The AP Vendor Governance Lead (Payments) plays a crucial role in supporting the Global Vendor Relationship Manager by acting as an expert on accounts payable (AP) processes and ensuring seamless collaboration between internal stakeholders and external vendor partners. This role combines deep expertise in AP processes with strong analytical capabilities to oversee vendor performance, investigate internal complaints, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional who can confidently analyze trends, propose actionable solutions, and address challenges with a balanced approach—ensuring that both vendor performance and internal expectations align with agreed SLAs.
Key Responsibilities
Vendor Performance Analysis & Reporting
Collect, analyze, and report data on vendor performance, including KPIs, SLA adherence, and trend analysis.
Develop and maintain systems to track vendor performance metrics, identify areas of concern, and propose corrective actions.
Prepare detailed performance reports for review with the Global Vendor Relationship Manager and key stakeholders.
Complaint Management & Investigation
Collect and investigate internal customer complaints related to AP processes or vendor services.
Collaborate with the investigation team to identify root causes, assess validity, and recommend solutions.
Develop and manage a robust system for tracking and analyzing complaint trends, aligning findings with SLA requirements.
Provide clear, evidence-based feedback to address unfounded complaints or SLA misinterpretations.
Process Expertise & Stakeholder Collaboration
Serve as a subject matter expert on AP processes, with a deep understanding of both internal workflows and vendor capabilities.
Act as a trusted advisor, bringing senior expertise to discussions on vendor operations, process improvements, and SLA adherence.
Build strong relationships with internal customers and vendor teams, fostering collaboration and mutual accountability.
Advocate for process optimization, identifying opportunities for automation, efficiency, and compliance enhancements.
Continuous Improvement & Risk Mitigation
Proactively identify risks or recurring issues in vendor operations and propose preventive measures.
Support initiatives to improve vendor performance, streamline AP processes, and align with organizational goals.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement process changes and ensure seamless integration across regions.
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
Represent the AP function in discussions with internal and external stakeholders, presenting data-driven insights and recommendations.
Confidently address challenges, defending vendor performance or internal operations with well-supported arguments when necessary.
Facilitate workshops or training sessions to enhance understanding of AP processes and SLA requirements across teams.
What will make you successful
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
Advanced certifications (e.g., CPA, CMA, Six Sigma) are an advantage.
Experience:
5+ years of experience in accounts payable, vendor management, or financial operations.
Proven track record of analyzing vendor performance, managing complaints, and driving process improvements.
Technical Skills:
Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI) and familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
Strong understanding of SLA frameworks, AP workflows, and compliance requirements.
Soft Skills:
Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and propose actionable insights.
Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the confidence to address and resolve disputes effectively.
Ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure, and deliver results in a global, multicultural environment.
