Accounts Payable Lead

About the position

Lead is responsible for the end-to-end payables process across the NA legal entities, combining hands-on process ownership with strong day-to-day people leadership of the AP team.

The incumbent will work closely with Purchasing, Logistics, Treasury and external suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and develop a team of (3-4) AP Specialists: workload allocation across plants, backlog management, performance objectives and reviews, coaching, cross-training and vacation/backup coverage.
• Own the end-to-end AP cycle for all NA entities: invoice processing, 3-way match (PO, invoice, goods receipt), exception resolution and escalation with Purchasing, Warehouse and plant personnel.
• Review and release weekly payment proposals; ensure accuracy, completeness and on-time payment execution in line with agreed terms and cash planning.
• Own vendor master data governance: enforce controls for new vendor setup (W9, bank letters) and for any bank-detail change, including mandatory callback / independent verification controls (AADM) to prevent payment fraud (BEC).
• Monitor and report AP KPIs (invoice backlog and aging, GNRI aging, blocked invoices, on-time payment, DPO) under the SSC KPI framework; drive corrective actions on RED/AMBER items.
• Review and approve GL monthly reconciliations under the team’s scope (Payables, GNRI, accruals) and ensure timely clearing of open items.
• Oversee AP intercompany reconciliations and dispute resolution with counterpart entities.
• Oversee FEBAN reconciliation / Treasury open items application related to outgoing payments.
• Provide payables input to the weekly/monthly free cash flow forecast; support Net Working Capital initiatives (payment terms, DPO optimization).
• Ensure month-end close activities under AP scope are completed per the closing checklist; escalate risks and issues proactively.
• Act as first escalation point for supplier disputes, statements reconciliation and payment inquiries.
• Ensure internal controls are executed and documented in accordance with the KA Finance Manual; own AP-related internal and external audit requests.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or Business Administration.
• Minimum five (5) years of Accounts Payable / finance experience in a manufacturing or shared services environment, Minimum two (2) years of people leadership experience managing AP or transactional finance teams.
• Proven people-leadership skills: ability to organize, coach, develop and hold a team accountable to service levels and deadlines.
• Strong SAP knowledge (FI/MM, payment runs) and advanced Excel; solid understanding of 3-way match and procure-to-pay workflows.
• Solid knowledge of internal controls and payment fraud prevention (vendor master data, bank detail changes); familiarity with Mexican (CFDI) and US invoicing/tax documentation requirements.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to challenge, prioritize and escalate effectively across plants and functions.
• Demonstrated experience leading process change, automation initiatives or organizational transitions in a Shared Services environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset: experience with process standardization or automation is a plus.

• Bilingual (Spanish/English).

What we offer

• Professional growth and career development opportunities within the organization.
• Continuous training and learning in manufacturing processes and technologies.
• Participation in strategic projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• A professional, collaborative, and results-driven work environment.
• Benefits superior to those required by law.
• Job stability and a defined career path.

Application / Contact

If this sounds interesting and likely the right challenge for you, we look forward to receiving your application!

Please register your CV/resume and cover letter.

Within your application, please inform us regarding your notice period and salary expectations.

The applications will be handled on an ongoing basis and the position may be filled before the application deadline date.