Job Description
Accounts Payable Team Leader
This newly created role offers the opportunity to lead a high-performing Accounts Payable team while driving process excellence and delivering impactful financial outcomes across Australasia.
About the Role
Reporting to the Finance Controller, you will take ownership of the end-to-end Accounts Payable function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of high-volume supplier transactions across multiple business units.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you will guide a small team while remaining actively involved in day-to-day operations. You will play a key role in strengthening financial controls, improving processes, and driving efficiencies, as well as building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
You will thrive in a fast-paced environment where you can roll up your sleeves and contribute operationally, while also providing leadership and direction. The team culture is collaborative and close-knit, with a strong emphasis on support, respect, and open communication. The role offers a high degree of trust and accountability, with clear ownership of priorities.
What You Will Do:
Lead day-to-day Accounts Payable operations, ensuring timely and accurate invoice processing, payments, and reconciliations
Manage weekly and monthly payment runs in line with agreed terms
Oversee supplier master data and ensure strong governance practices
Monitor AP ageing and resolve outstanding items proactively
Lead, coach, and develop a team of four, fostering accountability and collaboration
Ensure compliance with internal controls, company policies, and financial reporting standards
Support month-end close activities, including reconciliations and accruals
Act as a key point of contact for suppliers and internal stakeholders, resolving queries and disputes
Partner with Finance, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams to optimize processes
Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including automation and ERP (SAP) enhancements
Track and improve key performance metrics such as invoice cycle time and payment accuracy
Who You Are:
You are a detail-oriented finance professional with a collaborative mindset and a passion for continuous improvement. You bring strong leadership capability and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
5 years’ experience in Accounts Payable or transactional finance roles
Proven experience leading or supervising a team
Strong ERP experience (SAP preferred)
Solid understanding of financial controls and accounting principles
Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
High attention to detail with the ability to manage competing deadlines
A proactive, service-oriented approach with a focus on outcomes
Adaptable and open to change, with a continuous improvement mindset
Nice to have:
Professional certification such as CAPP or APM
What We Can Offer You:
Our purpose, Breaking Barriers to Well-Being, provides meaning to everything we do. Join us to improve well-being for people and drive positive change for society and the environment. At Essity, you'll feel valued, empowered to grow, and challenged to achieve business results in a collaborative and open atmosphere.
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