Specialist, Accounts Payable

Specialist, Accounts Payable

Location: Dublin, L, IE

Department: Finance

Role Overview

To support ongoing business growth and future market expansion, West Pharmaceutical Services has developed a transformation strategy focused on standardizing, simplifying, and centralizing global business operations.

The successful candidate will be part of a shared service team and will be responsible for supporting all aspects of the accounts payable process, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices, payments, and T&E. This position plays a key role in maintaining strong supplier relationships, resolving account queries, and driving process efficiencies to support smooth financial operations and continuous improvement initiatives within the AP function.

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to work efficiently and independently in a fast paced environment while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Maintain effective communication with suppliers to address invoices, payment, and account related queries in a timely and professional manner.
• Build and sustain positive supplier relationships to ensure smooth business operations and trust.
• Reconcile supplier statements regularly, resolving any discrepancies or outstanding balances.
• Escalate recurring supplier issues or risks to management for review and resolution.

Payment and Invoice Processing

• Leverage AI and automation tools to streamline invoice processing, credit note validation, and payment runs-ensuring greater accuracy, speed, and consistency.
• Accurately process, verify, and post invoices in accordance with internal policies and payment terms.
• Manage end to end payment processes ensuring all payments are reviewed and authorized appropriately while maintaining company policy and compliance.
• Manage end to end Travel & Expense processes, audit, validate and process employee T&E expense claims, ensuring accuracy, proper documentation and adherence to company policies.
• Monitor AP aging and follow up on unprocessed invoices or discrepancies to ensure timely vendor payments.
• Support month end and year end closing activities, including accruals, reconciliations, and reporting.

Cross Function Collaboration

• Collaborate with internal departments such as Procurement, Finance, and Operations to resolve invoice discrepancies and optimise payment and T&E processes.
• Communicate effectively with business units to obtain missing documentation or approvals required for payment processing.
• Work closely with D&T and Finance transformation teams to support automation initiatives and system enhancements within the AP function.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Prepare and maintain AP reports, such as aging summaries, payment forecasts, and supplier spend analysis.
• Leverage Power BI to produce insightful monthly reports and dashboards.
• Conduct root cause analysis on recurring issues to drive continuous improvements.
• Drive automation and improvement of AI processes, identifying areas where AI and digital solutions can enhance efficiency.
• Analyse payments and T&E data to identify trends, risk, and opportunities for operational efficiencies.

Automation and Innovation

• Embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and automation.
• Use tools like Power Automate to streamline workflows and reduce manual tasks.
• Contribute to the transformation of AP operations by eliminating data entry and focusing on strategic, value added activities.
• Support the Manager in driving automation and continuous improvement initiatives within payments and T&E systems and processes.

Other Duties

• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Team Leader or Manager, aligned with the evolving needs of the department.

Key Skills

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Analytical thinking and problem solving ability.
• Proficiency in digital tools and a passion for automation.
• Adaptability in a fast changing, tech enabled environment.
• Team focused individual who can also work on their own initiative.

Preferred Knowledge and Abilities

• Experience with SAP or other major ERP systems.
• Previous Shared Service Centre experience with multinational publicly quoted company experience.
• 2+ years of experience in payables.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a digital focus, utilising available training tools to enhance digital skills and acumen.
• Knowledge and understanding of basic accounting principles.
• Proficient in MS Office applications.
• Team player, positive and flexible attitude.
• Able to comply with the company's safety policy at all times.

Travel Requirements

• A limited amount of travel may be required ( 5% of the time in year one).

Pay Transparency

The annual base salary range for this position is €43,000.00 - €54,700.00. Total target compensation is determined using objective and gender neutral criteria, including relevant experience, qualifications, skills, market benchmarks, geographic location, and the scope and responsibilities of the role.

This position may be eligible for variable compensation and other incentive programs in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans within the country of employment. In addition, team members are eligible to participate in the company's benefits and total rewards programs applicable to their location and employment status.

Equal Opportunity Employer

West is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you have a special need that requires accommodation in order to apply to West, please send an email to . Where permitted by law, an offer of employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of background screening.