Accounts Payable Manager

Australia’s Academic and Research Network (AARNet), founded in 1989, has played a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s digital landscape as the pioneers of the country’s Internet. Our mission extends beyond mere connectivity; we are the architects, builders, and operators of a world-class network infrastructure that fuels critical research and learning. At AARNet, innovation thrives within a vibrant community.

This new Accounts Payable Manager role is responsible for leading and developing a team of two- three AP Officers, driving meaningful improvements in the performance, efficiency, and accuracy of the accounts payable function. This role is central to an active finance transformation agenda — moving the team from largely manual processes toward automated, best-practice workflows using existing and emerging technology. This role is based from our Chatswood office as well as the opportunity to work from home part of the week.

You will bring a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach: able to identify what is not working, design better ways of doing things, and take your team on the journey. The right person will be comfortable operating independently, resolving issues without escalating unnecessarily, and building a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the team.

• Team leadership and performance
• Accounts payable operations
• Process improvement and technology
• Corporate Card and Procurement support
• Controls, compliance and reporting

• Demonstrated experience managing or supervising an accounts payable team, with evidence of improving team performance.
• Strong end-to-end AP operational knowledge including invoicing, payment processing, reconciliations, and vendor management.
• Proven ability to identify process inefficiencies and implement practical, scalable improvements.
• Experience transitioning AP processes from manual to automated — including working with AP automation tools, ERP systems, or workflow platforms.
• Commercially astute with strong attention to detail and a track record of delivering accurate, timely outputs under volume pressure.
• A self-starter who takes ownership of problems and resolves them independently without needing to escalate routine issues.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills — able to engage credibly with suppliers, colleagues, and senior management.

Highly Regarded

• Experience with corporate card programmes or procurement card implementation and administration.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted finance tools (e.g. intelligent document processing, automated matching, exception management) or genuine curiosity and enthusiasm to explore their application.
• Experience working in organisations undergoing finance system or process transformation.
• Exposure to GST compliance, audit support, and internal control frameworks.

• No formal degree requirement — demonstrated experience and capability will be valued above academic credentials.
• Relevant certifications (e.g. CPA, bookkeeping, AP-specific training) are an advantage but not required.

Why Work at AARNet?

At AARNet, we’re passionate about advancing global education and critical research. Our Australiawide network, with global reach, supports some of the most demanding networkbased applications. If you’re looking for a purpose-driven workplace where you can make a difference, consider joining our team.

Make an impact: By working with us, you’ll directly contribute to critical research in fields like astronomy, physics, earth observation, environment, health, and medicine. Our mission matters, and we’re committed to providing equal opportunities for all.

• Superannuation: Enjoy a 17% superannuation contribution.
• Parental/Adoption Leave: We offer 24 weeks of paid parental leave and superannuation top up.
• Secondary Carer Leave: 16 weeks of paid parental leave for secondary caregivers.
• Wellness Leave: 2 days per month paid Women’s wellness leave.
• Family & Domestic Violence Leave: 20 days of paid leave.
• Other Supportive Leaves: Paid leave for various life events such as weddings, deaths, trauma, and disasters.
• Purchased Leave: Options to purchase additional Annual Leave.
• Flexible Work Options: We support work-life balance.
• Equal Opportunity Focus: We value diversity and inclusion.
• Social Responsibility and Ethics: We lead by example.
• Cutting-Edge Technologies: Access to work with the latest industry technology.