Manager Global AP Operations

Job Title: Manager, Global AP Operations

Location(s): Berlin

About Springer Nature Group

Springer Nature opens the doors to discovery for researchers, educators, clinicians and other professionals. Every day, around the globe, our imprints, books, journals, platforms and technology solutions reach millions of people. For over 180 years our brands and imprints have been a trusted source of knowledge to these communities and today, more than ever, we see it as our responsibility to ensure that fundamental knowledge can be found, verified, understood and used by our communities – enabling them to improve outcomes, make progress, and benefit the generations that follow. Visit group.springernature.com and follow @SpringerNature / @SpringerNatureGroup

About the Role

We seek a highly motivated, hands-on, experienced Manager Global AP Operations with good analytical skills to oversee the end-to-end Accounts Payable (AP) processes within a dynamic Financial Shared Service Center (FSSC) environment for a leading scientific publisher. This role requires a proactive leader with a hands-on approach to managing the AP operations. Who can manage, motivate, and develop your team members, drive operational excellence and process standardization, and ensure procedures are followed across Global AP functions while ensuring seamless collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. You report directly to the VP Global AP & Royalties.

Your teams are located in Berlin, Basingstoke (UK), Jersey City (US), and Pune (India), and you work closely together with the Manager AP compliance, projects & Journal fees, Manager Finance Capability center in Pune, as well as colleagues in IT, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger, and Tax. This role can be in our Berlin office on a hybrid working model.

Role Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management

• Direct and oversee Global AP Operations to ensure timely and accurate invoice processing, including approvals, matching with purchase orders, managing debit balances, payments, credit cards, and expense reimbursements.
• Lead and mentor global AP teams, fostering development and managing performance.

Compliance and Governance

• Collaborate with the Manager of AP Compliance, Projects & Journal Fees to ensure adherence to AP policies, enhance efficiency, and ensure compliance with global financial regulations, tax obligations, and internal audit standards.

Operational Engagement

• Actively engage in daily AP operations by troubleshooting and resolving escalations, ensuring debit balances and blocked items are addressed, and executing payments promptly, including processing confidential or urgent documents.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with Procurement, Treasury, Accounting, Tax, and IT teams to streamline processes and enhance automation.
• Collaborate with the Manager Compliance, Projects & Journal Fees, and VP Global AP & Royalties to align AP operations with broader financial strategies.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor and drive adherence to service level agreements (SLAs) and ensure monthly KPI reporting is provided and explained.
• Present AP-related KPI reports, analytics, insights, and next steps together with Manager AP compliance, projects, & Journal fees to the VP Global AP & Royalties for informed decision-making.

Vendor Management

• Manage vendor relationships, resolve disputes, and improve the overall vendor experience.

Process Improvement and Transformation

• Drive process automation and continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging technologies such as OCR, AI-driven AP solutions, and ERP systems.
• Support AP transformation projects, including system upgrades, migrations, and process harmonization across regions in collaboration with Manager Compliance, Projects & Journal Fees.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

Essential

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field. MBA preferred.
• Experience: 8+ years of experience in Accounts Payable operations, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role within an Accounts Payable organization or Financial Shared Services environment.
• Strong expertise in AP processes, global payment systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Workday, etc.) and AP automation tools.
• Proficiency in data analytics and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Excel, SQL).
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and change management skills.
• Strong analytical skills and mindset with a problem-solving and continuous improvement approach.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for global collaboration.
• Language knowledge: Fluently German and English.

Desirable

• Experience in the publishing industry, Healthcare or media-related business or Shared Services.
• Prior involvement in AP transformation and automation projects.
• Familiarity with PO solutions, AI-driven AP solutions, OCR technology, and workflow tools.

At Springer Nature, we value the diversity of our teams and work to build an inclusive culture, where people are treated fairly and can bring their differences to work and thrive. We empower our colleagues and value their diverse perspectives as we strive to attract, nurture and develop the very best talent. Springer Nature was awarded Diversity Team of the Year at the 2022 British Diversity Awards. Find out more about our DEI work here https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion

If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation.

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://springernature.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SpringerNatureCareers

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