The Director, Global Accounts Payable is responsible for providing strategic direction and operational leadership to the centralized Accounts Payable function within a shared services environment. This role oversees AP operations across global business services sites, ensuring process accuracy, efficiency, and timely vendor payments. The incumbent will lead a team of AP professionals, develop strategies and initiatives that maximize operational effectiveness, and implement policies and procedures that support compliance, consistency, and service excellence. Working closely with procurement, finance, and other business partners, the Director will drive process improvements, monitor key performance indicators, and identify opportunities to streamline and strengthen the organization’s financial operations on a global scale. 
 

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership: Provide vision and direction for the global accounts payable (AP) function, aligning goals with the company’s mission, core values, and long-term business objectives. Lead organizational change and implement structures that drive operational excellence within a shared services environment. 

Operational & Financial Oversight: Direct the administration of business processes, ensuring timely and accurate vendor payments, effective budget management, and adherence to schedules. Oversee planning, staffing, expense priorities, and resource allocation to support the organization’s financial strategy. 

Policy, Compliance & Risk Management: Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures to ensure compliance with accounting standards, financial regulations, and internal controls. Identify risks such as fraud or process inefficiencies and establish safeguards to mitigate them. 

Process Excellence & Innovation: Continuously evaluate and improve AP processes, systems, and controls. Design and monitor key performance metrics, driving initiatives that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness across global service delivery sites. 

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Partner with finance, procurement, and other cross-functional teams to streamline processes, resolve outstanding issues, and strengthen vendor relationships. Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on AP practices and industry-specific financial requirements. 

Leadership & Talent Development: Inspire, coach, and develop a high-performing global AP team. Provide clear goals, feedback, and technical guidance while fostering an engaged workforce. Collaborate with HR on employee matters and establish succession plans to build future leaders within the organization. 

Reporting & Analysis: Analyze AP data, prepare accurate reports for senior management, and provide insights that support decision-making and continuous improvement. 

Projects & Systems Management: Lead or contribute to special projects as assigned, including the implementation and optimization of financial systems to support automation, efficiency, and scalability of AP operations. 

Qualifications: 

5+ years of experience in Accounts Payable leadership (Director level or equivalent), ideally within a shared services or global business services environment 

Demonstrated success in leading and developing diverse, multi-geography teams across end-to-end P2P functions 

Comfortable working in fast-paced, dynamic environments with the ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and deadlines 

Deep knowledge and hands-on experience managing all facets of the purchase-to-pay process 

Strong digital skills, including advanced use of spreadsheets, databases, ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.), CPM, and reporting/analytics tools 

Solid understanding of financial, regulatory, and tax requirements relevant to AP operations 

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, engage, and build trust at all levels of the organization 

Strong attention to detail with the ability to analyze data, generate insights, and drive process improvements 

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree or professional certification such as CPA, CMA, or equivalent is an advantage)