Finance Operations Manager (Ap)

The Manager, Finance Operations is responsible for driving operational excellence across Finance Operations, including EPC, freight payables, and duty audit. Reporting to the Director, Finance Operations, this role manages the design, implementation, and ongoing operation of efficient payables processes, including intake, matching, authorization, month-end activities, and payment execution. The role is accountable for developing talent, managing relationships and service levels with payables technology partners, ensuring accurate transaction accounting, and maintaining alignment with company policies, internal controls, and industry best practices.
This position partners closely with Finance and Operations leaders to ensure financial transactions are executed accurately and efficiently, reporting requirements are met, finance systems are optimized, and service levels continuously improve. The role requires a highly analytical, metrics-driven leader with strong business acumen and the ability to translate process insights into measurable operational outcomes.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to)Operational Excellence & Process Improvement
Manage and optimize corporate accounts, operations payables, and duty audit functions, ensuring timely and accurate invoice processing and payment execution.
Evaluate and enhance payables processes, technology, and talent to improve efficiency, manage cash flow, and support business needs.
Ensure payment procedures adhere to company policies, internal controls, and industry best practices in partnership with Treasury.
Implement leading payment technologies with Treasury and IT to reduce costs, improve cash flow, and champion automation projects within the AP function.
Oversee corporate expense and credit card programs, optimizing rebates and service for cardholders.
Drive initiatives to optimize working capital and improve cash conversion cycles through effective payables management.
Design, implement, and monitor robust internal controls to safeguard company assets, ensure compliance with financial regulations, and enforce fraud prevention measures.
Systems Oversight & Data Integrity
Monitor work-in-progress accounts and reconcile accounts, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
Navigate financial applications, research variances, and identify root causes of discrepancies.
Support accounting for capital projects, facilities, and procurement.
Evaluate and recommend new AP systems, tools, and platforms to support scalability and process improvements.
Act as a key subject matter expert for Accounts Payable modules within the company's ERP system.
Performance Management & Analytics
Develop and monitor vendor statistics, process, and productivity metrics, analyzing payables trends.
Provide analytical support to finance, procurement, and operations for timely decision-making and issue resolution.Contribute to overall financial strategy by providing insights on vendor payment terms, discounts, and cash flow forecasting.
Analyze expenditure patterns to identify cost‑saving opportunities and areas for improved vendor negotiation.
Develop and present comprehensive reports and dashboards on AP performance, aging, and cash flow, providing actionable insights to senior management.
Conduct deep‑draw analysis on vendor spend and payment patterns to identify opportunities for cost savings and process efficiencies.
Issue Resolution & Stakeholder Partnership
Resolve urgent vendor payment matters and support remittance requirements.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Finance, Procurement, Treasury, IT) for operational objectives.
Support quarterly reviews, year-end audits, and internal audit testing.
Establish and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key vendors, optimizing payment terms and proactively resolving complex issues.
Collaborate with procurement to ensure alignment on vendor contracts, payment terms, and invoice processing requirements.
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, mentor, and develop the accounts payables and duty audit team, including hiring, performance evaluations, and fostering career growth.
Build team analytical capabilities and foster a proactive, results‑oriented culture that emphasizes both individual accountability and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.
Mitigate single points of failure within processes and roles to ensure operational continuity and resilience.
Develop and implement a robust succession plan for key roles within the payables function.
Team Support & Coaching:
Provide hands‑on training and coaching to staff on analysis skills, financial applications, and departmental policies and procedures.
Assist the team with troubleshooting and resolving complex issues or problems, providing expert guidance and support when necessary.
Ensure team members have the resources and knowledge required to perform their roles effectively and overcome challenges.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLSTo perform this job successfully, the person must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Comprehensive experience and understanding of full‑cycle accounts payable, including intake, matching, vouchering, and payment authorization.
Proven people management skills, including leading, mentoring, coaching, performance management, and developing teams.
Effective communication (oral & written) and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate across all levels of employees and management.
Ability to navigate complex financial and operations applications;
research variances, identify root causes of discrepancies, and implement corrective solutions.
Excellent organizational, problem‑solving, analytical, and time‑management skills.
Strong business acumen, advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex datasets and drive evidence‑based decisions.
Proven ability to meet tight timelines in an environment with competing priorities.
Be proactive and energetic in the work situation, seeking to get things done and able to multi‑task.
Strong understanding of internal controls, audit requirements, and financial data governance.
Thorough and in‑depth working knowledge of accounting principles and standards (IFRS or U.S. GAAP).
Advanced proficiency in the use of Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint). Experience with advanced data/analytical software would be an asse
EXPERIENCE
5+ years of progressive experience in finance operations, accounts payable management, or a related accounting leadership role.
Demonstrated experience in evaluating and addressing talent, processes, and technology requirements to improve efficiency and manage cash flow.
Experience navigating and optimizing finance and operations systems (ERP experience preferred).
Practical experience with process improvement methodologies applied in an agile and outcome‑focused manner.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the key accountabilities of the job required.
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