Team Lead

Company Overview 

From the love of gym and community, SQUATWOLF, a gymwear brand was established in Dubai, UAE, in 2016, with a vision to elevate the human experience, lifting the weight of modern life by creating components that help people become stronger.  
SQUATWOLF grew exponentially over the following few years, initially in the Middle East, but very quickly on a global scale serving customers and athletes in 100+ countries. SQUATWOLF is all about progress—pushing boundaries, evolving, and constantly striving for better. As part of this journey, we're shaping an elevated Brand Team that will help build the most desirable gymwear brand that inspires people to become stronger.

SQUATWOLF.COM 

Role Overview:

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Team Lead – Payables to join our Finance team. This role is responsible for managing the end-to-end Accounts Payable function, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments, maintaining strong vendor and banking relationships, internal stakeholder management and supporting finance initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a firm grasp of accounting principles, experience with cross-border transactions, and the ability to lead process improvements in a dynamic and high-growth environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounts Payable Operations

• Process vendor invoices accurately and on time, ensuring compliance with approval workflows and documentation requirements.
• Perform 3-way matching (PO, invoice, GRN) to validate procurement transactions.
• Reconcile supplier statements and resolve discrepancies proactively.
• Monitor aging reports and ensure timely payments to maintain healthy vendor relationships and avoid penalties.
• Schedule and execute payment runs including bank transfers, cheques, and online payments.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate vendor master data.

Strategic Payables Management

• Align payment runs with cash flow forecasts and working capital plans in collaboration with Treasury.
• Support vendor term negotiations and optimize payment cycles to improve Days Payable Outstanding (DPO).
• Manage cross-border, multi-currency payments and ensure adherence to international banking and AML regulations.
• Ensure accurate VAT, WHT, and compliance treatment of all vendor invoices in line with applicable tax laws in UAE and Rest of the World
• Assist in budgeting and cost center planning by providing insights into committed and forecasted payables.

Banking & Cash Operations

• Manage day-to-day banking operations, including online banking platforms, payment approvals, and transaction reconciliations.
• Maintain strong working relationships with banking partners and assist in resolving banking-related issues.
• Support documentation and execution of letters of credit, remittances, and other trade finance instruments.

Financial Reporting & Controls

• Support month-end close activities including expense accruals, payable reconciliations, and intercompany transactions.
• Prepare AP-related reports and analysis, including payable aging, blocked invoices, and forecasted disbursements.
• Ensure internal controls are adhered to and proactively mitigate risks such as duplicate payments or vendor fraud.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing reconciliations and audit schedules.

Process Improvement & Automation

• Lead or participate in automation initiatives including OCR invoice processing, ERP workflow automation, and digital approval chains.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance AP efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Coordinate with IT and system integrators for AP module enhancements in SAP B1

Leadership & Stakeholder Communication

• Supervise and mentor junior AP staff, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to resolve vendor or process bottlenecks.
• Serve as the escalation point for vendor issues, payment holds, or urgent disbursement matters.
• Maintain clear, professional communication with internal and external stakeholders, including vendors, auditors, and department heads.

Requirements:

• ACCA / CA / ICMAP or equivalent
• 4–6 years of experience in accounts payable or a similar accounting role.
• Familiarity with accounting software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, or ERP systems).
• Experience with automated invoice processing systems or digital approval workflows.
• Knowledge of VAT and tax regulations related to vendor payments.
• Experience in a multi-entity or international company environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other Office applications.