Regional Accounts Payable Manager

Working with us

Launched in 2004, Cognita is an extraordinary community of schools that span 20 countries and share one common purpose: to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. With over 100 schools in Europe and the US, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia, Cognita employs more than 22,000 teaching and support staff in the care and education of over 100,000 students.

Together, Cognita schools provide a uniquely global education that goes beyond grades, developing academic excellence alongside adaptability, agency, and the positive attitudes that prepare young people to grow, thrive, and find success in a rapidly evolving world.

Role Purpose

We are looking for a skilled Regional Accounts Payable Manager to lead and enhance our finance operations across the Middle East region. This role will oversee and manage all accounts payable activities across our schools and business units in the region. You will ensure timely, accurate, and compliant processing of supplier invoices, employee expense claims, and payments, while driving continuous process improvements and leveraging digital tools. This role acts as a key liaison between schools, vendors, banks, and the internal finance team, ensuring alignment with Cognita Middle East’s centralised Procure-to-Pay (P2P) policies.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounts Payable Operations:

• Lead end-to-end accounts payable processes, including invoice receipt, verification, approval, and payment.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of supplier invoices, payroll, and employee expense claims.
• Reconcile accounts payable ledgers and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Maintain a full audit trail and supporting documentation for all transactions.

Compliance & Controls:

• Ensure strict compliance with Cognita policies, local laws, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate compliance documentation for all vendors and payment transactions, including tax, VAT, and anti-fraud checks.
• Support internal and external audits with required documentation and explanations.

Process Improvement & Systems:

• Identify and implement process efficiencies using ERP systems (NetSuite) and digital platforms.
• Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Monitor and report on KPIs such as invoice turnaround times, compliance rates, and payment accuracy.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with internal teams to resolve payment-related queries and ensure process alignment.
• Build strong relationships with vendors, banks, and auditors, acting as the main point of contact for AP matters.
• Promote service excellence within the accounts payable team.

Risk Management:

• Identify operational, financial, and reputational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Develop contingency plans to address potential payment delays, compliance breaches, or system failures.
• Maintain a strong internal control environment and regularly update controls.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, coach, and develop the accounts payable team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
• Provide training and guidance on best practices and policy updates.
• Encourage team ownership, professional growth, and innovative problem-solving.

What we’re looking for

Skills, Experience and Requirements:

• Significant experience in accounts payable or finance operations, ideally in a multi-site or education environment.
• Proven track record in process improvements and supplier relationship management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Expertise in compliance, internal controls, and risk mitigation within accounts payable.
• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems (particularly NetSuite) and digital finance platforms.
• Professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, CPA) preferred.

Why Join Cognita?

• Lead finance operations across a dynamic regional network of schools.
• Work in a collaborative, growth focused environment.
• Opportunity to drive innovation and transformation in finance processes.

If you are a proactive, strategic, and experienced Accounts Payable professional ready to make an impact, apply today to join Cognita Middle East!

Cognita is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers, and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.