Accounts Payable Manager

We are seeking an experienced and result-oriented Manager - Accounts Payable to lead end-to-end AP operations, vendor payments, compliance, process governance, and team management. The role requires strong expertise in invoice processing, payment operations, controllership, stakeholder management, automation initiatives, and continuous process improvement.The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring SLA adherence, driving operational excellence, strengthening financial controls, managing audits, and leading a large AP team while leveraging digital technologies such as RPA, AI, and automation to enhance productivity.Key Responsibilities:1. Accounts Payable OperationsManage end-to-end invoice processing (PO and Non-PO invoices).Ensure timely vendor payments as per agreed SLAs and TAT.Monitor payment cycles, exception management, and escalations.Review vendor reconciliations, GR/IR balances, and open items.Coordinate with banks, finance, procurement, and business teams for smooth payment operations.Monitor forex payments and ensure regulatory compliance.2. Compliance & Risk ManagementEnsure adherence to GST, TDS, MSME, FEMA, and company policies.Conduct periodic reviews of vendor ledgers, GR/IR balances, and control reports.Drive risk identification, mitigation, and prevention activities.Ensure accurate deductions, statutory compliance, and financial governance.Review business payments and monitor control framework effectiveness.3. Quality ManagementEnsure defect-free invoice processing.Deliver accurate and timely MIS reports to management.Monitor service delivery quality and customer satisfaction.Minimize business escalations through proactive stakeholder engagement.Review uncashed DDs and other outstanding financial instruments periodically.4. Process Excellence & AutomationIdentify automation opportunities in AP processes.Drive implementation of RPA, AI, ML, and workflow automation initiatives.Partner with IT and Digital teams for process transformation projects.Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and efficiency.Support feasibility assessments and proof-of-concept (POC) evaluations for new technologies.5. Audit & GovernanceManage internal and external audits.Ensure timely closure of audit observations.Strengthen process controls and compliance framework.Support management reviews and audit reporting requirements.6. People LeadershipLead and manage a team of 25-30 members including Team Leads.Drive capability building, succession planning, and employee development.Establish performance metrics and conduct regular reviews.Build a high-performance and customer-centric culture.Education: Master's Degree in Commerce, Finance, Accounting, MBA Finance, CA Inter, CMA Inter or equivalent.Experience:Minimum 10+ years of experience in Accounts Payable, Shared Services, Finance Operations, or Procure-to-Pay.Minimum 2-3 years in a managerial role handling large teams.Technical SkillsSAP (ECC/S4HANA) experience preferred.Strong knowledge of AP, P2P, GR/IR, Vendor Reconciliation.Knowledge of GST, TDS, MSME compliance.Advanced MS Excel and PowerPoint skills.Experience in automation, RPA, AI, and digital transformation initiatives.Leadership Competencies Team leadership and stakeholder management.Analytical and problem-solving capability.Strong communication and presentation skills.Change management and project management capability.