Accounts Payable Specialist (Maternity Cover)

Are you a detail-oriented finance professional looking to join a dynamic and international luxury environment? If you are passionate about accounting, process excellence, and continuous improvement, this opportunity is for you.

CHANEL is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for an Accounts Payable Specialist (Maternity Leave) to join our Finance team in Madrid. Reporting to the Accounting Manager, you will support the three CHANEL divisions in Iberia (Fashion, Fragrance & Beauty, and Watches & Fine Jewelry), ensuring the efficient management of accounts payable processes while contributing to operational excellence and compliance with Group standards.

Your role @CHANEL:

Your role as Accounts Payable Specialist is to contribute to the overall performance of the Finance Department by ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and compliance of the Accounts Payable function across Spain and Portugal. You will work closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and external partners to guarantee smooth financial operations while supporting continuous process improvements and business initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Vendor & Invoice Management

  • Manage the end-to-end Accounts Payable process, ensuring accurate invoice processing, purchase order matching, supplier master data maintenance, and timely resolution of discrepancies.

• Reporting & Financial Control

  • Support month-end and year-end closing activities, perform reconciliations, monitor Accounts Payable KPIs, and ensure compliance with financial reporting requirements.

• Business Support & Collaboration

  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders, support onboarding on AP processes, and provide documentation required for internal and external audits.

• Fixed Assets

  • Maintain accurate fixed asset records, including registrations, depreciation, and amortization.

• Travel & Expense

  • Act as Concur key user, ensuring compliance with the Travel & Expense policy and monitoring exception management.

• Projects & Continuous Improvement

  • Contribute to Finance transformation initiatives and identify opportunities to optimize Accounts Payable processes, including digitalization and e-Invoicing projects.

What impact you can create at CHANEL:

In this role, you will play a key part in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of CHANEL's financial operations across Iberia. Through your attention to detail, collaboration, and continuous improvement mindset, you will contribute to maintaining high-quality financial processes while supporting business growth and compliance with Group standards.

This is an impact-focused summary of the role; responsibilities are not exhaustive and will be further detailed during interviews.

What you can bring to the team:

We are looking for a rigorous, organized, and proactive finance professional who enjoys working in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience). Minimum of 3 years of experience in Accounts Payable, Accounting, or Audit. Previous experience within the retail, fashion, or luxury industry is highly valued. Big Four experience is considered a plus.

• Accounting Knowledge: Solid understanding of accounting principles and financial processes, with knowledge of VAT and tax regulations related to Accounts Payable considered an advantage.

• Systems & Digital Tools: Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and accounting systems (preferably Microsoft Dynamics 365; SAP or Oracle are also valued). Experience with Coupa, Concur, or similar procurement and expense management platforms is highly desirable.

• Analytical & Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships with suppliers, auditors, and cross-functional teams.

• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Proactive and solution-oriented, with the ability to identify opportunities to improve processes and contribute to Finance transformation initiatives.

• Languages: Fluent in English and Spanish, both written and spoken. Portuguese and French are considered a plus.

We Are Offering:

At CHANEL, we believe in fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous growth. This temporary assignment offers the opportunity to contribute to a key Finance function within one of the world's leading luxury brands while gaining exposure to an international and dynamic environment. Be part of a world-class luxury brand with a unique culture of excellence and innovation. Join a collaborative Finance team supporting three business divisions across Spain and Portugal. Gain exposure to end-to-end Accounts Payable processes and Finance transformation initiatives. Develop your expertise through continuous learning in an international environment. Contribute to projects that drive operational excellence and process improvement.

If this description resonates with you, and you believe you are the perfect fit for this position, please apply by submitting your CV. We look forward to welcoming you to CHANEL Iberia.

At CHANEL, we strive to build an inclusive culture that fosters individual growth and contributes to collective progress. Inspired by the legacy of Gabrielle Chanel — who challenged conventions and paved new paths — we firmly believe that each person’s uniqueness enriches the diversity, complementarity, equality and effectiveness of our teams. In this spirit, we encourage all individuals to apply, valuing the perspectives, experiences and potential that each person can bring to the Maison, and supporting everyone in expressing their talent with freedom and confidence.