Senior AP Leader: Process Optimization & Compliance

Havtec; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Havtech in Columbia, MD is seeking a Senior Manager of Accounts Payable to lead the AP function, mentor the AP team, and collaborate with procurement to optimize processes and controls. This role emphasizes accuracy, timely processing, and scalable practices.

The ideal candidate will drive policy development, establish AP metrics, and partner across the organization to ensure audit readiness and cash-flow optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business.
• 7+ years of progressive Accounts Payable experience, including leadership.
• Experience leading AP process transformation or ERP implementations.
• Ability to use data and metrics to drive decisions.
• Strong knowledge of procure-to-pay and vendor payment practices.
• Experience with ERP and AP automation systems; Microsoft Dynamics GP and Concur a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the AP function, mentoring the AP Lead and team.
• Ensure accurate, timely invoice and payment processing.
• Develop and apply standardized AP policies and workflows.
• Identify bottlenecks and drive automation and process improvements.
• Monitor AP metrics and drive accountability.
• Coordinate with Procurement and other departments on vendor management.
• Support audits and maintain 1099 compliance at year-end.
• Lead organizational change initiatives for AP processes and controls.

Skills

Leadership

Process Improvement

Data-Driven Decision Making

Communication

Stakeholder Management

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics GP

Concur

AP automation software

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Senior Manager of Accounts Payable

Accounting Full Time Columbia, MD, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 2044

Salary Range: $90,000.00 To $110,000.00 Annually

SUMMARY

Havtech is looking to add a Senior Manager of Accounts Payable to our growing Accounting Department. This position is responsible for the overall leadership, effectiveness, and continuous improvement of the Accounts Payable function, with a strong focus on internal controls, compliance, process optimization, and cross-functional partnership. This position is expected to operate as both a people leader and process owner, driving operational excellence, compliance, scalability, and exceptional service across the Accounts Payable function.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced, collaborative, and approachable leader who can build strong relationships throughout the organization, clearly communicate AP requirements, educate stakeholders on the reasons behind AP policies and controls, and develop practical solutions that balance business needs with financial and compliance requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other functions may be assigned.

• Lead the Accounts Payable function, including coaching, mentoring, and developing the AP Lead and broader AP team.
• Partner with the AP Lead to ensure invoice and payment processing is accurate, timely, efficient, and supported by clear expectations and accountability, while reinforcing a collaborative, service-oriented team culture.
• Manage the end-to-end AP process to improve efficiency, accuracy, scalability, and the employee and vendor experience.
• Develop, document, maintain, and apply standardized AP policies, procedures, workflows, and supporting documentation.
• Identify recurring issues, bottlenecks, and control gaps; lead process improvement, automation, and technology initiatives to improve efficiency, scalability, accuracy, and visibility within the AP function.
• Establish and monitor AP metrics to evaluate performance, drive accountability, and identify improvement opportunities.
• Maintain internal controls that support company policies, accounting standards, audit requirements, segregation of duties, and proper approval authority.
• Monitor AP activity for unusual transactions, exceptions, and control issues; address weaknesses through timely corrective action.
• Serve as the primary AP contact for audits and ensure invoices, approvals, vendor records, and support are complete and audit-ready.
• Act as the AP subject matter expert and educate stakeholders on documentation, approvals, deadlines, controls, and AP requirements.
• Work with teams outside of Accounting to resolve issues and balance operational, financial, and compliance needs.
• Oversee vendor setup and maintenance, payment processing, escalated vendor matters, and complex invoice issues while promoting strong vendor relationships in accordance with company policy.
• Partner with Procurement and other departments to strengthen vendor management, purchasing processes, service, terms, and efficiency.
• Coordinate with Accounting leadership to ensure AP activity is properly reflected in the general ledger and financial reporting.
• Support monthly and year-end close, including AP reconciliations, accruals, reporting, analysis, and trend identification.
• Manage payment timing and strategies in alignment with company cash flow objectives.
• Maintain vendor 1099 compliance and issue all required 1099 forms at year-end.
• Lead organizational change initiatives related to AP processes, controls, technologies, and policy implementation through training, communication, and stakeholder engagement.

REPORTS TO

Senior Controller

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position directly supervises the AP Lead and provides overall leadership and direction for the Accounts Payable team, including the AP Specialists who report through the AP Lead.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive Accounts Payable experience, including demonstrated experience managing or leading an AP function.
• Experience leading process transformation, ERP implementations, AP automation projects, or shared-service initiatives preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to use data and metrics to drive operational decisions and continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of working capital management and vendor payment practices.
• Experience managing, mentoring, and developing accounting or Accounts Payable professionals.
• Strong understanding of Accounts Payable processes, internal controls, segregation of duties, and audit requirements.
• Experience developing and implementing AP policies, procedures, workflows, and controls.
• Strong understanding of the procure-to-pay process and the relationship between AP and other areas of the organization.
• Experience working with ERP and AP automation systems; experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP and Concur is a plus.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes and implement practical, sustainable solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships and influence individuals at all levels of an organization.
• Demonstrated accountability and the ability to manage priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel.
• Ability to learn new software and systems quickly.

The salary range listed is an expected range, the actual salary will be determined by education, experience, skills and alignment with local market data. The range is one component of the total compensation for employees.

This position includes a competitive benefits package with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans company paid life insurance and disability coverage and a 401(k) with match. In addition we provide paid holidays, paid time off and a gratitude day to give back to the community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DECLARATION

Human Resources retains the sole right and discretion to make changes to this job description. Any employee making changes unauthorized by the President or Human Resources will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.