Accounts Payable Manager

Smart & Biggar LLP; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading firm in intellectual property law seeks an Accounts Payable Manager to enhance operational efficiency within their finance team. The successful candidate will lead AP operations, drive process improvements, and support financial health through accurate reporting and analysis. This role suits a proactive individual with strong accounting knowledge and leadership experience.

Benefits

Flexible benefits program

Personal days for work-life balance

Employee referral program

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in Accounts Payable, including leadership.
• Strong understanding of internal controls and accounting best practices.
• Proven experience in driving operational improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all Accounts Payable operations.
• Manage payment processing and vendor relationships.
• Recruit, mentor, and manage AP team members.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Concur

Job description

Smart & Biggar has been at the forefront of intellectual property (IP) and technology law for over 125 years. We practice in every area of IP on behalf of an exceptional international clientele, and we are consistently ranked as Canada’s leading IP firm. We are committed to hiring people with different backgrounds and experience, who represent the best talent in their field.

We are part of the IPH Group. IPH Limited is the holding company for intellectual property (“IP”) and associated companies offering a wide range of IP services and products. IPH companies employ a highly skilled multidisciplinary team of over 1,200 people in Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Thailand. IPH companies service a diverse client base of Fortune Global 500 companies, multinationals, public sector research organizations, SMEs, and professional services firms worldwide.

We are passionate about what we do and what we can achieve. The IPH Group is committed to promoting and maintaining a workplace culture of shared respect across companies to enable us all to feel valued and be the best we can be.

The Opportunity .

Smart & Biggar is currently looking for an Accounts Payable Manager to join our National Finance Team. The successful candidate will be a proactive team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about process improvement and operational efficiency.

You will lead the Accounts Payable (AP) team, ensure compliance with internal policies and controls, manage AP operations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. You will also contribute directly to the firm’s financial health through accurate reporting, analysis, and vendor management.

Responsibilities .

• Lead and oversee all Accounts Payable operations, including month-end close, reconciliations, accruals, and reporting
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure proper expense classification and compliance with internal controls
• Manage payment processing, tax application, vendor setup, and relationships with payment providers
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and system effectiveness
• Prepare forecasts, support financial analysis, and deliver timely AP reports
• Recruit, mentor, and manage AP team members, fostering a high-performing, collaborative environment
• Resolve complex issues, ensure timely payments, and support cross-functional financial initiatives
• Other duties may be assigned or amended as required

Qualifications, competencies and experience .

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field
• 7+ years of progressive experience in Accounts Payable, including leadership responsibilities
• Strong understanding of internal controls and accounting best practices
• Proven experience driving operational improvements
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis)
• Experience with Concur is an asset
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Excellent attention to detail and proactive work ethic

No recruiters or agencies please.

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Smart & Biggar offers a comprehensive total rewards package including:

• A competitive compensation structure based on transparency, clarity and fairness;
• A flexible benefits program;
• Personal days to help balance personal and professional commitments;
• Employee referral program.

Smart & Biggar is a proud member of the Law Firm Diversity and Inclusion Network (LFDIN), working to promote diversity and encourage a culture of inclusion in our Firm and the broader legal profession.

We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.