Lead, structure, optimize, and scale Mistral AI's Accounts Payable function, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payment processes while driving operational excellence and developing strong vendor relationships. As a key member of the Accounting team, you will oversee the A/P team, streamline processes, and collaborate closely with R2R Accounting, Procurement, Legal, and other stakeholders to support Mistral's rapid growth and scalability. This role is critical to bring structure, visibility, and control to our Procure-to-Pay operations. You'll report to the Lead Accounting Operations.

Location: Paris, France.

What you will do

• Manage, mentor, and scale the AP function (currently 2 AP Clerks), ensuring strong execution, clear prioritization, and continuous development.

• Own the end-to-end A/P cycle: invoice processing, approvals, payments, vendor management, and accounting accuracy.

• Act as the day-to-day decision maker for A/P operations: manage urgencies, resolve escalations, and mitigate financial and operational risks.

• Design and continuously improve A/P processes, controls, and policies to enhance efficiency, reduce risks, and support scale and audit readiness.

• Drive improvements in cash management (DPO, payment timing, etc.) while maintaining strong vendor relationships.

• Partner with IT and Finance to automate A/P workflows (e.g., OCR, AI-driven coding, electronic payments) and reduce manual work.

• Support month-end close activities, including A/P reconciliations, accruals, and variance analysis.

• Build and track A/P performance metrics (e.g., DPO, aging reports, discount capture) and provide visibility to leadership.

Who you are:

• 10+ years of AP experience, including in a fast-paced scaling environment.

• 4+ years in a managerial role overseeing AP teams.

• Deep expertise in AP processes, controls, accounting (OPEX/CAPEX), vendor management, and payment processing.

• Strong operational mindset: you can prioritize, troubleshoot, and execute under tight deadlines.

• Strong leadership skills: ability to mentor teams, drive process improvements, and collaborate with stakeholders.

• Good Excel skills and experience with ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA preferred).

• Fluency in French & English.