Accounts Payable Manager

Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP is seeking an Accounts Payable Manager in their Phoenix, AZ or Winston-Salem, NC office.  The Accounts Payable Manager is responsible for leading the firm’s accounts payable function to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant processing of vendor invoices, expense reimbursements, and other disbursements across the firm. The role establishes and enforces AP strategy, operating standards, and controls while driving efficiency, transparency, and scalability through process design, technology enablement, and team development. The Accounts Payable Manager serves as the firm’s owner of AP systems and workflows, partners closely with attorneys, administrative leadership, and vendors, and provides regular insight and recommendations to the Finance Director regarding spend trends, operational performance, risks, and improvement opportunities.

Scope & Primary Outcomes

• Accurate, timely, and compliant processing of invoices, expense reports, and disbursements, with minimal exceptions or rework.
• Improved efficiency and scalability of AP operations through standardized workflows, automation, and effective use of technology.
• Strong internal controls, audit readiness, and adherence to firm policies, regulatory requirements, and professional standards.
• A well‑trained, engaged AP team with clear performance expectations, development plans, and succession coverage.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Accounts Payable Strategy & Execution

• Own the end‑to‑end accounts payable process, including invoice intake, coding, approval workflows, payment execution, exception handling, and vendor inquiries.
• Establish and maintain standard AP policies, procedures, and service‑level expectations (e.g., invoice turnaround times, approval escalations, payment cycles).
• Ensure accurate general ledger coding, matter attribution, and compliance with firm billing, expense, and client‑related requirements.
• Oversee timely execution of payments across all payment methods while maintaining appropriate segregation of duties and controls.

Team Leadership, Training & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop AP staff; set clear performance expectations and establish operating rhythms (daily workflow management, exception reviews, monthly close support).
• Design and implement structured onboarding, training, and ongoing development programs to improve accuracy, consistency, and professional growth of team members.
• Define role‑specific metrics and quality standards; monitor performance and provide actionable feedback and coaching.

Technology Ownership, Automation & Process Improvement

• Serve as the business owner for AP systems and related technology platforms, including invoice intake, approval workflows, payment processing, and reporting tools.
• Partner with Financial Systems to implement, optimize, and enhance AP technology, automation, and integrations with the firm’s financial systems.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and improve data quality through automation, standardization, and control design.
• Develop and maintain management reporting and dashboards providing visibility into invoice aging, processing cycle times, exception rates, payment volumes, and vendor trends.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including root‑cause analysis of errors or delays, refinement of approval structures, and implementation of best practices.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for vendor payment inquiries and issue resolution, ensuring professional and timely communication.
• Partner with attorneys, administrative departments, and firm leadership to support purchasing, expense, and payment needs while enforcing firm policies.
• Provide guidance to internal stakeholders on AP procedures, documentation requirements, and policy interpretation.

Governance, Controls & Compliance

• Ensure AP operations comply with firm policies, internal control standards, audit requirements, and applicable regulatory obligations.
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation, explanations, and process insight.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment with sensitive financial, vendor, and firm information.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or equivalent experience.
• Progressive experience in accounts payable or finance operations within a law firm or professional services environment (typically 5+ years).
• Prior people management experience or demonstrated ability to lead teams, establish performance metrics, and drive operational outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience leading AP process improvement, system implementations, or automation initiatives.
• Strong analytical and reporting capabilities, including invoice aging, spend analysis, and KPI development.
• Familiarity with legal or professional services financial systems, AP platforms, and payment technologies; ability to translate business requirements into system enhancements.
• Detail‑oriented with a strong control mindset and commitment to accuracy and compliance.
• Process improvement orientation with the ability to standardize, automate, and scale operations.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills; ability to influence and educate attorneys and administrative leaders.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in handling sensitive information.