OpenAI is seeking an Accounts Payable Leader to own the strategy and day-to-day execution of our AP function. As a player-coach, you will set the roadmap, lead people and partners, and personally handle complex exceptions and month-end close while partnering across the company to launch new processes.
What You'll Do
- Own end-to-end AP for both Indirect and Direct spend, including intake, 2-/3-way match, exception handling, disbursements, vendor inquiries, and close activities.
- Act as the primary escalation point and partner with Accounting to resolve complex exceptions, payment holds, and close blockers.
- Partner with hardware and operations stakeholders to define and launch asset management and receiving processes required for 3-way match.
- Scale for growth by improving cycle time, first-pass yield, and on-time payment; strengthen PO discipline and receiving alignment.
- Maintain SOX-aligned controls and compliance for approvals, documentation, and segregation of duties; lead audit requests and remediation.
- Design and implement ERP/AP workflow, OCR/approvals, and integration hygiene to reduce manual touchpoints.
- Manage the vendor experience, enabling self-service and resolving escalations around pricing, quantity, tax mismatches, credits, and banking.
- Manage, mentor, and develop the AP staff and oversee BPO/offshore capacity with clear SLAs and KPIs.
- Own AP dashboards and narratives—including aging, cycle time, exceptions, and payment forecasts—and communicate progress to leadership.
What We're Looking For
- 8+ years of experience in Accounts Payable or Accounting.
- 3+ years leading teams or programs across both Indirect and Direct spend types.
- Deep technical proficiency in 2-/3-way match, PO discipline, tax handling (sales/use/VAT), and month-end close (accruals, reconciliations).
- A strong controls mindset aligned to SOX.
- Proven experience managing Indirect and Direct spend in high-growth, scaling environments.
Nice to Have
- Experience thriving in high-growth, scaling environments, balancing long-term process design with hands-on execution.
- Experience designing and automating AP workflows, leveraging ERP/AP automation, OCR, approval routing, and RPA.
- Hands-on experience with tools like Oracle Fusion, Zip, Navan, VNDLY, Brightflag, Jira, or similar enterprise platforms.
Technical Stack
- Oracle Fusion, Zip, Navan, VNDLY, Brightflag, Jira
Team & Environment
This role is part of the Procurement organization and partners closely with Procurement Operations, Accounting, Finance, and business stakeholders.
Benefits & Compensation
- Relocation assistance
Work Mode
This is a hybrid position based in San Francisco, CA.
OpenAI is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
