Senior Finance (Accounts Payable)

We are a high-growth, technology-enabled European organisation operating at significant scale in a complex, multi-market environment. Our finance function is a critical enabler of sustainable growth, operational resilience, and disciplined execution. As the business continues to expand in both volume and organisational sophistication, we are strengthening the leadership of core finance operations to ensure scalable, controlled, and high-performing processes.

This role sits at the centre of that evolution.

The Opportunity

As Associate Director, Accounts Payable, you will assume end-to-end ownership of a high-volume, multi-entity Accounts Payable function. You will lead a substantial team, embed robust governance and operating discipline, and drive a sustained programme of process excellence, automation, and organisational development.

This is a highly visible leadership position with significant cross-functional exposure. You will operate as a key partner to Finance, Procurement, and other business stakeholders, shaping how Accounts Payable supports the organisation’s growth ambitions while maintaining rigorous control and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for a large Accounts Payable organisation, establishing clear structure, performance standards, and accountability frameworks.
• Own the full Accounts Payable value chain — from invoice receipt and processing through to payment execution — ensuring accuracy, compliance, timeliness, and scalability across a complex, high-volume environment.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, controls, and system utilisation, with a particular focus on ERP optimisation, automation opportunities, and the reduction of manual effort.
• Lead and develop a sizeable team, building capability, fostering a high-performance culture, and ensuring effective succession and talent development.
• Act as a senior point of contact for internal stakeholders, managing expectations, resolving complex issues, and ensuring seamless collaboration with Finance, Procurement, and other functions.
• Sponsor and lead change and transformation initiatives within Accounts Payable, embedding structural improvements and sustainable ways of working.
• Strengthen governance, risk management, and internal control frameworks within the function, ensuring alignment with broader financial and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the design and evolution of the wider Finance operating model as the organisation continues to scale.

Candidate Profile

• Substantial experience (typically 8+ years) in Accounts Payable or broader Procure-to-Pay environments, including significant leadership responsibility in complex or high-volume settings.
• Proven track record of leading and developing larger teams, with the ability to structure organisations, drive performance, and build capability at scale.
• Strong operational grip combined with a process improvement mindset; comfortable operating both at a strategic level and with detailed operational insight.
• Demonstrable experience with ERP systems and related automation tools, and a clear orientation toward leveraging technology to improve efficiency and control.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, fast-evolving organisational context.
• A pragmatic, hands‑on leadership style with high standards of accuracy, accountability, and delivery.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in German is a distinct advantage.

What We Offer

We provide a comprehensive and competitive package designed to support both professional growth and personal well-being. Benefits are tailored to the local market and include flexible working arrangements (including the possibility of remote work within defined parameters), structured professional development opportunities, support for mental health and well-being, mobility benefits, childcare-related contributions, and access to sports and health programmes.

This is a senior role with genuine scope to shape a critical finance function in a growing organisation.