Senior Manager Accounts Payable

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive.  Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career.  Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

The Senior Manager Accounts Payable is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end accounts payable process, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices, payments, and expense reports. This role leads a team of AP professionals, implements process improvements, and ensures compliance with internal controls and external regulations.

Location

This position is located in our Reston, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Tampa, and Atlanta offices and offers a hybrid work schedule.    

Responsibilities  

• Manage daily operations of the accounts payable function, including invoice processing, payment runs, and vendor inquiries.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of specialists and supervisors.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, SOX controls, and regulatory requirements.

• Collaborate with Procurement, Treasury, and FP&A to optimize cash flow and vendor terms.

• Drive automation and process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

• Prepare and analyze AP metrics and reports for senior leadership.

• Prepare and manage AP budget, AP contracts, and AP invoice payments.

• Develop long term technology roadmap for the Accounts Payable function and lead implementation efforts for new systems and improvements to existing platforms.

• Engage in individual professional development, leadership skills building, and industry current events. 

Desired Skills  

• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and AP automation tools.

• Strong understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and vendor management best practices.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to collaborate across departments and present to senior leadership.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a continuous improvement mindset.

• Proven experience in project management, including leading system implementations or upgrades.

• Strong track record of cross-departmental collaboration, especially with Procurement, IT, and Finance teams.

• Ability to design and interpret dashboards for operational and financial reporting.

• Proficiency in Excel (Vlookup, pivot tables, etc.).

• Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills, and deep expertise in financial systems and vendor management.  

Minimum Education   

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

Preferred Education 

• Master's Degree (MBA or related field)

Certificates

• CPA preferred

Minimum Years of Experience  

• 7+ years of experience in Accounts Payable with 3+ years in a leadership role.  

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:   

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.

• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.

• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.

• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.

• Foster positive work relationships.

• Comply with all firm policies and practices. 

• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.   

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.   

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible am