Director, Accounts Payable- Shared Services- Alpharetta, GA - AMAT Corporate

Job ID:  504481

CRH's Americas Materials, a division of CRH, is the leading vertically integrated supplier of aggregates, asphalt, ready mixed concrete and paving and construction services in North America.  Our operations span North America with over 28,000 employees at close to 1,600 locations in 43 US States and 2 Canadian provinces.

Position Overview

The Director, Accounts Payable will be a new critical leadership role that oversees the strategy, management, and execution of the centralized payables functions for CRH Americas Materials Inc. (AMAT), including expense reimbursements, invoice processing, payment processing, vendor administration, and general accounts payable activities. This role will report directly to the AMAT VP, Finance and Accounting Shared Services and serve as a strategic partner by engaging and developing trust-based partnerships with business leaders within AMAT to anticipate business issues and drive strong decision making through sound financial management and application of accounting expertise. The Director, Accounts Payable will be a critical change agent that helps to develop a strong, collaborative organizational culture while striving to enhance services and processes in AMAT.

The Finance and Accounting Shared Services Center (SSC) organization will be designed and implemented alongside a broader finance transformation effort enabled by an SAP S/4 HANA implementation. The Director, Accounts Payable will support overall SSC design and implementation activities as directed by the SSC Lead. This role will lead the design and implementation of the Payables SSC team and processes within the broader Finance and Accounting SSC organization.

The Director, Accounts Payable will serve as the leader of the Payables Shared Services team with ~100 resources. This role will work closely with Procurement and Accounts Payable (AP) business leaders from both corporate and localized operating companies across the US and Canada to drive the efficiency and effectiveness of the Payables SSC team. The Payables Lead will be accountable for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of payables processes, policies, and procedures for AMAT. This will include partnering with key business leaders from both corporate and localized operating companies to optimize upstream and downstream processes and working to drive down the cost per transaction whilst achieving defined service quality levels and operating goals.

Additionally, the Director, Accounts Payable will work closely with the VP and the leaders of the Record-to-Report, Billing-to-Cash, and Payroll SSC teams to promote a strong, collaborative Finance and Accounting Shared Services organization. Ongoing organizational and individual development within the Payables SSC team will be critical to success in this role.

Key Responsibilities (Essential Duties and Functions)

Value Delivery

Finance and Accounting Shared Services Center (SSC) Operations

• Lead a payables shared services team with ~100 total employees responsible for activities including expense reimbursements, invoice processing, payment processing, vendor administration, and general accounts payable
• Own the analysis and management of key performance indicators and service level agreements for the Payables SSC team and proactively take actions to improve performance as appropriate
• Create and sustain a culture of continuous improvement to deliver effective and efficient payables processes
• Assign responsibilities to the Payables SSC team to meet business needs
• Work closely with the Payables SSC team to ensure all transaction processing activities meet efficiency and quality targets established for AMAT
• Review reporting on accounts payable and expense activities to identify discrepancies
• Respond to escalated account payables or expense-related inquiries
• Oversee the fiscal activities of the Payables SSC team, including budgeting, reporting, and audits
• Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service
• Support external audit efforts between the Payables SSC team and the external audit firm for preparation of the external audit
• Remain abreast of best practices and trends relevant to payables, shared services, and related technologies
• Identify and promote process improvements and automation initiatives to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs
• Influence and negotiate with a wide range of audiences, internally and externally
• Monitor proper payables internal controls as well as key operational management controls
• Establish, communicate, and manage the Payables SSC team’s policies, procedures, and controls
• Ensure the Payables SSC team’s compliance with the overall SSC team’s policies, procedures, and controls
• Coordinate with teams at the various localized operating companies as required
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned

Finance and Accounting Shared Services Center (SSC) Design and Implementation

• Provide insight to SSC Lead to refine the strategy for the Finance and Accounting Shared Services (SSC) organization
• Lead design and implementation of the Payables SSC organization, including governance and organizational design, transition planning, site setup, knowledge transfer, and transition activities
• Collaborate with the VP and other functional leads (Record-to-Report, Billing-to-Cash, and Payroll) to ensure alignment within the SSC organization as well as alignment to broader AMAT strategic goals
• Work with business leaders to ensure site readiness for the Finance and Accounting Shared Services Center, with a specific focus on the Payables SSC team

