Account Payable Lead

THE ROLE:

We are looking for an Accounts Payable Lead to take our payables function to the next level. This role is primarily responsible for leading the Accounts Payable Shared Service function at Cognism. This will be a hands-on role where you will need to assist with data entry as well provide daily guidance and oversight. This role will report to the Director of Accounting and have 1 UK based direct report and as well as relations with the in-country accountants in Germany and Croatia who also process payables.

This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with company policies, managing vendor relationships, and supporting month-end and year-end financial close activities. The AP Lead will work closely with finance and treasury teams, contributing to the continuous improvement of AP processes. The ideal candidate is a strong people leader, great communicator, a self-starter, a problem solver, and is comfortable challenging the status quo to improve and scale the function. This individual should be experienced in overseeing the end-to-end accounts payable function, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices, payments, and expense reports.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Accounts Payable Management: Oversee daily operations of the AP function, ensuring accurate and timely processing of invoices, payments, and expense reports.
• Team Leadership: Supervise, train, and mentor AP team members, assigning tasks, monitoring performance, and encouraging professional growth and adherence to high performance standards.
• Vendor Relations: Act as the main point of contact for vendors, resolving any issues with invoice discrepancies, payment status, and reconciliations promptly.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for efficiency and accuracy improvements in AP processes; assist in implementing automation and best practices to enhance productivity and control.
• Reconciliation: Ensure accurate general ledger (GL) reconciliation for AP accounts, preparing and reviewing reconciliations regularly.
• Reporting & Analysis: Prepare and analyse AP reports, providing insights on cash flow, outstanding payments, vendor aging reports, and other KPIs.
• Compliance & Audits: Maintain and enforce AP policies, ensuring compliance with corporate policies, and other regulatory standards; support internal and external audits as needed.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with treasury, finance, and other relevant departments to streamline AP processes, resolve issues, and ensure timely and accurate financial information sharing.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience in accounts payable, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance / accounting or business.
• Proficiency in NetSuite (AP function) a huge plus.
• Advanced MS Excel skills.
• Strong knowledge of VAT rules.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, highly organised with an exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong organisational, time-management, and execution skills, along with the ability to prioritise and drive multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with team members, vendors, and management.
• Eagerness to learn and willingness to take on new challenges.
• Experience with process improvement and redesign.
• Attention to detail and quality of work.