As the world's leader in digital payments technology, Visa's mission is to connect the world through the most creative, reliable and secure payment network - enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. Our advanced global processing network, VisaNet, provides secure and reliable payments around the world, and is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second. The company's dedication to innovation drives the rapid growth of connected commerce on any device, and fuels the dream of a cashless future for everyone, everywhere. As the world moves from analog to digital, Visa is applying our brand, products, people, network and scale to reshape the future of commerce.

This role sits in Visa's European Controllership team, which is responsible for the accounting of all Europe business functions, accounts payable processes, revenue accounting, and regional statutory reporting. The team is part of the broader Global Controllership function within Global Finance. This role reports to the AP, Cards and Data Maintenance Director for Visa Europe in London and will be responsible for Accounts Payable in Visa Europe.

With the implementation of Ariba network for supplier management, the AP manager will look at opportunities to optimize the use of the technologies within AP.

A critical element of the role will be managing change and a shift in work culture by implementing new agile work practices, based on Lean methodologies, within the AP organization and linking effectively to the wider E2E processes and stakeholders.

This role leads the team responsible for invoice processing and contributing to integration projects of newly acquired businesses and centralization activities.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of Accounts payable, the ability to work with cross-functional teams, manage within tight deadlines, exemplify excellent problem-solving skills, demonstrate exceptional verbal and written communication skills, and implement processes to improve operational efficiency, all with a strong sense of ownership and urgency.

Managing relationships

• Establish and maintain good working relationships with third party providers and internal customers across Visa Europe and beyond.
• Partnering with Payments team to share insights, optimize invoicing processes, and being able to provide cover for activities.
• Establish good relationships with the newly acquired entities enabling smooth transition of work.
• Collaborating with procurement, operations support and VAT teams to enhance end to end processes.
• Internal Audit liaison encompassing provision of reporting, process documentation and implementing action plans to address compliance deficiencies.

Managing Accounts payable team

• Provide leadership to the team with two Accounts Payable Executives and one Senior AP Specialist as direct reports, ensuring that all the important tasks are done to a high standard and compliant to internal and external rules and requirements.
  • Responsible for timely recording and resolution of invoice queries and anomalies with suppliers and internal business.
  • Management and control of AP sub-ledger and aged balances.
  • Responsible for regular delivery of vendor reconciliation on key or complex vendors.
  • Manage the activities and inputs to ensure the delivery of monthly accounts and year-end reporting in accordance with specified timetables and financial controls.
• Focus and reporting on delivering key metrics with improving measures regarding timely processing and payment of invoices, including issue resolution and larger problem-solving initiatives.
  • Continuous monitoring of process and control effectiveness with use of scorecards and process control charts.
  • Management of Key performance Indicators to ensure service standards are met and ‘Paid on time’ metrics improved.
  • Develop and implement action plans to manage unresolved issues and process deficiencies.
• Manages system changes and related change management.
  • Hands-on attitude to lead projects related to Accounts Payable, work with IT and FSS for testing on changes related to payables.
  • Initiates systems and process improvements with a Continuous Improvement mindset.
• Develops and maintains excellent process documentation.
• Proven leadership with the ability to create an environment of respect, inclusion and care.
  • People focused, ensuring team engagement, enablement and capability.
  • Advanced skills in listening, coaching and constructive feedback.

Integrations of newly acquired businesses

• Supports integration activities for payables with minimal disruption to payables and internal stakeholders
• Effectively collaborates with Procurement and other Business stakeholders, applying E2E process thinking to optimize processes across the value chain.

The following experience is essential:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent work experience (part qualified accountant beneficial)
• Strong line management/team leader experience
• Demonstrable experience in process improvement with strong analytical and problem resolution skills, Lean Six Sigma accreditation preferred (e.g. green belt).
• Analytical with Intermediate/Advanced excel skills focused on manipulation of large volume data sets
• Project experience of AP/expenses system changes and the respective change management activities.
• Hands-on work ethic to complete all tasks on time within KPIs.
• Ability to deliver against tight deadlines and perform under pressure.
• Strong communication and relationship building skills with the ability to engage, collaborate and influence cross-functionally.
• Excellent knowledge of Ariba supplier portal or other sourcing SaaS technologies.
• Curiosity to learn and a pro-active approach to self-development

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.