Team Management

• Lead, inspire, motivate, and manage the Payables SSC team
• Coordinate with VP and the leaders of the Record-to-Report, Billing-to-Cash, and Payroll SSC teams to promote a strong, collaborative Finance and Accounting Shared Services organization
• Provide input into the overall talent management strategy for the Payables SSC team
• Build and enhance a strong team that provides proactive support and results-driven execution of responsibilities to meet the current and future needs of the business
• Strive to maximize employee retention through recognition, motivation, and strong management
• Hold 1 to 1s and HR reviews for direct reports to set and review objectives, appraise performance, and assist with career development, ensuring effective performance management
• Manage and coach employees to increase engagement and promote professional development, innovative thinking, and career growth

Performance Management

• Act as a catalyst for change and improvement in performance and quality by creating a culture of change, improving organizational health, and encouraging teams to strive for high performance
• Drive the Payables SSC organization to continuously improve processes and efficiency
• Drive towards automation over manual work when possible
• Work with supervisors and managers to ensure they meet timelines and manage risks within their sub-teams
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with business leaders at corporate and localized operating companies ensuring they understand and value the services provided by the SSC team and respond to feedback regarding opportunities for improvement
• Liaise with key stakeholders across AMAT to ensure appropriate service levels are being provided
• Prepare budget for the Payables SSC team
• Manage the Payables SSC team within approved budget and guidelines

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Finance or Accounting preferred)
• CPA preferred
• MBA preferred
• Six Sigma certification preferred

Work Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of experience working in finance and accounting functions
• Minimum 10 years of experience with SAP or equivalent ERP in a shared services environment
• Minimum 8 years of experience leading accounting teams, preferably in a shared services environment
• Solid experience in designing and standardizing processes, preferably transactional activities (e.g., reconciliations, invoice processing, and payment processing)
• Working knowledge of the building products/construction industry practices/processes preferred
• Proven track record in successfully leading a large business unit or department
• Proven ability to lead a major change effort
• Proven track record to deliver high levels of customer service
• Excellent communication and leadership skills are mandatory
• Lean Six Sigma or Lean Daily Management experience preferred

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Excellent problem-solving skills combined with the ability to make confident, informed decisions
• Understanding of business processes in a heavy building material and construction organization
• Ability to interface and communicate effectively with leadership both within and outside of the shared services organization
• Ability to manage large, scalable operations
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communications skills, with the ability to confidently craft and control messaging to a variety of stakeholders
• Ability to lead and motivate others and guide them to solve problems
• Ability to implement and standardize processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (English)
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Strong understanding of finance and accounting activities including chargebacks, allocations, reconciliations, budgets, reporting, capital planning, etc.
• Proven track record of managing a high volume of transactions
• Familiarity with cloud-based ERP software (e.g., SAP S/4HANA)
• Demonstrated ability to improve efficiencies and costs
• Senior principles, leading by example in terms of work ethic and professional attitude
• Strategic mindset enabling development and execution of strategies aligned with shared services operations and broader organizational goals
• Ability to navigate competing priorities from various stakeholders and make decisions while maintaining collaborative culture
• Ability to understand business strategy and translate into effective tactical plans
• Team player who will set the culture from the top
• Ability to build and motivate high performing teams
• Solution-oriented consensus builder, and trusted partner across the organization
• Transformative leader with a focus on continuous improvement
• Ability to effectively lead a major change effort
• Strong computer skills
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, regulatory requirements, and financial reporting
• Familiarity with invoices, purchase orders, logistics, vendor contracts and vendor management
• Proven skills in process improvement and/or gaining efficiencies through technology
• Familiarity with technology-enabled process improvement
• High customer service orientation
• Strong aptitude working in finance and accounting systems
• Ability to conceptually understand and envision technical enhancements and upgrades
• Ability to prioritize and provide clarity
• At least 3 years of experience in a public accounting role
• At least 7 years of experience in a supervisory role within operations accounting

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Able to communicate with others by telephone and in person
• Able to utilize a computer for word processing, email communication, and preparation of documents and presentations
• May require sitting for extended periods of time

Work Environment

• Usually, normal office working conditions.  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• The role may require work outside of normal business hours.
• This role may require up to 20% travel

The statements included in this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive.  They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.  Other duties may be assigned as required.  Requirements for this job are subject to modification by the Company and its designees, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What CRH Offers You

• Highly competitive base pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
• Group retirement savings program
• Health and wellness programs
• A diverse and inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About CRH

CRH has a long and proud heritage. We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large international organization.

If you’re up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Once you click apply now, you will be brought to our official employment application. Please complete your online profile and it will be sent to the hiring manager. Our system allows you to view and track your status 24 hours a day. Thank you for your interest!

CRH Americas Materials Inc. is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE/Vet/Disability--If you want to know more, please click on this link.