Senior Accounts Payable Processor – SAP (Global Retail Shared Services)

Position Summary

The Senior Accounts Payable Processor is responsible for end-to-end accounts payable processing for a global retail clothing company operating across multiple regions and legal entities. This role operates within an offshore shared service center and requires strong SAP expertise, deep understanding of retail AP processes, and the ability to handle complex transactions, mentor junior staff, and consistently meet defined KPIs and SLAs.

Key Responsibilities

End-to-End AP Processing (SAP)

· Process high-volume, complex vendor invoices in SAP (ECC or S/4HANA) across multiple company codes and currencies

· Perform 2-way and 3-way matching (invoice, PO, goods receipt) for merchandise, freight, logistics, marketing, and corporate spend

· Ensure accurate GL coding, cost center, profit center, and tax determination

· Review and resolve blocked invoices and price/quantity variances

· Execute and support weekly and monthly payment runs (ACH, wires, checks, cross-border payments)

Retail & Global Operations Support

· Support retail-specific AP activities including:

o Merchandise and inventory-related invoices

o Freight, customs, duty, and logistics costs

o Intercompany and drop-ship transactions

· Apply correct VAT/GST/sales/use tax treatment in accordance with local regulations

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

· Act as primary escalation point for complex vendor and internal inquiries

· Proactively follow up with procurement, merchandising, and distribution teams to resolve issues

· Maintain vendor master data changes in compliance with SOX and internal controls

Month-End Close & Controls

· Lead AP close activities including cutoff, accruals, and reconciliations

· Review AP aging and ensure timely resolution of overdue items

· Prepare audit support schedules and respond to internal/external audit requests

· Ensure strict adherence to approval matrices, segregation of duties, and documented controls

Leadership & Process Improvement

· Serve as a subject-matter expert (SME) for SAP AP processes

· Coach and review work performed by junior AP processors

· Identify recurring issues and drive process improvements and automation initiatives

· Support transitions, migrations, and SOP updates within the shared services model

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) & SLAs

The Senior AP Processor is accountable for consistently meeting or exceeding the following metrics:

Operational KPIs

· Invoice Processing Accuracy: ≥ 99%

· Invoices Processed per FTE: Aligned with SSC productivity benchmarks

· Invoice Cycle Time:

o Non-PO invoices: ≤ X business days

o PO invoices: ≤ X business days

· First-Pass Yield (No Rework): ≥ 98%

Timeliness & Compliance

· On-Time Payments: ≥ 99%

· Month-End Close Adherence: All AP tasks completed within close calendar

· Audit Findings: Zero high-risk findings related to AP controls

Quality & Service

· Blocked Invoice Resolution Time: ≤ X business days

· Vendor Inquiry Response Time: ≤ 48 hours

· Aged AP (>60 days): Within defined tolerance levels

Continuous Improvement

· Number of documented process improvements implemented

· Reduction in manual touchpoints or repeat errors

· Participation in Lean / continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications & Experience

Required

· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline

· 5+ years of accounts payable experience, preferably in a global shared services or BPO environment

· Strong SAP experience (FI/AP module; S/4HANA preferred)

· Experience supporting multi-entity, multi-currency retail operations

· Solid understanding of AP internal controls and SOX compliance

· Advanced Excel skills (lookups, pivots, reconciliations)

Preferred

· Retail or apparel industry experience

· Exposure to SAP workflow tools, OCR, or invoice automation platforms

· Experience supporting offshore/onshore operating models across time zones

Key Competencies

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

· Ability to manage complexity and ambiguity

· Attention to detail with a quality-first mindset

· Clear, professional communication with global stakeholders

· Leadership mindset with the ability to mentor others

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person