HEAD OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE (Contract to Hire in Los Angeles, CA)
Target Compensation : Contract - $600-750 / day, FTE - $140-165k (plus discretionary bonus)
Our client is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Accounts Payable to lead our accounts payable team. This individual will be responsible for overseeing the accurate and timely processing of all accounts payable transactions, ensuring compliance with financial policies and regulations, and managing relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors. The Head of Accounts Payable will be a key partner in optimizing financial operations and driving improvements in efficiency and controls within the finance department.
Key Responsibilities :
- Leadership & Team Management :
- Lead, manage, and mentor a team of accounts payable professionals, fostering a high-performance culture.
- Provide guidance and training to ensure team members are equipped to perform at their best.
- Develop and implement processes for team productivity, performance tracking, and professional development.
- Accounts Payable Oversight :
- Oversee the end-to-end accounts payable process, including invoice receipt, approval, coding, payment, and reconciliation.
- Ensure timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices, expense reports, and payment disbursements.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal departments (e.g., procurement, legal, operations) and external vendors.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations, policies, and internal controls.
- Manage the preparation and review of accounts payable reports, providing insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Lead audits related to accounts payable and ensure proper documentation and support for financial audits.
- Process Improvement & Efficiency :
- Drive continuous improvement in the accounts payable function, identifying opportunities for automation and streamlining processes.
- Develop and implement best practices for the department, ensuring alignment with the bank’s overall financial goals.
- Oversee the management of payment schedules and optimize cash flow management.
- Act as the primary point of contact for resolving vendor disputes and issues related to payments, invoices, and account discrepancies.
- Negotiate payment terms with vendors to ensure favorable outcomes for the bank.
- Work closely with Treasury, Tax, and other finance functions to ensure smooth payment processes and accurate reporting.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and execute strategies for managing the company’s liabilities and cash flow efficiently.
Qualifications :
Education : Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA or equivalent certification preferred).Experience :Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in accounts payable or finance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a complex organization, preferably in the banking or financial services industry.Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale accounts payable operations.Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance requirements.Skills :Exceptional leadership and people management skills.Proficiency in financial software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP systems).Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.Excellent communication and negotiation skills.Strong problem‑solving abilities and attention to detail.Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.Preferred :
Experience with automation tools and initiatives to optimize the accounts payable process.Familiarity with the financial regulations specific to investment banking and financial institutions.#J-18808-Ljbffr