JAG Talent is partnered with a globally recognised Travel business to hire an experienced AP Manager into the team. This is an exciting role managing both and onshore and offshore team so global team management experience is essential. The role offers hybrid working with 4 days per week in the office and 1 day from home. Reporting to the Head of Finance Operations you will be integral to ensuring control around AP and expense management globally.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide leadership and coaching to the Accounts Payable (AP) team responsible for processing supplier payments via bank transfer, virtual card, and handling expense payments.
* Identify team training needs, manage objective setting, conduct regular 1:1s, and lead annual performance appraisals in line with Finance and HR processes.
* Oversee the end-to-end AP process, from invoice receipt and reconciliation to payment and dispute resolution, ensuring full compliance with company policies and service level agreements (SLAs).
* Ensure timely processing of supplier payments in accordance with contractual terms and internal financial policies.
* Supervise virtual card reconciliations, including bill-back invoicing, dispute resolution, and collaboration with Operations to meet SLA targets and mitigate risk.
* Take ownership of the integrity of the Purchase Ledger and associated reconciliations, including monthly ledger maintenance and internal controls.
* Ensure cash allocations by onshore and offshore teams are completed in line with month-end deadlines.
* Oversee management of AP mailboxes, ensuring team adherence to escalation protocols and SLA compliance.
* Prepare and review KPIs for the AP function, and lead continuous improvement initiatives; ensure SLA delivery by the outsourced WNS team.
* Drive the month-end close process for the Purchase Ledger to enable timely and accurate reporting by the Management Accounts team.
* Support the development of real-time AP dashboards for spend analytics, payment trends, and aging reports.
* Assist in the annual audit process, including preparation of relevant documentation and audit responses.
* Collaborate with external vendors and partners such as Conferma, Protas, and HSBC.
* Foster strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across Accounting, Operations, Contracting, and Supplier Relations.
* Contribute to system implementations or enhancements, particularly relating to ERP systems and virtual card programs.
Skills & Experience
* Ideally you will have prior experience in the Business Travel sector however this is non essential, especially in expense management and corporate card programs.
* Proven experience managing a Purchase Ledger team with a solid understanding of end-to-end Finance Operations processes.
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop team members.
* High attention to detail with a strong focus on accuracy and compliance.
* Ability to effectively work with and manage offshore support teams to ensure performance and cost-efficiency.
* Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
* Previous involvement in system implementations and change management is a distinct advantage.