Accounts Payable Manager

CFS; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS is seeking an Accounts Payable Manager in Chicago to lead and optimize the AP function during a transformative period. This hands-on leader will drive process improvements, strengthen team performance, and ensure efficient use of technology and automation tools.

The successful candidate will guide the AP team, partner with senior leadership to create scalable processes, and ensure timely, accurate invoice processing and vendor payments while supporting audits and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related field preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive Accounts Payable experience with prior leadership.
• Experience leading AP teams in high-volume environments.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle, SAP, Workday or similar.
• Experience with AP automation platforms and tech-enabled workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the AP team with clear direction and performance management.
• Evaluate AP operations and implement process improvements for efficiency and scalability.
• Serve as primary escalation point for complex invoice and payment issues.
• Drive adoption of AP automation technologies including AI and OCR tools.
• Analyze workflow bottlenecks and develop practical solutions to speed processing.
• Partner with Finance, Procurement, and Operations leadership for alignment.
• Develop and maintain AP policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Monitor KPIs and provide reporting to senior leadership.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoice processing, approvals, and vendor payments.
• Support audit requirements and maintain compliance with policies and controls.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Tools

Oracle

SAP

Workday

Job description

About The Opportunity For The Accounts Payable Manager

An established organization is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Manager to lead and optimize its Accounts Payable function during a period of operational transformation. This role is ideal for a hands‑on leader who can drive process improvements, strengthen team performance, reduce escalations, and ensure efficient utilization of technology and automation tools.

The successful candidate will provide leadership to the AP team, improve workflow effectiveness, and partner with senior leadership to create scalable processes that support continued growth.

Key Responsibilities For The Accounts Payable Manager

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounts Payable team, providing clear direction, accountability, and performance management.
• Evaluate current AP operations and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex invoice, vendor, and payment issues while reducing recurring operational challenges.
• Drive adoption and optimization of AP automation technologies, including AI and OCR-based invoice processing tools.
• Analyze workflow bottlenecks, identify root causes, and develop practical solutions to improve processing times and productivity.
• Partner with Finance, Procurement, and Operations leadership to ensure effective cross-functional communication and alignment.
• Develop and maintain AP policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Monitor key performance indicators and provide reporting and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoice processing, approvals, and vendor payments.
• Support audit requirements and maintain compliance with company policies and financial controls.

Qualifications For The Accounts Payable Manager

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive Accounts Payable experience, including prior leadership experience.
• Proven success leading AP teams in complex, high-volume environments.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle, SAP, Workday, or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated experience driving process improvement and change management initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and effectively communicate with all levels of an organization.
• Experience with AP automation platforms and technology‑enabled workflows is highly preferred.

Preferred Background For The Accounts Payable Manager

• History of improving AP processes and reducing manual workload through automation.
• Experience leading teams through system implementations, upgrades, or operational transformations.
• Strong understanding of AP best practices, internal controls, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to quickly assess team performance, identify gaps, and implement effective solutions.

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