Accounts Payable Senior Specialist

A leading global financial operations team is seeking an Accounts Payable Senior Specialist to join their vibrant and supportive network in Penang.

This role offers you the chance to be part of a truly international finance function, collaborating with colleagues across the UK, India, Sweden, and the US. You will play a pivotal part in ensuring operational excellence at the transactional level, focusing on accurate, timely, and compliant processing of vendor invoices and travel & expense claims. The organisation values flexibility and inclusivity, actively supporting those returning to work after career breaks through its dedicated return-to-work initiative. With flexible working opportunities and a commitment to professional development, this is an ideal environment for someone who thrives in a communal setting and enjoys sharing knowledge within a dependable team.

What you'll do:

As an Accounts Payable Senior Specialist based in Penang on UK shift hours, your day will be filled with meaningful tasks that ensure the smooth running of global financial operations. You will be responsible for managing high-volume transactional processes across multiple regions including EMEA, APAC, US & India. Your expertise will be called upon to review intricate details on invoices and expense claims while upholding compliance standards. You’ll collaborate closely with other teams such as Treasury and Group Financial Control to address ad-hoc challenges at the transactional level. By contributing to reporting efforts and supporting audit activities, you’ll help drive transparency and efficiency throughout the finance function. Your ability to resolve issues compassionately will make you a trusted resource for both internal colleagues and external partners.

• Oversee the end-to-end accounts payable lifecycle for high volumes of transactions, ensuring each invoice is received, verified, and prepared for payment processing with meticulous attention to detail.
• Process standard vendor invoices as well as those specific to the EMEA region, maintaining accuracy throughout every step of the transaction.
• Review vendor invoices, purchase orders, and travel & expense claims to verify VAT/Tax rates, registration numbers, and jurisdictional applicability for compliance purposes.
• Ensure all invoice processing activities adhere strictly to internal accounts payable policies and relevant financial regulations while supporting robust internal controls.
• Create, update, and maintain vendor master records in the system with a strong understanding of data integrity requirements for payment and compliance.
• Execute routine disbursement processes by managing timely and accurate payment cycles for both vendor invoices and travel & expense claims.
• Assist in preparing and analysing accounts payable reports—including aging reports and vendor metrics—to provide management insights into cash flow, month-end close activities, and operational performance.
• Contribute to generating key operational metrics such as Average Invoice Processing Time, Days Payable Outstanding, and First Pass Match Rate to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support internal and external audits by gathering transactional documentation, providing explanations, and conducting analysis related to accounts payable activities.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for internal stakeholders and external vendors to resolve complex payment or invoice-related issues efficiently and empathetically.

What you bring:

Your proven track record as an Accounts Payable Senior Specialist will be evident through your extensive experience managing complex transactional processes within global organisations. You bring not only technical expertise but also interpersonal sensitivity—ensuring that every interaction with colleagues or vendors is handled thoughtfully. Your analytical abilities allow you to interpret data accurately while your technological proficiency ensures efficient use of tools like Excel or ERP systems. As someone who values collaboration over competition, you thrive in environments where knowledge sharing is encouraged. Your commitment to compliance is matched by your willingness to support others—whether guiding junior staff or assisting during audits. If you have taken time out for caring responsibilities or are looking for a supportive return-to-work opportunity, your enthusiasm will be welcomed here.

• Demonstrate 7-8 years of hands-on experience in a global accounts payable role focused on transactional processing and month-end close activities within large organisations.
• Showcase your ability to independently manage day-to-day accounts payable operations without supervision while guiding junior team members towards accuracy and adherence to service level agreements.
• Exhibit practical understanding of accounts payable principles including two/three-way matching processes alongside general accounting concepts relevant to international finance environments.
• Apply strong analytical skills paired with a proactive mindset to identify solutions for complex transactional issues while interpreting accounts payable data effectively.
• Utilise advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, advanced formulas) along with experience using ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle for seamless process execution.
• Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing with internal stakeholders across departments as well as external vendors; proficiency in EMEA languages is considered an advantage but not mandatory.
• Hold a graduate qualification relevant to finance or accounting disciplines which underpins your technical expertise in this field.
• Possess indefinite right to work in Malaysia as required for this position.
• Display empathy when resolving escalated issues by considering stakeholder perspectives while maintaining professionalism throughout interactions.
• Embrace opportunities for process improvement by proactively identifying ways to streamline routine accounts payable activities or support new technology implementations.

What sets this company apart:

This global financial services organisation stands out due to its genuinely inclusive approach towards building a global finance community that values every member’s contribution. With offices spanning several continents—including the UK, India, Penang, Sweden, and the US—you’ll find yourself immersed in an environment rich with cultural diversity where collaboration is at the heart of everything they do. The company’s commitment extends beyond daily operations: it actively supports professionals returning from career breaks through its Restart initiative. Flexible working opportunities are available so you can balance personal commitments alongside professional growth. Training programmes are regularly offered so you can continue developing your skills while being part of a knowledgeable network that encourages sharing ideas openly. Here you’ll discover a workplace where dependability is celebrated—and where your unique perspective will help shape future successes within the finance function.

What's next:

If you’re ready to take your career further within a supportive global finance team that values inclusivity and professional growth—this is your moment!

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