Sr. Manager, AP

Position Summary: 

The Accounts Payable (AP) Senior Manager oversees the day-to-day end-to-end AP operations. This role will manage invoice processing, manage the execution of payment runs, review of GL journal entries, and account reconciliations, address operational gaps,  queries and prepare reports. The AP Senior Manager will act as the lead person for AP activities, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with company policies while maintaining strong relationships with both vendors and internal stakeholders. 

AP Operations: 

• Oversee full-cycle AP processing including invoice management, 2 or 3-way matching, weekly payment runs (ACH, wire and check) and manage resolving AP issues, among others
• Ensure timely and accurate close of AP sub-ledger each month in alignment with accounting close calendar
• Lead daily AP operations including invoice processing, approvals, and vendor payments
• Review and manage weekly payment runs ensuring completeness, accuracy, timeliness, and compliance
• Lead AP accrual preparation and reconciliation (e.g., T&E, credit cards, unvouchered receipts); partner with general accounting team in meeting month-end close deliverables
• Manage/administer employee travel & expense (T&E) and corporate credit card program management, accounting and reporting, including expense-report review, policy enforcement
• Review and approve GL journal entries relating to AP transactions
• Ensure AP activity is properly recorded in compliance with US GAAP and SOX controls 

Process & Controls: 

• Maintain and enforce AP policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with internal controls
• Identify process improvement opportunities to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability
• Support system enhancements and integrations (ERP, expense systems, etc.)
• Lead automation and workflow improvement initiatives to reduce manual effort, cycle times, and error rates
• Establish and monitor KPIs (e.g., invoice cycle time, touchless rate, on-time payment rate, AP aging) and report to leadership regularly
• Prepare AP-related workpapers and support external auditors (Big 4) during quarterly reviews and annual audits
• Ensure compliance with pharma-specific requirements including HCP/HCO spend reporting (Sunshine Act) and clinical trial vendor payment protocols
• Maintain up-to-date process documentation and ensure team adherence to documented controls 

Vendor & Stakeholder Management: 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for AP-related inquiries from vendors and internal stakeholders
• Own year-end 1099/1042-S reporting, including data validation, reconciliation to vendor payments, and timely filing
• Support vendor onboarding and dispute resolution; manage vendor relationships, and payment escalations
• Collaborate with the treasury team on the cash payment forecasting and timing, and with the tax team on indirect tax and withholding requirements 

Team Management: 

• Provide guidance and training to AP staff on daily tasks and company policies
• Manage and mentor a team of 4–6 AP professionals including specialists and analysts
• Set clear performance goals, conduct regular 1:1s and reviews, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
• Lead the AP team in resolving or escalating issues with the other members in the organization, as necessary
• Support SOX and audit requests and provide documentation as needed 

Qualifications: 

• 7+ years of progressive experience in AP, including at least 3 years in a people-management or supervisory role
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. Strong knowledge of AP processes, journal entries, accrual accounting, account reconciliations and account analysis
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and other finance systems (e.g., Concur, Coupa)
• Familiarity with US GAAP and basic SOX/internal control requirements as they relate to AP
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, basic formulas) and working knowledge of Word and PowerPoint
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to escalate issues appropriately
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and vendors 

AI Requirements: 

• Foundational understanding of AI concepts, including machine learning, natural language processing, and data-driven decision-making
• Demonstrated experience using AI-enabled tools (e.g., generative AI, predictive analytics, automation solutions) to improve workflows, reporting, or decision-making
• Ability to identify opportunities where AI can enhance AP operations