Accounts Payable Lead

We are looking for an experienced and results-driven Accounts Payable Lead to oversee day-to-day AP operations and lead a team in a fast-paced BPO/shared services environment. The role will be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely processing of accounts payable transactions, maintaining strong vendor data governance, and driving operational efficiency and service delivery. The ideal candidate has strong experience in Vendor Master Data Management (VMD) and proven people leadership capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily Accounts Payable operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of transactions.
• Manage, coach, and develop AP team members to achieve operational, productivity, quality, and service-level targets.
• Monitor team performance and provide regular coaching, feedback, and performance support.
• Ensure proper processing of invoices, payments, vendor requests, and AP-related transactions in accordance with established procedures.
• Take ownership of Vendor Master Data Management (VMD) processes, ensuring vendor information is accurate, complete, and properly maintained.
• Review and validate vendor creation, modification, and maintenance requests while ensuring appropriate controls and approvals are followed.
• Identify and resolve vendor master data discrepancies, duplicate records, and data quality issues.
• Monitor AP aging, outstanding invoices, exceptions, and other operational metrics to ensure timely resolution.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, company policies, and client-specific AP procedures.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders, vendors, Procurement, Finance, and other teams to resolve AP and vendor-related concerns.
• Prepare and review operational reports, performance dashboards, and management updates.
• Identify process gaps and implement continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, accuracy, and turnaround time.
• Support transitions, process migrations, and other AP-related projects as required.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex AP and vendor master data issues.
• Ensure proper documentation and adherence to standard operating procedures.

Qualifications

• 6-10 years of experience in Accounts Payable operations.
  • Candidates with at least 3-4 years of relevant AP experience may also be considered, depending on the depth of experience.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of people management or team leadership experience.
• Strong experience in Vendor Master Data Management (VMD) is required.
• Experience working in a BPO, shared services, or finance operations environment.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end Accounts Payable processes.
• Experience handling vendor creation, vendor maintenance, validation, and master data governance.
• Strong knowledge of AP controls, invoice processing, payment processes, and reconciliation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other relevant financial or ERP systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Willing to work on shifting schedules, including night shifts, weekends, or holidays, depending on business requirements.