About Us
Ocado Group is a global technology leader reinventing retail through AI and Robotic Engineering. While our technology powers the world’s most advanced fulfilment centres, our people drive our international growth.
We are now launching a new Global Shared Service Centre in Sofia. This hub is the strategic heart of our international finance and people operations, and we are looking for leaders to contribute to building the global Accounts Payable team from the ground up.
The Opportunity
As the Accounts Payable Team Lead, you will direct a team with a primary focus on elevating vendor support and managing our daily helpdesk operations. This role is pivotal during a period of significant transition as we move AP functions from the UK to Sofia. Your initial priority will be to oversee this knowledge transfer, stabilise the new workflow, and ensure total business continuity.
You will not just manage numbers; you will drive process documentation, and eventually identify long-term areas for improvement. You will be expected to view AP as an end-to-end process, partnering with Treasury and other finance functions to ensure seamless operations.
Requirements
Leadership & Transition Management
- Supervising, coaching, and developing the team to foster a supportive and high-performing environment.
- Setting priorities for the team and overseeing the transition of AP activities from the UK to Sofia.
- Managing knowledge transfer and creating robust process documentation to secure "Business as Usual" (BAU).
Financial Operations & Oversight
- Managing the daily operations of an AP Helpdesk to resolve complex internal and external queries.
- Vetting of new and updated supplier details to mitigate fraud risk.
- Reviewing and approving supplier credit checks and corporate credit application forms.
- Authorizing high-value supplier payments and corporate card transactions in accordance with internal control limits.
- Leading the team through period-end close procedures, ensuring adherence to the framework and meeting strict corporate deadlines.
- Ensuring correct operation and evidencing of all financial controls and compliance with relevant Ocado policies.
Strategic Partnering
- Business partnering with Treasury and other finance areas to manage liquidity and compliance.
- Identifying and implementing process improvements once the initial transition is stabilised.
Essential Criteria
Experience & Education
- Proven Leadership: 2–3 years of relevant experience in a leading AP role.
- Educational Background: A University degree is expected.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in English is essential.
- Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of AP processes and principles. Familiarity with Oracle Fusion or similar ERP systems is an advantage.
Skills & Attributes
- Transition Expert: Experience in process transition or working within a Shared Service Centre (SSC) environment is highly desirable.
- Analytical & Detail-Oriented: A sharp eye for accuracy and the ability to analyse financial data to drive decisions.
- Strategic Communicator: Ability to collaborate across functions and explain complex financial information clearly.
- Problem-Solver: A proactive and practical approach to troubleshooting and securing business continuity during change.
- Continuous improvement mindset: Ability to identify, prioritise and deliver process enhancements, driving efficiency, accuracy, and control. Ability to build this mindset across the team
Why you should join us
Sofia is the cornerstone of our global operations. You will work in a fast-paced environment where your work directly impacts the stability and growth of our international teams.
What We Offer You:
- Hybrid office attendance policy that sees you onsite 60% of your time
- 30 days of “Work from anywhere” program
- 25 days of annual leave
- 150 EUR monthly allowance for wellbeing or flexible expenses
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave policy
- Medical plan including health & dental coverage
- Life and disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
Equal Opportunities Ocado Group is an equal opportunities employer and as such makes every effort to ensure that all potential employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, age, or disability or union membership status.
