Synthomer is an innovative and differentiated global leader in sustainable polymer solutions. The Group is one of the world’s foremost suppliers of water based polymers and has leadership positions in many markets. Our polymers help customers create innovative new products and enhance the performance of existing products in key industries such as coatings, construction, adhesives, textiles, paper and nitrile medical gloves.
With the acquisition of Eastman Adhesive Resins in 2022 and Omnova Solutions in 2020, Synthomer grew its global manufacturing network, expanded its product portfolio and boosted its geographical presence, allowing it to better serve over 6000 customers around the world. Synthomer has its operational headquarters in London, UK, and provides customer-focused services from regional centres in Harlow, UK; Marl, Germany; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Beachwood, Ohio, USA. It employs more than 5000 employees across over 40 sites and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Purpose of role:
The European Accounts Payable Manager oversees the Accounts Payable operations for designated entities. This position is tasked with managing the complete Accounts Payable workflow to guarantee adherence to established policies and procedures, ensuring that vendor and supplier invoices are processed accurately, completely, and promptly in line with agreed payment terms. Additionally, the role involves leading the team and ensuring that associated processes and procedures are effectively governed, efficient in cost, scalable, and adaptable to the evolving needs of the business. Furthermore, the manager collaborates to promote best practices, standardisation, and consistency across the Company’s Global Accounts Payable Team.
Main accountabilities:
1. Lead the European Accounts Payable activities for the defined entities, aligning with global processes.
2. Build, develop and lead a strong Team with a focus on standardisation, continuous improvement, sustainability, efficiency and governance.
3. Ensure all vendor invoices are processed accurately and within agreed SLA’s.
4. Ensure payment proposals are complete and accurate, and exceptions reviewed within the proposals.
5. Support the team in weekly preparation of payment proposals and daily urgent payment requests.
6. Work with and support business units to ensure policies, procedures and controls are appropriate and adhered to, while jointly driving to profit maximisation.
7. Measure performance and target success against defined KPI’s and within agreed budget cost and FTE.
8. Collaborate with business partners and colleagues to ensure timely resolution of vendor/supplier issues.
9. Assist with all internal and external audit requests.
10. Ensure Team job descriptions, objectives set, performance appraisals conducted, and career development discussions completed.
11. Support the team leaders in ensuring tasks within team are covered during absence by implementing cross training within the team.
12. Resolve or recommend solutions for all matters escalated by Team members regarding vendors/suppliers.
13. Ensure compliance by all Accounts Payable personnel with Company and departmental policies and procedures.
14. Apply VAT fundamentals to enable consistent and issue free Procure-to-Pay process.
15. Monitor reoccurring inter-regional operational issues and lead issue resolution effort.
16. Facilitate and coordinate regional Business support to establish in time business delivery of the agreed-upon SLA.
17. Ensure compliance with all month end closes and financial reporting targets.
18. Ensure the aged creditors listing is current and reviewed, and that debit balances are investigated.
19. Implement process improvements to reduce number of invoices paid late.
20. Contribute to the development, maintenance, and implementation of policies and internal controls.
Skills and Knowledge:
1. Proven manager of diverse teams with European scope.
2. Ability to create a culture that fosters process improvement, high performance teams, employee development, and excellence in customer service.
3. Demonstrate ability to drive delivery of superior customer service and manage customer requirements and expectations.
4. Ability to lead and manage change effectively both internally and externally.
5. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
6. Strong analytical skills, including the ability to link financial results to operational performance drivers.
7. Ability to lead a Team and work cross-functionally (e.g., Purchasing, SOIP, Regional Management, Plant operations).
8. Demonstrated experience preparing effective executive presentations.
9. Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
10. Proven ability influencing change and delivering results.
11. Solid ERP skills, preferably SAP.
12. Excellent analytical skills and strong interests in technology.
13. Solid working knowledge MS Office applications such as Excel, Word and Outlook.
14. Financial analysis and uses financial concepts and measures to determine financial impact of decisions, while seeking to turn data analysis into relevant business information for self and others.
Location and Travel requirements:
Position based out of the European Shared Service Centre in Harlow, United Kingdom. Some travel may be required for visits to suppliers and other Synthomer locations as deemed necessary.
Benefits:
1. Private health insurance
2. Company bonus scheme
3. Contributory pension
4. Cycle to work scheme
5. Life insurance
6. Support counselling
7. Company social events throughout the year
At Synthomer, we value the difference everyone brings to work, and we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, where people are supported to make their best contribution in creating a vibrant and successful business.
Why Synthomer?
We are ambitious! We have grown significantly – both organically and inorganically. We are a FTSE 250 listed company, 22% of our revenue comes from newly commercialized products, and we’re recognized in the top-quartile for chemicals manufacturing safety.
We believe in high challenge, high support! We are keen to let you contribute in real roles from day 1. We expect a lot, but offer a lot, too. This includes onboarding, induction and learning events, networking opportunities, mentoring and personal development planning. So, be up for an inspiring long-term career adventure.
We personalize our approach to development! At Synthomer, you won't find generic career tracks or development programs but rather a one-size-fits-one approach to employee development. We'll partner with you to ensure you have the right experiences that build your capabilities and accelerate your career growth.
#J-18808-Ljbffr