Summary
We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Section Manager, Finance Operations & Systems to lead Accounts Payable (AP), payment processing, treasury operations, and related finance systems.
Reporting to the Director, Finance (Financial Controls & Compliance), this role is responsible for ensuring efficient, accurate, and compliant financial operations while maintaining strong internal controls and delivering high-quality services to both internal and external stakeholders.
The successful candidate will provide leadership across finance operations and systems, drive process improvements and automation initiatives, partner with cross-functional stakeholders, and contribute to finance transformation programmes. This role plays a key part in strengthening governance, improving operational efficiency, enhancing system capabilities, and supporting the organisation's strategic objectives.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
- Accounts Payable (AP) & Payments Operations
- Lead and manage end-to-end AP operations, ensuring accurate and timely invoice and vendor payment processing.
- Oversee payment processing, approval governance, and payment controls to ensure secure, efficient fund disbursement.
- Review and approve payment proposals within delegated authority limits.
- Lead AP-related month/period-end closing activities.
- Monitor performance, service levels, and operational risks; implement corrective actions as needed.
- Drive continuous improvement to enhance efficiency and service quality.
- Lead, coach, and develop the AP & Payments team, building a high-performance, accountable culture.
- Work with business stakeholders, Procurement, and vendors to resolve issues and improve processes.
- Treasury Operations & Cash Management
- Manage day-to-day treasury operations, including cash positioning, liquidity monitoring, funding, bank accounts, and banking relationships.
- Review and approve treasury transactions within delegated authority limits.
- Lead cash forecasting (short- and medium-term) to support liquidity and funding needs.
- Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and working capital to support business operations.
- Ensure compliance with treasury policies, financial controls, and banking requirements.
- Lead treasury reporting, cash management optimization, and treasury risk management.
- Finance Systems, Process Improvement & Transformation
- Act as the key Finance representative for AP, Payments, Treasury, and related finance systems.
- Oversee finance systems support and enhancements, and manage vendor relationships to ensure system effectiveness and governance.
- Partner with IT and vendors on system upgrades, enhancements, and issue resolution.
- Drive process improvements, automation, and control enhancements across AP, Payments, and Treasury.
- Lead or support ERP/finance systems and transformation initiatives, including UAT, business readiness, and change management.
- Manage finance-related projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Maintain a strong control environment across AP, Payments, Treasury, and finance systems.
- Ensure compliance with internal policies, delegated authorities, and regulatory requirements.
- Support internal and external audits and drive closure of audit findings and control gaps.
- Monitor operational risks and implement risk mitigation measures.
Requirements
- Experience, Skills & Knowledge
- Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
- At least 10 years’ relevant experience in AP, payments, treasury operations, and finance systems, including 3–5 years in a managerial/people leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of:
- Procure-to-Pay (P2P), AP, and payment processing
- Cash management, cash forecasting, and treasury operations
- Financial controls, governance, compliance, and audit requirements
- Experience working with Finance, Procurement, IT, banks, vendors, and business stakeholders.
- Hands-on experience with ERP and finance systems (SAP preferred), including:
- Issue resolution and enhancement requests
- Testing (e.g., UAT) and system improvement initiatives
- Proven experience in process improvement, automation, and finance transformation projects.
- Familiarity with SAP Finance modules, AP automation tools, e-invoicing, and workflow solutions is an advantage.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Demonstrated ability in team leadership and people development.
- Personal Attributes & Mindset
- Ownership mindset with high accountability and strong attention to detail.
- Proactive, hands-on, and results-driven.
- Effective communicator with strong problem-solving abilities.
- Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic environment.
- Passionate about continuous improvement, automation, and operational excellence.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and risk awareness.