Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization
At adidas, we have a clear purpose: “Through sport, we have the power to change lives.” This purpose and mindset are at the heart of Global Business Services (GBS), which delivers consistent, end-to-end business solutions across adidas.
Within GBS, the Senior Payments Specialist oversees complex payment operations and ensures end-to-end accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across company payment processes. The role provides guidance to the Payments team and partners with stakeholders to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payments to vendors, employees, and other entities.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee and execute payments in compliance with internal policies, controls, and local regulations.
- Review and approve payment proposals, verifying accuracy and completeness before execution.
- Act as the main point of contact for escalations, payment rejections, and exceptions, coordinating with Treasury, Accounting, auditors, and banking partners.
- Monitor and reconcile interim and clearing accounts, identify and resolve open items, and provide analysis and reports to GBS leaders and market stakeholders.
- Analyze payment trends and KPIs to identify risks, gaps, and improvement opportunities.
- Provide operational and technical guidance to Payment Specialists and local markets.
- Support internal and external audits with evidence, documentation, and process explanations.
- Collaborate on automation, efficiency, and process harmonization initiatives.
- Support cash flow forecasting and compliance with financial security requirements.
Required Education and Experience
- University degree in Accounting, Commerce, Business Administration, or Finance.
- At least 3 years of relevant experience in Payments, Treasury, or Accounts Payable operations.
- Strong knowledge of SAP, banking platforms, Concur, Ariba, FIP, and APWF.
- Fluency in English and Spanish.
- Strong analytical, stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills.
- Experience in a GBS or Shared Service environment is a plus.
adidas promotes a culture based on courage, ownership, innovation, teamplay, integrity, and respect, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.