Team Lead, Accounts Payable - Mexico

Watlow; Monte de la Calavera; On-site; MXN 520,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Watlow in Querétaro, Mexico seeks an Accounts Payable Team Lead to guide the AP function, drive improvements, and ensure timely processing of invoices and payments. You will lead a team, coordinate with stakeholders, and support month-end close and reporting.

The role requires 5+ years in AP/Finance with leadership experience, strong Excel and ERP skills, and a continuous improvement mindset to boost efficiency and accuracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in Accounts Payable, Accounting, or Finance, including leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
• Experience leading teams, coaching employees, and managing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of accounts payable processes, internal controls, reconciliations, and accounting principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with ERP/accounting systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels.
• Continuous improvement mindset with experience identifying and implementing process enhancements.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and support the Accounts Payable team to ensure high performance, accountability, and professional development.
• Oversee the processing, auditing, and payment of vendor invoices while ensuring compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and internal controls.
• Monitor workload distribution, team productivity, and service levels to ensure timely completion of AP activities.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex invoice discrepancies, payment issues, and vendor inquiries, collaborating with purchasing, business partners, and suppliers to drive resolution.
• Maintain and improve accounts payable processes, procedures, and controls to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Review and approve manual payments, reconciliations, and other critical accounting transactions as required.
• Oversee account reconciliations, bank reconciliations, journal entries, and general accounting activities related to Accounts Payable.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, financial reporting requirements, and general ledger accuracy.
• Analyze AP metrics and performance trends, identifying opportunities for process improvements, automation, and cost savings.
• Partner with Finance, Procurement, and other cross-functional teams to ensure effective collaboration and strong customer service.
• Promote a positive, customer-focused, and continuous improvement culture within the team.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Excel proficiency

ERP systems experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP/Accounting systems

Job description

The Accounts Payable Team Lead is responsible for leading and developing the Accounts Payable function to ensure the accurate and timely processing of invoices, payments, and accounting transactions. This role provides day-to-day leadership to the AP team, drives process improvements, ensures compliance with company policies and financial controls, and partners with internal stakeholders and vendors to deliver exceptional service. The Team Lead also supports accounting operations, month-end close activities, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and support the Accounts Payable team to ensure high performance, accountability, and professional development.
• Oversee the processing, auditing, and payment of vendor invoices while ensuring compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and internal controls.
• Monitor workload distribution, team productivity, and service levels to ensure timely completion of AP activities.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex invoice discrepancies, payment issues, and vendor inquiries, collaborating with purchasing, business partners, and suppliers to drive resolution.
• Maintain and improve accounts payable processes, procedures, and controls to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Review and approve manual payments, reconciliations, and other critical accounting transactions as required.
• Oversee account reconciliations, bank reconciliations, journal entries, and general accounting activities related to Accounts Payable.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, financial reporting requirements, and general ledger accuracy.
• Analyze AP metrics and performance trends, identifying opportunities for process improvements, automation, and cost savings.
• Partner with Finance, Procurement, and other cross-functional teams to ensure effective collaboration and strong customer service.
• Promote a positive, customer-focused, and continuous improvement culture within the team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in Accounts Payable, Accounting, or Finance, including leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, coaching employees, and managing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of accounts payable processes, internal controls, reconciliations, and accounting principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience working with ERP/accounting systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Continuous improvement mindset with experience identifying and implementing process enhancements.