Director Accounts Payable

The Director of Accounts Payable provides strategic leadership, governance, and executive oversight of accounts payable, expense reimbursement, and payment operations. This role is responsible for establishing institutional policies, internal controls, and operational standards to ensure the accurate, timely, and compliant disbursement of funds while safeguarding company assets.

The Director serves as the primary authority for complex or sensitive payment matters and partners with stakeholders across the company to drive financial stewardship, risk management, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and set the vision and direction for accounts payable operations
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies; develop new policies and procedures and enhance existing ones
• Oversee financial stewardship, including risk management, fraud prevention, and internal controls
• Lead organizational planning, staffing strategy, and team development for accounts payable
• Drive system enhancements, automation, and process improvements; serve as the Workday functional lead and technical expert for Supplier Accounts, Banking and Settlement, and Expenses, including application implementations and integrations
• Apply foundational knowledge of procure-to-pay processes and related accounting, including prepayments and encumbrances
• Serve as the primary liaison for audits, regulatory reviews, and compliance matters
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders across Finance, Treasury, Procurement, IT, and other departments
• Oversee Forms 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, and 1042 reporting and withholding requirements, as well as the application of sales tax to expenses
• Drive a culture of customer service excellence
• Lead responses to pre-audit and post-audit requests and findings

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight of the Accounts Payable team, including direct supervision of leadership staff
• Lead workforce planning, performance management, and succession planning efforts
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Promote team morale and support the professional growth and development of team members
• Required Education and Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• 5+ years of relevant experience in accounting or finance
• Strong knowledge of accounts payable operations, accounting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams in a complex environment
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment
• Experience with ERP systems (Workday required) and process improvement initiatives
• Accounts Payable certification preferred
• Ability to continuously reprioritize responsibilities to meet the evolving demands of the position