Strong understanding of international AP operations, compliance requirements, and multi‑entity environments in fast‑paced, high‑growth organisations.
• Demonstrated success implementing AP technologies, ERP platforms, OCR/invoice automation, and AI‑enabled solutions.
• Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, leadership, and stakeholder management skills with a track record of organisational change.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related field preferred; CPA or advanced degree a plus.

Required skills

• ERP platforms
• OCR/invoice automation
• AI‑enabled solutions
• Databricks platform