Director of Accounts PayableJob Description
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Job Description Sample
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Job Title: Director of Accounts Payable
Location: [City, State/Remote/Hybrid]
Type: Full-time
About the Role:
We're seeking an experienced Director of Accounts Payable to lead our AP operations and drive process excellence. You'll oversee a team of AP specialists while ensuring compliance, accuracy, and strategic vendor relationship management.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee all accounts payable operations and team management
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal controls
- Develop and implement AP automation strategies
- Manage vendor relationships and payment terms negotiations
- Monitor cash flow and optimize payment schedules
- Lead month-end close processes and financial reporting
- Drive process improvements and cost reduction initiatives
- Collaborate with finance leadership on strategic planning
Perks:
- Competitive salary and performance bonuses
- Comprehensive health and retirement benefits
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements
Director of Accounts Payable Responsibilities
Hiring a director of accounts payable? Here's what you can expect them to handle:
- Direct and manage the accounts payable department operations
- Establish internal controls and ensure regulatory compliance
- Implement AP automation and process improvement initiatives
- Oversee vendor management and payment processing workflows
- Lead financial reporting and month-end close activities
- Develop team capabilities through training and mentorship
- Collaborate with treasury on cash flow optimization
- Drive strategic initiatives to reduce costs and improve efficiency
Qualifications to Be a Director of Accounts Payable
Here's what a solid candidate typically brings to the table:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field8+ years of progressive accounts payable experience3+ years in AP management or director-level roleStrong knowledge of GAAP and financial compliance standardsProven experience with AP automation implementationDirector of Accounts Payable Prerequisites
Before you even think of hiring, make sure your candidates have:
Advanced proficiency in ERP systems and accounting softwareDemonstrated leadership and team management capabilitiesStrong analytical and problem-solving abilitiesExcellent communication and stakeholder management skillsExperience managing high-volume invoice processing operationsDirector of Accounts Payable Hard Skills
The “must-haves” on every recruiter's checklist:
Accounting Software: SAP, Oracle, NetSuiteERP Systems: Microsoft Dynamics, WorkdayAP Automation Tools: Tipalti, Bill.com, StampliData Analysis: Excel, Power BI, TableauPayment Processing: ACH, wire transfers, virtual cardsDocument Management: OCR technology, digital workflowsFinancial Reporting: General ledger, reconciliation toolsCompliance Systems: SOX controls, audit managementDirector of Accounts Payable Soft Skills
Tech skills get them in the door—soft skills help them stick around.
Strategic thinking and business acumenLeadership and team development capabilitiesStrong communication and interpersonal abilitiesProblem-solving and critical thinkingAttention to detail and accuracyTime management and prioritizationAdaptability to changing technologiesVendor relationship managementDirector of Accounts Payable Salary by Experience Level
Entry Level (0-2 Years)
$85k – $110k
Common Titles
Junior Director of Accounts Payable, Associate Director of Accounts Payable
Mid Level (2-5 Years)
$110k – $145k
Common Titles
Director of Accounts Payable, Director of Accounts Payable II
Senior Level (5+ Years)
$130k – $170k
Common Titles
Senior Director of Accounts Payable, Lead Director of Accounts Payable
Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout Director of Accounts Payable Hiring
A Director operates at a strategic level, overseeing multiple teams and driving organizational initiatives, while an AP Manager focuses on day-to-day operations and team supervision. Directors typically report to the CFO and influence company-wide financial strategy, whereas managers execute established processes.
Yes, strong AP managers with 5+ years of experience and demonstrated leadership can transition successfully. Look for candidates who've led automation projects, managed cross-functional initiatives, or supervised teams of 10+ people, even without the director title.
Balance both, but lean toward leadership for director roles. Strong leaders can learn systems, but technical experts without people skills struggle with team development and strategic initiatives. Prioritize candidates who demonstrate both change management experience and solid AP fundamentals.
Present a case study involving AP process inefficiencies, high costs, or compliance issues. Ask candidates to outline their 90-day action plan, including team assessment, technology evaluation, and stakeholder management strategies. Strong candidates will demonstrate analytical thinking and practical implementation approaches.
Resistance to automation, lack of experience with modern AP platforms, or inability to articulate process improvement metrics are major concerns. Also watch for candidates who focus solely on transactional tasks rather than strategic initiatives, or those without experience managing remote or hybrid teams.
Tools and Programs Director of Accounts Payable Use
Here's what their digital toolbox might look like:
ERP Platforms
SAP•Oracle Financials
AP Automation
Tipalti•Coupa
Accounting Software
NetSuite•QuickBooks Enterprise
Payment Systems
Bill.com•AvidXchange
Analytics Tools
Power BI•Tableau
Document Management
DocuSign•Adobe Sign
Collaboration
Microsoft 365•Slack
Workflow Automation
Stampli•ApprovalMax
Job Description Examples
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