Global Accounts Payable Lead

A leading global organisation is seeking a Global Accounts Payable Lead to join their expanding finance team in Penang.

This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to oversee the entire accounts payable function across multiple regions, including EMEA, APAC, US, and India. You will play a crucial part in shaping the future of the company’s financial operations by building and nurturing a high-performing team, driving process improvements, and ensuring compliance with international standards. The organisation values flexibility, collaboration, and continuous development, providing an environment where your expertise will be recognised and your contributions will have a significant impact. With flexible working opportunities and a supportive leadership approach, this is an ideal position for someone who thrives in a multicultural setting and is passionate about delivering excellence in financial operations.

What you'll do:

As Global Accounts Payable Lead based in Penang, you will be entrusted with overseeing all aspects of the accounts payable function on a global scale. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve managing a dedicated team of professionals across various regions while ensuring seamless processing of invoices from receipt through payment. You will act as a central figure in fostering strong relationships with both internal colleagues and external vendors—resolving queries promptly while upholding the highest standards of accuracy. By producing insightful reports on key metrics like cash outflow forecasts or days payable outstanding, you will empower senior management with critical information for decision-making. Your proactive approach towards identifying areas for process enhancement will see you leading automation projects that improve efficiency throughout the department. Additionally, your involvement in audit support ensures robust compliance with regulatory requirements. Success in this role hinges on your ability to balance operational excellence with strategic thinking—delivering results that benefit both your immediate team and the wider business.

• Oversee the complete accounts payable lifecycle from invoice receipt through verification to payment processing and reconciliation, ensuring all activities are performed accurately and efficiently.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Accounts Payable associates by conducting regular performance reviews, providing constructive feedback, and facilitating ongoing skill development to foster a high-performing environment.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for both internal stakeholders and external vendors to resolve complex payment or invoice-related issues with professionalism and empathy.
• Drive timely execution of vendor invoice payments and travel & expense cycles while maintaining rigorous control over tax documentation and compliance requirements prior to funds release.
• Critically review vendor invoices, purchase orders, and T&E claims to verify VAT/Tax rates, registration numbers, and jurisdictional applicability; maintain accurate Vendor master data at all times.
• Produce key metrics such as cash outflow forecasts for Treasury, average invoice processing time, days payable outstanding, and first pass match rate to inform management decisions.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and automation within accounts payable; lead projects to implement new systems or technologies that streamline workflows.
• Support both internal and external audits by preparing documentation, explanations, and analysis related to accounts payable activities while ensuring full compliance with company policies.
• Prepare detailed AP reports—including aging reports and vendor metrics—to provide management with actionable insights into cash flow trends and operational performance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with teams such as Treasury, Group Financial Control, Legal Entity Control, and FP&A to address ad-hoc financial or operational challenges effectively.

What you bring:

To excel as Global Accounts Payable Lead you will bring extensive experience managing complex accounts payable functions across international boundaries. Your background should include not only technical expertise but also proven success in guiding teams through periods of transition or growth. You are known for your meticulous attention to detail when reviewing financial documents yet remain approachable when supporting colleagues’ development. Your analytical mindset allows you to spot trends or discrepancies quickly—enabling prompt resolution before they escalate into larger issues. Familiarity with SAP ERP systems is vital given their centrality to daily operations; similarly advanced Excel skills ensure efficient data handling. Communication is one of your greatest strengths: whether presenting findings during audits or collaborating on cross-functional projects you consistently build rapport based on mutual respect. A commitment to continuous improvement underpins everything you do—from streamlining processes via automation initiatives through fostering an inclusive workplace culture where every voice is valued.

• Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end accounts payable functions within a global organisation for 12-15 years (flexible for exceptional candidates), including at least 5-8 years in direct team leadership roles.
• Comprehensive understanding of accounts payable principles such as three-way matching along with general accounting concepts relevant to multinational environments.
• Proven track record in leading legal entity or group audits as well as managing compliance requirements across multiple geographies.
• Exceptional skills in developing talent within finance teams—delegating tasks appropriately while nurturing an inclusive high-performance culture built on trust.
• Advanced analytical abilities enabling you to interpret complex AP data sets; adept at identifying systemic issues then implementing effective solutions collaboratively.
• Extensive experience driving change through process transitions or system implementations (especially SAP Fiori workflows) within large-scale finance operations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills allowing you to interact professionally with stakeholders at all levels—both internally across departments and externally with vendors.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including VLOOKUPs, Pivot tables, advanced formulas) coupled with hands-on experience using SAP ERP systems for financial operations.
• Graduate degree required; additional accountancy qualifications such as MBA Finance or other professional certifications are highly desirable for this senior leadership position.
• Experience working within senior finance roles at global organisations is preferred; ability to adapt quickly within multicultural teams is essential.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out due to its truly global reach combined with an entrepreneurial spirit that encourages employees at every level to share ideas openly. The finance team operates seamlessly across continents—UK, India, Penang, Sweden, US—creating unique opportunities for cultural exchange alongside professional development. Flexible working arrangements reflect their commitment to work-life balance while supportive leadership ensures everyone feels empowered regardless of location or tenure. The company places great emphasis on collaboration: knowledge sharing is actively encouraged so that best practices can be adopted worldwide. Employees are trusted partners rather than just resources—your input will shape not only departmental outcomes but also broader business strategies. If you value inclusivity alongside ambition this is an environment where your career can flourish without sacrificing personal wellbeing or ethical standards.

What's next:

If you are ready to take your career in global finance operations to new heights while making a tangible difference every day—this could be your next big move!

Apply today or email me at jack.moh@robertwalters.com.my to discuss this new opportunity.

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Agensi Pekerjaan Robert Walters Sdn Bhd
Business Registration Number : 729828-T
Licence Number : JTKSM 423C