Senior AP Officer

Beak & Johnston; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; 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 is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Lead to own the end-to-end AP function in a hybrid Sydney environment. The role focuses on process improvements, automation, and strong supplier relationships to support month-end reporting.

The successful candidate will manage supplier invoices, reconciliations, and accruals, act as AP SME across the business, and drive continuous improvement in AP systems and workflows.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing end-to-end Accounts Payable processes in a medium to large organisation.
• Autonomous operator in a stand-alone role with strong financial controls.
• Proven track record in driving AP automation and process improvements.
• Experience in FMCG AP environment and supplier dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the end-to-end Accounts Payable function.
• Process supplier invoices through the AP automation platform with timely approvals and controls.
• Review and code non-PO invoices to GL accounts and cost centres.
• Prepare and post monthly accrual journals for unreceived invoices and AP accruals.
• Manage scheduled payment runs with accuracy and timeliness.
• Perform supplier statement reconciliations and resolve discrepancies.
• Review and process employee expense claims per policy.
• Provide guidance on AP processes and controls across the business.
• Lead optimisation of AP systems, automation and workflows.
• Maintain integrity of AP data and records.
• Build strong supplier relationships and handle queries and disputes.
• Ensure compliance with tax legislation, audits and policies; support month-end close.
• Collaborate with Finance, IT and operations on system enhancements.

Skills

Accounts Payable

AP Automation

ERP (Infor M3)

GL Coding

Month-End

Excel

Process Improvement

Communication

Team Collaboration

Supplier Relationships

Tools

Infor M3 ERP

AP automation platform (OCR/etc.)

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 inMicrosoft 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