Accounts Payable Manager

A strong financial profile with people management skills and a passion for process optimisation? As an AP Manager at Lotus Bakeries, you will have the opportunity to take on a key role within an international environment in Lembeke. In this versatile role, you will combine people management with operational responsibility and process optimisation. You will have the freedom to take initiative, implement improvements and contribute to building efficient and future-proof Accounts Payable processes.
* As an AP Manager, you will be responsible for Accounts Payable services across multiple entities and countries.
* Lead, coach and develop the AP team, allocate workloads and ensure efficient operations and continuity.
* Coordinate the entire AP flow, from invoice receipt, processing and approval through to payments and supplier management, while ensuring process quality and timely execution.
* Monitor KPIs and SLAs, analyse workload and performance, and take action where necessary to further improve service delivery.
* Act as the first point of contact for complex AP matters and work closely with Finance, Procurement, Supply Chain, Treasury and external stakeholders.
* Ensure compliance with accounting policies, tax and legal requirements, as well as internal controls, and support internal and external audits.
* Analyse AP and cash management processes, including payment timing, DPO and cash discounts, and initiate concrete improvements.
* Identify opportunities for automation and process optimisation and contribute to finance transformation and system projects, such as SAP, VIM and Concur.  
* You hold a Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or an equivalent field, combined with at least 5 years of relevant experience in AP or Accounting, preferably within an international or shared services environment.
* You have experience in people management and know how to coach, motivate and further develop a team.
* You have strong knowledge of AP accounting, VAT and invoice-to-pay processes, as well as experience with ERP systems; knowledge of SAP and VIM is a plus.
* You are analytical and KPI-driven, with strong knowledge of MS Excel and standard Office tools.
* You are fluent in Dutch and English; knowledge of French is a plus.
* You are organised, proactive and solution-oriented, with the ability to set priorities effectively in a dynamic FMCG environment.
* You are a strong communicator with a stakeholder-oriented mindset and identify with values such as team spirit, open dialogue and passion.