Manager Accounts Payable - EM South at adidas Group

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organisation:

• The purpose of this role is to ensure financial data integrity through accurate booking, reconciliation, and analysis of financial transactions.
• The role upholds strict compliance with the Group Finance Manual, Non‑Trade Procurement Policy, and internal financial governance requirements.
• This position plays a key part in supporting operational excellence, cashflow management, and timely financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

Travel & Expense (T&E) Management

• Review and authorize employee expense claims via the Concur system.
• Ensure claims comply with company policies and required supporting documentation.

Cashflow & Banking

• Prepare and submit accurate cashflow forecasts.
• Maintain daily banking records to ensure up‑to‑date visibility of cash movements.
• Optimise cash flow through effective AP management and timely payment processes.

Month-End Closing and Audit

• Support month-end closing activities and Smart Close processes.
• Assist in ensuring all closing tasks are completed in line with deadlines and standards.
• Support internal and external audits

General Ledger & Reconciliation

• Analyse the GR/IR (Goods Received / Invoice Received) account and collaborate with key stakeholders to resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure accounts reflect accurate, valid and compliant data.

Accounts Payable Management

• Approve the removal of payment blocks where appropriate.
• Review and approve requests for early payments and advances.
• Analyse vendor age analysis reports and identify any overdue balances.
• Vendor onboarding via EFTSURE platform
• Drive efficiencies across existing AP processes to streamline workflow and enhance accuracy.

People Leadership

• Develop and coach team members by setting performance goals, providing continuous training, and fostering strong working relationships.
• Monitor and measure progress against individual and team KPIs.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Data Accuracy:Quality and precision of financial entries and reconciliations.
• Reconciliation Timeliness:Time taken to clear reconciling items.
• Supplier Payment Timeliness:On time payment of supplier invoices.
• Time Management:Ability to meet internal deadlines, month‑end close requirements, and workflow priorities.

Key Relationships:

• Local Finance Team
• Retail and Marketing Departments
• FP&A Team

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and reconciliation skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Knowledge of financial policies and internal controls
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Proficiency in Concur, SAP/ERP systems (if applicable), and Microsoft Office
• Leadership and team development abilities
• Strong communication and stakeholder‑management skills

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• University degree in finance preferably
• Ideally with a qualified accounting/audit background
• 7 -10 years of accounting experience
• 2 - 5 years experience in managing a team