Accounts Payable Manager | AI-Driven Ops & Leadership

Kirkland & Ellis

Chicago (IL)

Hybrid

USD 116,000 - 144,000

Full time

9 days ago

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Job summary

Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago seeks a senior accounts payable/operations leader to oversee US expense reimbursement and supplier onboarding, driving controls and efficiency. You’ll optimize Emburse and Coupa workflows, coach AP leads, and partner with Finance to shape strategy and enable scalable service delivery.

The role emphasizes governance, data-driven KPIs, AI-enabled improvements, and cross-functional collaboration with senior leadership.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
At least eight years of progressive accounts payable or accounting operations experience, including at least three years of direct people-management experience.
Experience managing expense reimbursement and/or supplier onboarding in a high-volume environment; law firm or professional services experience is preferred.
Ability to develop employees, manage performance, create accountability, and cultivate a collaborative, service-oriented team.
Experience establishing and enhancing internal controls, segregation of duties, and audit-ready practices.
Track record identifying inefficiencies, redesigning workflows, implementing solutions, and measuring results.
Experience with enterprise expense management, supplier onboarding, or procure-to-pay platforms; familiarity with Coupa and/or Emburse strongly preferred.
Comfort using AI and automation tools and identifying opportunities to apply new technology within finance operations; experience with Microsoft Copilot or Claude is a plus.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; familiarity with Elite 3E, Power BI, or similar financial and reporting tools is preferred.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use metrics to manage performance and translate observations into recommendations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage cross-functional stakeholders and communicate effectively with senior leadership.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end operations: Oversee U.S. expense reimbursement and supplier onboarding and maintenance, ensuring accurate, timely service supported by effective controls and adherence to firm policies.
Own the core platforms: Administer and optimize expense and supplier onboarding workflows in Emburse and Coupa (and future platforms), partnering with Financial Systems and stakeholders to strengthen system use and controls.
Develop people and future leaders: Coach AP Leads and the broader team, establish clear expectations and accountability, support development planning, and build leadership capabilities across the function.
Shape operational strategy: Partner with AP and Finance leadership on initiatives that improve scalability, service delivery, staffing models, technology investments, and long-term operational efficiency.
Modernize processes and technology: Identify and lead process, technology, automation, and AI-enabled improvements.
Lead meaningful change: Develop communication, training, and adoption approaches that help the AP team and firm stakeholders successfully embrace new processes, tools, and ways of working.
Turn data into action: Develop meaningful reporting and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including backlog, turnaround time, and exception rates, to monitor results, uncover trends, and continuously improve service and efficiency.
Be a trusted escalation partner: Resolve complex matters involving expense policies, reimbursement exceptions, supplier onboarding and maintenance, controls, and stakeholder support.
Stay close to the work: Maintain strong working knowledge of expense and supplier onboarding operations, providing hands-on support and coverage during periods of high volume, staffing changes or business disruption.
Strengthen governance: Maintain standardized processes, service expectations, documentation, internal controls, reporting practices, and escalation protocols.
Bring an external perspective: Stay current on AP and expense-management practices and peer benchmarks, applying relevant insights to recommendations for the function.
Support evolving priorities: Contribute to special projects and other initiatives as business needs evolve.