SAP Finance AP Program Manager

We are seeking an experienced Finance Accounts Payable (AP) Program Manager to lead global Accounts Payable transformation, process excellence, governance, and operational delivery initiatives. The ideal candidate should possess strong domain expertise in Accounts Payable, Procure-to-Pay (P2P), Shared Services, and Finance Operations, along with proven program management experience in driving large-scale finance transformation programs.

The role will partner with Finance leadership, Procurement, Business Units, Shared Service Centers, and Technology teams to optimize AP operations, improve controls, enhance vendor experience, and deliver measurable business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Program & Transformation Management

Lead end-to-end Accounts Payable transformation and optimization programs.

Manage program scope, timelines, budget, risks, dependencies, and stakeholder communication.

Drive finance process standardization, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Establish governance structures and track program KPIs and benefits realization.

Accounts Payable Operations:

Oversee Accounts Payable processes including:

Invoice Processing

Vendor Payments

Payment Runs

Exception Management

Vendor Reconciliation

Expense Management

Month-End Close Support

Ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices, credit memos, and payment transactions.

Monitor AP aging, overdue items, and payment compliance.

Finance Process Excellence:

Drive Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process improvement initiatives.

Reduce invoice cycle times and operational costs.

Improve first-pass accuracy and straight-through processing.

Implement best practices in AP operations and shared services delivery.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management:

Build strong relationships with suppliers, procurement teams, and internal business stakeholders.

Manage vendor escalations and payment disputes.

Ensure high levels of supplier satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Controls, Compliance & Risk Management:

Ensure adherence to:

SOX Controls

Internal Financial Controls

Audit Requirements

IFRS/GAAP Standards

Corporate Policies

Drive compliance monitoring and risk mitigation activities.

Support internal and external audits.

Technology & Automation:

Lead finance technology initiatives involving:

SAP S/4HANA

SAP ECC

Oracle

Coupa

Ariba

ServiceNow

RPA Solutions

AI-driven AP Automation

Partner with IT teams to implement digital transformation solutions.

Drive invoice automation, OCR, workflow approvals, and touchless processing initiatives.

Reporting & Analytics:

Develop executive dashboards and performance reports.

Monitor KPIs such as:

Invoice Processing Time

Cost per Invoice

Payment Accuracy

First Pass Yield

Vendor Satisfaction

Compliance Metrics

Present insights and recommendations to senior leadership.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, Business Administration, or related field.

MBA Finance, CA, CMA, CPA, ACCA, or equivalent qualification preferred.

Experience:

10-15+ years of Finance and Accounting experience.

5+ years of Accounts Payable leadership experience.

5+ years of Program/Project Management experience.

Experience managing large-scale finance transformation programs.

Domain Expertise:

Accounts Payable (AP)

Procure-to-Pay (P2P)

Vendor Management

Financial Controls

Shared Services Operations

Invoice Processing

Payment Processing

Month-End Close Activities

Technical Skills

SAP S/4HANA Finance

SAP FI-AP

Oracle Financials

Power BI / Tableau

Advanced Excel

Workflow & Automation Tools

ERP Transformation Programs’

Leadership Competencies

Executive Stakeholder Management

Program Governance

Financial Acumen

Change Management

Risk Management

Team Leadership & Mentoring

Strategic Thinking

Excellent Communication Skills

Preferred Experience

Global Shared Services / GBS environment.

AP Automation and Intelligent Invoice Processing.

Finance Transformation Programs.

Mergers & Acquisitions integration projects.

Multi-country AP operations and compliance management