Global Accounts Payable and Expense Manager

The Gates Foundation is a global nonprofit organization committed to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity. Within its Finance & Resource Planning division, the Global Financial & Accounting Services (GFAS) team develops scalable global business solutions across accounting, tax, payroll, treasury, procurement, and financial operations.

We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, foundation‑paid retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities to participate in employee communities.

Position:
Seattle, Washington HQ. The Global Accounts Payable and Expense Manager oversees the distribution of work within the Global Payments team, ensuring efficient and accurate execution of global payment processes, systems, and technologies. The Manager collaborates closely with cross‑functional teams to drive process improvements, support business operations, projects, and compliance efforts while maintaining strong customer service and operational excellence.

• Operational Oversight:
  Ensure efficient execution of global payments, focusing on credit‑card expense and accounts payable programs, including vendor record management.
• Escalation Support:
  Manage escalations by providing timely responses aligned with foundation policies and practices.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work with internal teams to maintain smooth, timely, and accurate delivery of global payment services, emphasizing operational efficiency and strategic alignment.
• Process Improvement:
  Use strategic thinking, operational efficiency management, and risk assessment to identify and implement process improvements in global payments.
• Partnerships:
  Build and maintain relationships with operations teams (travel, events, security) and internal counterparts to enhance delivery of global payment services.

• Work Distribution:
  Manage task allocation within the Global Payments team, balancing workloads and meeting deadlines.
• Team Collaboration & Cross‑Training:
  Facilitate cross‑training opportunities with GFAS colleagues to improve adaptability and performance.
• Operational Efficiency Management:
  Optimize resources to improve payment process performance and reduce risks.

• Compliance Assurance:
  Ensure global payment processes comply with regulations, internal controls, GAAP, IRS, state filing requirements, and global regulatory standards.
• Risk Monitoring & Actions:
  Monitor for payment fraud, system security risks, and policy breaches; document mitigation and action plans.

• Project Support:
  Provide subject‑matter expertise for projects involving global payments, including scope definition, deadline setting, and resource allocation.
• Strategic
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with cross‑functional teams to integrate global payment elements into project goals, contributing to successful execution.
• Collaboration:
  
  Operate in a matrixed environment, working closely with internal units (Security, Travel, Events, IT, HR, Benefits, Grants, Contracts, Legal) and external vendors.

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree with 7+ years of experience (or equivalent).
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Critical thinking and data‑driven decision making.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills focused on continuous improvement.
• Experience supporting major projects such as new systems, banking, or credit‑card programs.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences including leadership and program staff.
• Proven change‑management skills in global payment processes.
• Decision‑making with a sense of urgency and bias for action.
• Organizational and initiative skills, able to work autonomously and cross‑functionally.
• Customer‑centric solutions experience, enhancing user experience and addressing pain points.
• Performance monitoring ability to ensure timely and accurate task completion.
• Must be able to legally work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship.

Salary: $118,200 to $177,200 USD (Seattle, Washington: $130,000 to $195,000 USD). Compensation within range determined by job‑related skills, experience, and expertise.

All applicants and employees are entitled to equal opportunity and fair treatment under federal, state, and local laws. Employment is based on qualifications, merit, business need, and adherence to the organization’s non‑discrimination policy.

Location:

Seattle, Washington.