Senior AP Officer

Beak & Johnston Pty Ltd; Australia; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangement

Career development opportunities

Exposure to automation projects

Supportive team culture

Employee wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Beak & Johnston Pty Ltd's Finance Department seeks an experienced Accounts Payable Lead to own end-to-end AP processes, maintain strong controls and drive continuous improvement across the business. The successful candidate will optimise AP workflows, manage supplier relationships, support month-end reporting and partner with stakeholders to deliver a well-controlled AP function.

We offer a hybrid working arrangement, career development opportunities within an Australian food manufacturer,

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing end-to-end Accounts Payable in a medium to large organisation.
• Autonomous, stand-alone role with strong control mindset and process improvement track record.
• Experience with AP automation and ERP systems, incl. OCR-enabled workflows.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage end-to-end AP functions including invoices, payments, reconciliations and accruals.
• Lead supplier statements, GRNI and discrepancy resolution with strong attention to controls.
• Post monthly accrual journals and support month-end close activities.
• Coach stakeholders on AP processes and drive automation initiatives.

Skills

Accounts payable

AP automation

ERP knowledge

Excel & analytics

Attention to detail

Stakeholder management

Tools

Infor M3 ERP

OCR/AP automation tools

Job description

The Finance Department provides strategic and operational support to the business through organizing the financial and accounting affairs including the preparation and presentation of appropriate accounts, and the provision of financial information.

Reporting to the Financial Controller, we are seeking an experienced and highly capable Accounts Payable Lead to take ownership of the end-to-end accounts payable function. This is a stand‑alone role requiring a proactive professional who can operate independently, ensure strong financial controls, drive process improvements, and act as the subject matter expert for all accounts payable activities across the business.

The successful candidate will play a key role in optimising AP processes, strengthening supplier relationships, supporting month‑end reporting, and partnering with stakeholders across the organisation to deliver an efficient and well‑controlled accounts payable function.

Key responsibilities include

• Own and manage the end-to-end Accounts Payable function, ensuring the timely and accurate processing of supplier invoices, payments, reconciliations and related financial activities, including:
• Processing supplier invoices through the AP automation platform, ensuring timely approvals and compliance with internal controls.
• Reviewing and coding non‑purchase order invoices to the appropriate general ledger accounts and cost centres.
• Preparing and posting monthly accrual journals for unreceived invoices and other AP‑related accruals.
• Managing scheduled payment runs, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and adherence to delegated authorities.
• Performing supplier statement reconciliations including GRNI account and proactively resolving discrepancies.
• Reviewing and processing employee expense claims in accordance with company policies.
• Act as the primary Accounts Payable subject matter expert, providing guidance and support to stakeholders across the business on AP processes, controls and best practice.
• Lead the ongoing optimisation of AP systems, automation and workflows, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen controls and reduce manual processing through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain the integrity of AP data and records, ensuring all transactions are accurately recorded and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, acting as the key point of contact for supplier queries, dispute resolution and payment‑related matters.
• Ensure compliance with relevant tax legislation, audit requirements and company policies, while supporting month‑end close activities and financial reporting requirements.
• Partner with Finance, IT and operational teams to implement system enhancements, improve processes and support broader business initiatives.
• Provide coaching and guidance to stakeholders across the business, promoting best‑practice Accounts Payable processes and driving accountability for procurement‑to‑payment controls.

To be successful in this role, you will bring

• Extensive experience managing end-to‑end Accounts Payable processes within a medium to large organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously and take ownership of outcomes in a stand‑alone role.
• Strong experience with AP automation solutions and a proven track record of driving process improvements.
• FMCG Industry Knowledge: Prior experience in a fast‑paced FMCG environment, with an understanding of supplier dynamics, cost control, and operational urgency.
• AP Automation Experience: Hands‑on experience with AP automation tools, with OCR capabilities or similar platforms, with a strong understanding of automated invoice workflows.
• ERP Proficiency: Working knowledge of Infor M3 ERP or similar enterprise systems, with confidence navigating financial modules and coding transactions.
• General Ledger Knowledge: Experience coding non‑PO invoices to the general ledger, with a solid grasp of cost centre and account structures. Including understanding of GRNI account.
• Month‑End Processes: Ability to prepare and post monthly accrual journals and support financial close activities.
• Microsoft Office Skills: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis; working knowledge of Word and Outlook.
• Process Improvement Mindset: A continuous improvement approach, with a track record of identifying and implementing automation or efficiency gains in AP processes.
• Analytical and Detail‑Oriented: Strong attention to detail and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to investigate and resolve discrepancies independently.
• Communication Skills: Clear and professional communication style, with the ability to liaise effectively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Team Collaboration: A collaborative attitude and willingness to support broader finance team goals.

What you will get from us

Joining our family of foodies means you will go hometruly satisfied by the type and quality of work you are doing. We are the supplier of choice because we provide delicious and inspiring food that makes eating healthy and convenient food enjoyable!

A few of our benefits include

• Hybrid working arrangement
• Career development opportunities within a growing Australian food manufacturer
• Exposure to business improvement and automation projects
• Supportive and collaborative team culture
• Employee benefits and wellbeing initiatives