The AP Team Lead is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end Accounts Payable process, ensuring timely and accurate invoice processing, payment execution, vendor management, compliance with company policies, and achievement of service level agreements (SLAs). The role provides leadership, coaching, and guidance to AP team members while driving continuous process improvements and stakeholder satisfaction

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Lead and oversee daily Accounts Payable operations.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices and employee claims.
• Monitor compliance with 2-way and 3-way invoice matching controls.
• Ensure month-end closing activities are completed within agreed timelines.
• Review and resolve invoice, payment, and vendor account discrepancies.
• Manage escalations related to invoices, payments, and supplier enquiries.
• Ensure adherence to internal controls, policies, and accounting standards.

Team Leadership

• Manage, coach, and develop AP specialists and senior specialists.
• Conduct performance discussions, training, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Allocate workloads and monitor team productivity and quality.
• Act as the primary escalation point for operational issues.
• Foster a culture of accountability, customer focus, and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with internal business stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Communicate process updates, risks, and service delivery concerns.
• Participate in governance meetings and provide operational insights.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Treasury, Vendor Master Data, and Finance teams.

Process Improvement and Governance

• Identify process gaps and recommend improvements.
• Lead AP-related projects and transformation initiatives.
• Develop and maintain work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training materials.
• Support automation, digital transformation, and system enhancement initiatives.
• Assist internal and external auditors and ensure audit readiness.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Accountancy, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience

• At least 5 years of Accounts Payable experience.
• At least 1-2 years in a supervisory, subject matter expert (SME), or team leadership capacity.
• Experience in a Shared Services or BPO environment is preferred.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end Accounts Payable and payment processes.

Technical Competencies

• SAP or other ERP systems knowledge.
• Invoice processing and payment management.
• Vendor reconciliation and account analysis.
• MS Excel and MS Office proficiency.
• Process documentation and reporting.
• Internal controls and audit compliance.

Leadership Competencies

• People management and coaching.
• Stakeholder management.
• Problem solving and root cause analysis.
• Decision making.
• Customer focus.
• Communication and influencing skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Accountability and ownership.