Accounts Payable Global Process Lead (12-Month Contract)

Location: 

CA

Seaspan employees are goal-driven and thrive in a high-performance culture. Our integrated business model, with over 25 years of fleet life-cycle management expertise, provides the world’s major shipping companies with long-term leases on large, modern and technologically advanced vessels, combined with industry-leading ship management services. As owner and operator of the vessels, we provide skilled officers and crews dedicated to the safe, reliable, and economical operation of our fleet. Seaspan's fleet has evolved over time to meet the varying needs of our customer base. We own vessels in a wide range of sizes, from 2,500 TEU to 24,000 TEU. Our main operating offices are located in Singapore, Vancouver, Hong Kong, and Mumbai. 

 

The AP Global Process Lead is accountable for delivering the end-to-end Accounts Payable process, including approving payments and resolving escalations (both vendor queries and invoice exceptions). The AP Business Lead collaborates with external stakeholders and other internal departments to ensure effective and efficient operations.  

 

As a key member of the Global Finance Operations team, the AP Global Process Lead provides governance oversight, operational leadership, and subject-matter expertise across the Procure-to-Pay (P2P) value chain. This role partners closely with Procurement, Treasury, and Operations to drive standardization, strengthen vendor relationships, and lead continuous improvement and automation initiatives. 

 

Job Responsibilities: 

 

Operational Leadership & Governance

 

  • Provide end-to-end process oversight of the global Accounts Payable function, including invoice processing, exception handling, vendor master data governance, and payments 

  • Oversee and support the service delivery team in India, ensuring adherence to SLAs, accuracy targets, and first-pass yield metrics 

  • Serve as the primary escalation point for complex issues raised by internal stakeholders, vendors, or managed services, ensuring timely resolution and root-cause correction 

  • Review and approve vendor payments, journal entries, and reconciliations, reviewing and approving Travel and Entertainment (T&E) bill postings, ensuring alignment with company policies, Treasury schedules, and internal controls 

  • Maintain governance over Vendor Master Data accuracy and completeness, approving vendor setups and change requests with appropriate due diligence 

  • Ensure SOX compliance, support internal and external audit requests, and maintain documentation in accordance with corporate policy 

  • Month end activities including review of journal entries, proposal of journal entries, reports and signing thereof 

  • Reviewing periodic AP related reports 

 

Process Excellence & Continuous Improvement 

 

  • Act as the process champion for AP within the Procure-to-Pay (P2P) framework, collaborating with the AP Global Process Owner and managed service provider to identify automation, standardization, and optimization opportunities 

  • Participate in global process performance reviews, monitor KPIs (First Pass Yield, on-time payments, exception rate), and recommend actions to improve efficiency and control 

  • Partner with technology teams to support system enhancements (e.g., NetSuite, Automated Accounts Payable system, workflow tools) and ensure smooth implementation and adoption 

  • Identify, document, and implement standardized procedures and controls to enhance accuracy, scalability, and global alignment 

  • Support continuous training and development of capability for both internal and offshore teams to encourage process ownership and professional growth 

 

Stakeholder & Vendor Management 

 

  • Collaborate with Procurement, Operations, Treasury, and Finance leadership to ensure end-to-end process alignment and timely issue resolution 

  • Maintain strong relationships with global vendors, addressing escalations, performance disputes, and payment-related inquiries with diplomacy and accountability 

  • Act as a subject matter expert and advisor to business users on policy application, process governance, and system functionality 

 

Requirements:

 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration from a recognized institution (CPA designation or enrollment an asset) 

  • 35 years of progressive experience in Accounts Payable, Accounting or P2P operations, including at least 12 years in a supervisory or process leadership role  

  • Strong command of P2P lifecycle management, payment controls, and service delivery governance  

  • Proficiency in ERP systems (NetSuite preferred) and familiarity with automation and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI) 

  • Demonstrated ability to analyze data, drive process improvements, and deliver measurable results in a complex global environment 

  • High attention to detail, strong analytical capability, and resilience under tight deadlines 

  • Advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; experience with dashboards  

  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; adapt at influencing and collaborating across geographies and functions

 

Compensation and Benefits Package:

 

Seaspan’s total compensation is based on our pay-for-performance philosophy that rewards team members who deliver on and demonstrate our high-performance culture. The hiring range for this position is $95,000 - $105,000 CAD per annum. The exact base salary offered will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, job-related skills and knowledge, and internal pay equity. 

 

Seaspan Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. We thank all applicants in advance. If your application is shortlisted to be included in the interview process, one of our team will be in contact with you.

A WEEK AT SEA WITH SEASPAN

This video was taken on board our 4250 TEU vessel, Seaspan Santos, during a six-day passage in September 2013.

JOIN THE BEST AT SEA

When you join the Seaspan family, you become a part of a company with one of the newest and most advanced fleets in the industry. Our modern vessels are maintained to the highest standards and offer excellent living conditions for our seafarers.