Accounts Payable (AP) Section Head

Job Purpose:

The AP Section Head oversees the accounts' payable function, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices, payments, vendor reconciliations, and compliance with internal controls and regulatory standards. The role includes leading the AP team, applying Lean principles to drive continuous improvement, identifying process gaps, and enhancing overall efficiency across the procure-to-pay cycle.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership & Management

• Supervise and guide the AP team to ensure operational efficiency and high performance.
• Monitor staff workloads, assign tasks, and provide training or mentoring as needed.
• Conduct performance appraisals and support team development.

2. Invoice Processing & Payments

• Oversee the accurate and timely entry, validation, and posting of vendor invoices.
• Review and approve payment run (manual and electronic).
• Ensure invoices are matched to purchase orders and receipts where applicable (3-way matching).

3. Vendor & Internal Relations

• Manage vendor relationships and resolve disputes or payment discrepancies.
• Coordinate with procurement, warehouse, and other departments for smooth invoice processing.

4. Compliance, Controls & Audit

• Ensure compliance with company policies, tax laws (e.g., VAT), and accounting standards.
• Monitor adherence to internal controls and recommend improvements where necessary.
• Support internal and external audits by providing required documentation and explanations.

5. Process Improvement & Lean Methodology

• Apply Lean accounting and process improvement techniques to reduce waste and optimize workflow in the AP cycle.
• Proactively identify process gaps and inefficiencies, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional initiatives to streamline end-to-end procure-to-pay processes.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within the AP team.

6. Reporting & Reconciliation

• Review AP aging reports, and other relevant KPIs.
• Perform monthly AP closing activities and reconciliations with the General Ledger.