Senior Manager, Accounts Payable

What You'll Contribute

The Sr. Manager, Accounts Payable will be responsible for leading and optimizing the Accounts Payable function and managing the payments programs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accounting, excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, and the ability to manage a team effectively. They will also have an in‑depth understanding of Workday Financial systems, financial reporting requirements and be able to stay up to date on changes to accounting regulations and industry trends.

• Lead and manage the Accounts Payable team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance the efficiency and scalability of payments function including planning, forecasting, and reporting.
• Partner with key stakeholders (e.g. Procurement, Vendor Management, Accounting, FP&A, Treasury, IT) to ensure alignment of financial processes and objectives.
• Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in payment processing, financial reporting, transaction processing, and data reconciliation.
• Ensure timely and accurate month‑end close activities related to A/P.
• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline workflows, enhance automation, and reduce operational costs.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive performance improvements and ensure high‑quality output.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards, regulations, and internal policies, mitigating risks and safeguarding the company’s financial integrity.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.

• Proven track record of managing and optimizing finance operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance.
• Experience with financial systems and tools (Workday ERP, financial reporting software, etc.), with strong proficiency in Excel and data analysis.
• Familiarity with GAAP, SOX, and other regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to drive results and navigate complex financial challenges. A proactive approach to problem‑solving and process optimization.
• Strong ability to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives in a fast‐paced environment.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team. Excellent people management skills, with a focus on coaching, development, and fostering a positive team culture.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and at all levels of the organization.
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and ensure accuracy in financial operations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. MBA or professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CMA) is a plus.
• 7+ years of experience in finance or accounting, with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing finance operations teams.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers, in compensation and employment opportunities, against qualified individuals with disabilities who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the “essential functions” of a job. A function may be essential for any of several reasons, including: the job exists to perform that function, the employee holding the job was hired for his/her expertise in performing that function, or only a limited number of employees are available to perform that function.

Sallie Mae is proud to be an equal opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, gender identity, disability, Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

• Competitive base salaries
• Bonus incentives
• Generous PTO, Floating Holidays and 12…