Area Head of PTP - ECSA

Job Description

We have a view beyond the ocean: integrating container logistics, connecting, and simplifying our customers' supply chain. We count on our people to make that happen!

Join us as we embark on a digital transformation that will revolutionize the logistics business: you will play a vital role in our success, managing the customer experience and building a successful track in your career.

Our opportunity

We are looking for our new Area Head of PTP (Accounts Payable) – ECSA to join our team.

The Area Head of PTP (Accounts Payable) – ECSA plays a critical role in leading Accounts Payable operations across the region, ensuring timely, accurate, compliant, and efficient end‑to‑end PTP execution.

The role is accountable for process excellence, strong governance, stakeholder management, people leadership, and driving automation, efficiency, and working capital improvement initiatives, in line with Maersk’s finance transformation strategy.

This position acts as a strategic finance partner, supports regional leadership, and ensures a standardized, scalable, and high‑performing Accounts Payable operation across ECSA.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Act as a strategic finance partner to the ECSA Area Finance Leadership Team.
• Define and communicate a clear vision for PTP transformation, working capital optimization, and operational excellence.
• Influence business decisions through structured thinking, data‑driven insights, and strong business acumen.
• Demonstrate assertive, confident leadership and challenge constructively when needed.

End‑to‑End Accounts Payable Operations

• Own and oversee the end‑to‑end Accounts Payable process, ensuring invoices are processed and paid in line with SLAs, internal policies, and corporate standards.
• Own regional PTP KPIs, including but not limited to:
  • Invoice SLA
  • Aged items
  • SOA / GRC
  • Automation rates
  • DPO
• Ensure effective root cause analysis (RCA) and preventive actions for recurring issues.
• Deliver a standardized, efficient, and accurate AP process, ensuring vendor satisfaction through timely and correct payments.
• Achieve and sustain zero major audit observations, including SOX compliance.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with internal policies, fiscal and accounting regulations, and audit requirements.
• Design, implement, and monitor strong internal controls to mitigate errors, fraud, and compliance risks.
• Act as the main point of contact for key internal stakeholders (Treasury, Procurement, Accounting, Ops) and external auditors.
• Proactively manage escalations, ensuring clear ownership, timelines, and outcomes.

Transformation, Automation & Continuous Improvement

• Drive stabilization and continuous improvement following transformation initiatives (e.g. NFTP).
• Lead digital initiatives across PTP, including:
  • Invoice Handling Automation (IHAR)
  • Workflow and process enhancements
  • ERP and OCR integrations (e.g. SAP)
• Build and execute annual efficiency and FTE release plans with measurable outcomes.
• Identify waste, simplify processes, and promote adoption of global standards, tools, and best practices.
• Support regional and global finance transformation programs.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Strengthen governance routines with Operations, Finance Operations, Procurement, and vendors.
• Lead supplier interactions, negotiations, and dispute resolution, ensuring effective communication and partnership.
• Provide transparent, concise, and data‑driven updates to senior leadership through strong executive storytelling.

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, coach, and develop high‑performing Accounts Payable teams across the ECSA region.
• Ensure optimal organizational design, capacity planning, and role clarity.
• Build a strong succession pipeline and foster capability development in communication, analytical thinking, and ownership.
• Drive team engagement and alignment with Maersk’s global values and objectives.
• Ensure onboarding and training of new employees in line with company and customer standards.

We are looking for:

If you have the requirements below, this is your chance to join this high-performance team and be part of this great moment in our organization!

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related fields. (Chartered Accountant / Cost Accountant or equivalent is a plus.)
• Strong experience in PTP / Accounts Payable operations, with proven people leadership.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Financial principles
  • Cost controlling and cost accounting
  • P&L analysis
  • Internal controls and compliance
• Experience working in global or regional finance operations within a matrix organization.
• Proven experience in process improvement, automation, and change management initiatives.
• Previous exposure to Transportation and Logistics is desirable.
• Strong stakeholder management, influencing, and decision‑making skills.
• Proficiency in SAP and advanced MS Excel.
• Ability to manage operational complexity, exceptions, and drive standardization at scale.

Languages

• Advanced to fluent English (mandatory – C1/C2)
• Fluent Portuguese (mandatory)
• Intermediate Spanish (desirable)

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing accommodationrequests@maersk.com.