Purchase to Pay Lead

Role Description Statement

The Purchase to Pay (PTP) professional is responsible for overseeing and controlling the PTP processes performed in the Center of Excellence (CoE). The professional acts as a Team Lead for the PTP staff in the CoE while being responsible for making sure that processes remain aligned and that global process standards are anchored. Key processes in scope for PTP CoE are i.e. managing incoming queries from suppliers, review of payment proposals, AP aging monitoring, P-Card administration, Travel and Expense (T&E) and Process management.

Key Responsibilities (High Level)

• First point of contact for assigned operational PTP CoE hub staff
• Lead and manage a team of PTP Specialists, setting clear objectives, evaluating performance, and providing coaching and development opportunities
• Oversee the end-to-end Accounts Payable processes, including T&E expense reporting process, review and approval of expense reports, compliance checks and timely reimbursement
• Oversee the Accounts Payable aging
• Oversee the administration of the P-Card program, ensuring proper issuance, usage and approval of expense reports and compliance checks
• Collaborate with Finance, Procurement and other departments to enhance PTP policies and procedures, including P-Card and T&E
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to processes such as Accounts Payable aging, P-Card usage and T&E expenses to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvements
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with card issuers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth operation of the PTP process
• Assess standardization, optimization and automation potential from Legal Entities / country specifics based on market best practices and/or best in class Legal Entities
• Ensure adherence to internal controls, audit requirements and organization policies throughout PTP activities
• Ensure all financial reporting and processes comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the Sulzer directives and the Sulzer Accounting Manual (SAM)
• Support with smooth implementation of AppZen expense audit software in the external Finance Shared Services (DXC)
• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are developed and followed in the CoE

Education and experience

• University degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in PTP, Accounts payable or related finance roles
• Experience within the manufacturing or industrial sectors is preferred

Critical success factors

• Proficiency in coordination and planning of work for assigned teams and activity clusters
• Strong understanding of global financial processes and standards with focus on P-Card and T&E processes, policies and best practices
• Strong financial acumen
• Strong communication skills for delivering key insights to i.e.CoE Accounting Manager, Reporting & Analytics team and Country Finance Heads
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with other stakeholders

Technical & language skills

• Proficient in ERP systems (relevant to your business unit; SAP, Microsoft Dynamics 365 or iScala); expense management systems (i.e. Concur, AppZen)
• Strong MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint) skills
• Experience with Tagetik and Qlik Sense is a plus
• Proficiency in English

Interfaces with

• Local employees
• PTP Accountants
• Reporting & Analytics team
• Accounting Manager
• Country Finance Heads
• Accounting GPOs