About The Position

Lead is responsible for the end-to-end payables process across the NA legal entities, combining hands-on process ownership with strong day-to-day people leadership of the AP team. The incumbent will work closely with Purchasing, Logistics, Treasury and external suppliers.

Responsibilities

- Lead, supervise and develop a team of (3-4) AP Specialists: workload allocation across plants, backlog management, performance objectives and reviews, coaching, cross-training and vacation/backup coverage.
- Own the end-to-end AP cycle for all NA entities: invoice processing, 3-way match (PO, invoice, goods receipt), exception resolution and escalation with Purchasing, Warehouse and plant personnel.
- Review and release weekly payment proposals; ensure accuracy, completeness and on-time payment execution in line with agreed terms and cash planning.
- Own vendor master data governance: enforce controls for new vendor setup (W9, bank letters) and for any bank-detail change, including mandatory callback / independent verification controls (AADM) to prevent payment fraud (BEC).
- Monitor and report AP KPIs (invoice backlog and aging, GNRI aging, blocked invoices, on-time payment, DPO) under the SSC KPI framework; drive corrective actions on RED/AMBER items.
- Review and approve GL monthly reconciliations under the team’s scope (Payables, GNRI, accruals) and ensure timely clearing of open items.
- Oversee AP intercompany reconciliations and dispute resolution with counterpart entities.
- Oversee FEBAN reconciliation / Treasury open items application related to outgoing payments.
- Provide payables input to the weekly/monthly free cash flow forecast; support Net Working Capital initiatives (payment terms, DPO optimization).




- Ensure month-end close activities under AP scope are completed per the closing checklist; escal ate risks and issues proactively.
- Act as first escalation point for supplier disputes, statements reconciliation and payment inquiries.
- Ensure internal controls are executed and documented in accordance with the KA Finance Manual; own AP-related internal and external audit requests.

Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or Business Administration.
- Minimum five (5) years of Accounts Payable / finance experience in a manufacturing or shared services environment, Minimum two (2) years of people leadership experience managing AP or transactional finance teams.
- Proven people-leadership skills: ability to organize, coach, develop and hold a team accountable to service levels and deadlines.
- Strong SAP knowledge (FI/MM, payment runs) and advanced Excel; solid understanding of 3-way match and procure-to-pay workflows.
- Solid knowledge of internal controls and payment fraud prevention (vendor master data, bank detail changes); familiarity with Mexican (CFDI) and US invoicing/tax documentation requirements.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to challenge, prioritize and escalation effectively across plants and functions.
- Demonstrated experience leading process change, automation initiatives or organizational transitions in a Shared Services environment.
- Continuous improvement mindset: experience with process standardization or automation is a plus.
- Bilingual (Spanish/English).

What We Offer

- Professional growth and career development opportunities within the organization.
- Continuous training and learning in manufacturing processes and technologies.
- Participation in strategic projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
- A professional, collaborative, and results-driven work environment.
- Benefits superior to those required by law.
- Job stability and a defined career path.

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📌 Accounts Payable Lead (Nuevo Laredo)
🏢 Kongsberg Automotive
📍 Nuevo Laredo