Accounts Payable Specialist

About Pernod Ricard Benelux

Pernod Ricard is the world’s No. 2 in wines and spirits, with a portfolio of premium brands including Absolut, Jameson, Chivas Regal, Havana Club, Beefeater, Mumm, Perrier-Jouët and many more. Pernod Ricard Benelux manages the commercial and operational activities for Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Within our Benelux Finance team, we are looking for an Accounts Payable Specialist who will be a cornerstone of our accounting function and a key partner to the business.

Role Purpose

The Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for overseeing and managing the efficient, accurate and timely processing of all accounts payable transactions for the Benelux entities. The role ensures full compliance with company policies, local regulations and tax requirements in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, while maintaining strong relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders. You will drive process improvements, leverage technology and AP automation, and contribute to a strong internal control environment and reliable financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Review, verify, code, and process vendor invoices in line with company policies and Benelux VAT/tax requirements
• Match invoices with purchase orders, goods receipts, and contracts; resolve discrepancies and monitor approval workflows
• Maintain intercompany accounts and support month-end closing (journal entries, accruals, intercompany netting)
• Prepare and execute payments (SEPA, ACH, wire transfers) in line with payment terms and cash flow guidelines
• Monitor payment schedules, optimize discounts, and handle vendor/internal payment inquiries
• Support cash forecasting and treasury activities
• Perform reconciliations (vendor statements, subledger to GL, GR/IR) and support month-/year-end closing
• Prepare reporting and analysis on AP KPIs, overdue items, discrepancies, and payment performance
• Act as primary contact for vendors and collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., Supply Chain, Sales, Marketing, Customer Service)
• Support vendor onboarding and maintain accurate master data
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, policies, and legal requirements (VAT, tax, audit)
• Maintain proper documentation and support internal/external audits and T&E processes
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation (OCR, e-invoicing, ERP systems)
• Contribute to projects, system enhancements, and continuous improvement initiatives across Benelux Finance

Your Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent experience
• 2–4 years in Accounts Payable, Accounting, or related roles (international environment is a plus)
• Strong knowledge of AP processes, accounting principles, VAT/tax basics, and vendor management
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Navision, JDE), AP automation tools, and payment platforms
• Advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, lookups)
• Familiarity with internal controls; Benelux VAT knowledge is a plus

Skills & Competencies

• High accuracy, attention to detail, and strong organization
• Ability to manage high volumes and meet deadlines
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proactive, solution-oriented, and adaptable mindset
• High integrity and reliability
• Languages: French or Dutch required; professional English Additional languages are a plus

What We Offer

A key role at the heart of the Benelux Finance team in a leading global wines & spirits group. Exposure to a dynamic, international environment with cross-country collaboration. Opportunities for learning, development and participation in process and system improvement projects. A competitive compensation and benefits package, aligned with local market practices.

Pernod Ricard is a worldwide leader in the spirits and champagne industry, blending traditional craftsmanship, state‑of‑the‑art brand development, and global distribution technologies. Our prestigious portfolio of premium to luxury brands includes Absolut vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur and Mumm and Perrier‑Jouët champagnes. Our mission is to ensure the long-term growth of our brands with full respect for people and the environment, while empowering our employees around the world to be ambassadors of our purposeful, inclusive and responsible culture of authentic conviviality. Pernod Ricard’s consolidated sales amounted to € 10,959 million in fiscal year FY25. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN Code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.