The Director of Shared Services, Accounts Payable, is responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the Accounts Payable team. This is a key role in our rapidly growing organization responsible for evaluating processes, procedures, and workflows while collaborating cross-functionally to implement scalable processes and procedures to ensure vendors payments are accurate and on-time. This position also serves as a subject matter expert in the department and is an escalation and advisory point for the team, vendors, and internal departments.

• Directs and leads geographically dispersed, high volume AP team, and manages relationships with offshore vendor who provides additional resources for our team.
• Establishes department metrics and goals which align with Lessen’s overall strategic goals.
• Analyze accounts payable data to identify trends, anomalies, and areas for improvement.
• Responsible for team performance including recruitment, training, and development. Provides guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback to ensure the team’s success.
• Develops an in-depth understanding of the data flow for as-is Accounts Payable transactions and processes, identify inefficiencies and issues and lead improvements.
• Independently and in collaboration with other teams, drives continuous improvement efforts by implementing process improvements, technology driven solutions and automation.
• Develops strong relationships cross-functionally, building credibility with vendors and internal customers ensuring business continuity.
• Leads the establishment and maintenance for AP policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with all regulations and standards.
• Lead the review of month-end close activities related to accounts payable, assist in the financial audits, cash forecasting and other key areas.
• Prepare and present comprehensive accounts payable reports to management, highlighting key metrics and trends.
• Stay informed about industry best practices and apply to Lessen’s processes where it makes sense.

• Independent, self-starter with strong business/financial acumen
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to summarize data appropriately based on the audience and ability to interact with employees and stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent leadership, management and supervisory skills including team building, influencing, motivating, developing, and overseeing onsite and offsite staff.
• Experience in change adoption and management.
• Experience in influencing cross-functional leaders in a large organization.
• Strong analytical problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Keen eye for detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
• Positive attitude and team player.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• 10+ years of progressive accounts payable or shared services operations experience, with a minimum of 5 years in supervisory or management roles.
• Proven track record of building teams and scalable processes in a high growth environment while ensuring business continuity.