Global Accounts Payable Manager

With more than $1B in revenue, Tennant Company is a globally recognized leader in the cleaning equipment industry. For the past 150 years, we have been passionate about developing and manufacturing innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers. At Tennant Company, we are committed to stewardship and creating a cleaner, safer and healthier world. With manufacturing, operations and sales, service, and support functions across the globe, your journey at Tennant can take you places you never expected.

 
Job Title: Global Accounts Payable Manager
Department: Accounting/Finance
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Location: Eden Prairie – Tennant Corporate Headquarters and/or Virtual
Estimated Travel %: 0
 
 Job Title: Global Accounts Payable Manager
 
Position Summary
The Global Accounts Payable Manager leads the end to end accounts payable function for a complex, multi entity, multi currency organization with annual revenues exceeding $1B. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of all global vendor payments, managing AP teams across regions, optimizing global processes, and driving transformation initiatives that improve efficiency, controls, and scalability.
The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands on leader with deep knowledge of AP operations, strong business partner skills, and experience operating in a global, fast paced environment.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
•    Lead, mentor, and develop a global AP team across multiple regions and time zones.
•    Establish clear performance metrics, SLAs, and quality standards.
•    Foster a culture of continuous improvement, ownership, and customer service.

Accounts Payable Operations
•    Oversee the full-cycle AP process, including invoice intake, 3 way match, approvals, payment runs, and month-end close.
•    Ensure accurate coding to GL accounts, cost centers, and projects.
•    Maintain compliance with global regulatory, tax, and audit requirements (e.g., VAT, 1099, W 8, local statutory documentation).
•    Manage global payment runs across ACH, wire, check, and international payment platforms.
•    Resolve complex AP issues, escalations, and vendor disputes.

Process Optimization & Systems
•    Lead global AP transformation initiatives to streamline workflows and reduce manual effort.
•    Identify opportunities to leverage automation (OCR, AI tools, RPA, workflow systems), strengthen controls, and eliminate bottlenecks.
•    Partner with IT and Finance Systems teams to optimize ERP/AP modules (SAP).
•    Ensure master data accuracy and governance across all regions.

Controls, Compliance & Reporting
•    Maintain strong internal controls, segregation of duties, and compliance with SOX/internal audit requirements.
•    Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and driving remediation plans as needed.
•    Develop and report on AP KPIs (e.g., days to pay, exceptions, automation rates, vendor aging).
•    Ensure adherence to corporate policies, accounting standards, and purchasing guidelines. 
 

Cross Functional Collaboration
•    Partner with Procurement, Treasury, Accounting, FP&A, and global business units to align AP processes with broader business strategies.
•    Work with Treasury to manage global cash flow forecasting associated with payables.
•    Collaborate with Procurement on vendor onboarding, T&Cs, and purchasing controls.


Required Qualifications
•    Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
•    7–10+ years of progressive Accounts Payable experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing global teams.
•    Experience in a complex, multi currency, multi entity environment (preferably $1B+ revenue).
•    Strong understanding of accounting principles, internal controls, and global AP regulations.
•    Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Workday).
•    Advanced in Microsoft Office applications
•    Demonstrated success driving automation and process improvements.
•    Understanding of GAAP
•    Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred
•    Professional certification (P2P, CPM, CMA, CPA, or similar).
•    Experience with shared services or centralized global AP organizations.
•    Prior involvement in system implementations or finance transformation initiatives.
•    Knowledge of global tax requirements (VAT, GST, withholding taxes).

Key Competencies
•    Strategic mindset with strong operational execution
•    Ability to lead and influence across regions and cultures
•    Analytical thinking and data driven decision making
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