Accounts Payable Specialist at Marriott International

JOB SUMMARY

As part of the EMEA Finance Business Process & Transformation team this role ensures the accurate and timely execution of accounts payable processes at EMEA’s administrative offices, such as the input and payments of invoices received by the EMEA’s administrative offices, requesting vendor set-up, auditing, and tracking of expense claims, liaising with Accenture Hospitality Services (AHS), assisting with the administration of the corporate credit card program, responding to vendor and accounts payables queries and requests, ensuring compliance with Marriott International Policies, International and Local Standard Operating Procedures (MIPs, ISOPs and LSOPs). Additionally, assists with month end procedures and balance sheet reconciliations and provides technical expertise and direction to support other Finance teams as well as the business with disbursement related issues. 

LOCATION

• London, United Kingdom or Cape Town South Africa
• Hybrid policy; 2 - 3 days per week in the office
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the country of application at the time of application. Unfortunately, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship or relocation assistance.

SCOPE/BUSINESS CONTEXT/EXPECTED CONTRIBUTIONS

• Responsible for timely and accurate Accounts Payable (AP) input ensuring Marriott suppliers are paid according to contracts. This includes;
  • Timely review, coding and posting of AP invoices
  • Vendor profile set up and modification in People Soft AP
  • Promptly responding to supplier queries
  • Follow through on any rejected payments to ensure timely resolution
  • Ensuring VAT is entered correctly and supporting with VAT submission and reporting 
  • Domestic and Foreign invoice processing in various currencies
  • Reviewing payment reports and ensuring invoices are paid according to established payment terms
  • Provide a clear, friendly service to all members of the Company and suppliers
  • Resolve issues and discrepancies with AHS / MBS in a timely manner
  • Highlighting missing bank keys, incorrect VAT configuration and payment schedules
  • Bringing received system error messages to the team’s attention for understanding and resolution
• Assume the first point of contact for any accounts payables queries and requests, responding to them in a timely and professional manner according to Marriott guidelines. 
• Liaise with Accenture Hospitality Services (AHS) via MRT (Marriott Request Tool) on AP set-up matters including Vendor creation, voucher amendments and payment inquiries.
• Input manually paid invoices in AP, when it’s not been possible to automatically pay through the system.
• Respond to disbursement related queries.
• Ensure correct accounting of revenue & costs according to the relevant accounting standards.
• Assist with monthly balance sheet reconciliations for AP related balance sheet accounts.
• Ensure timely and accurate posting of OFB invoices received by the EMEA offices, working with the accounting team on the correct input/classification of the relevant expenses. 
• Leverage technology and effectively use information systems and tools to generate accurate reports and schedules.
• Identify ways to streamline accounts payable processes and provides recommendations and suggestions on improvements.
• Take ownership of improvement ideas within the area of responsibility and implement improvements as directed by the Senior Manager of Disbursement. 
• Review Expense claims in Concur and measure compliance vs company MIP / LSOP 44 and LSOPs.
• Maintain a strong accounting & operational control environment to safeguard assets ensuring compliance with all MIPs, standard and local operating procedures (SOPs and LSOPs), specifically MIP-67, MIP-93 and any relevant local LSOP.
• Function as a Centre of Excellence as it pertains to Accounts Payable related matters, supporting and/or advising the business on where to get support eg:  MRT for Accenture owned processes.
• Effectively leverage centralized accounting processes via Accenture Hospitality Services
• Communicate financial concepts in a clear and persuasive manner that is easy to understand and drives desired behaviors.
• Build strong working relationships with EMEA budget holders, Finance Business Partners, AHS, and other Finance teams to ensure timely settlements of outstanding invoices
• Follow accounting policies and procedures, aligned with company’s targets.
• Protects Company Information by safeguarding its confidentiality, integrity, and availability according to Marriott standards
• Coordinate and implement work and perform other duties as assigned to meet business needs.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Fluency in English required, fluency in other languages is a plus.
• Proficiency in Peoplesoft including AP, OFB, General Ledger and EPM applications is a distinct advantage   
• Knowledge of internal Marriott accounting practices (preferred)
• Solid knowledge of accounting principles and practices, including VAT / GST and other local Sales taxes required
• Ability to work in a multi-currency environment
• Advanced Excel proficiency
• Ability to lead processes to meet ad-hoc and reoccurring deliverables
• Trustworthy with strong business integrity and ability to hold sensitive information in confidence.
• Effective problem-solving abilities: recognizes and researches problems and identifies their underlying causes and recommends and implements solutions
• Excellent organizational skills; effective in planning, prioritizing, and managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines
• Excellent communication skills; communicates effectively both orally and in writing; listens to others and effectively comprehends information
• Excellent interpersonal skills; able to build and maintain key relationships; able to influence others and function effectively in a collaborative work environment
• Active learner; applies past experiences to identify alternative solutions for current problems, able to understand and adjust to changing priorities, circumstances, direction, and personal styles
• Relationship builder; networker
• Collaborative; team playeR
• Comfortable with complexity, ambiguity, and change

EDUCATION OR CERTIFICATION

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related field preferred