Marek Zak

Business Process Specialist

Cracow, Małopolskie, Poland

About

From balancing books to balancing conversations — I’ve built my career on precision, people skills, and a healthy respect for a well-timed tea break. As an experienced Accounts Payable Specialist, I’ve transformed invoice mayhem into smooth, reliable processes using tools like SAP, Basware, and Readsoft. I led the successful rollout of the No PO, No Pay policy — and while I couldn’t quite enforce a "No Biscuits, No Tea" rule, I did keep the cash flow running like clockwork. More recently, I’ve stepped into the world of Credit Debt Collection, where I combine financial know-how with a personal touch — building strong client relationships while consistently exceeding KPIs. I work daily with tools like Salesforce, HighRadius, and Alteryx to track, analyze, and optimize collection processes — making sure no detail slips through the cracks. Along the way, I also spent some time teaching languages — sharing Polish and English with curious learners. It was a fulfilling side chapter that sharpened my communication skills and reminded me how much I enjoy helping others grow. I’m now looking to bring my unique blend of financial experience, language skills, and people-first mindset to a new opportunity in IT or finance — where I can keep learning, growing, and making a difference. Let’s connect — I’d love to hear your story too.

Experience

  • Business Process Specialist – ITC & RTR at Vesuvius Poland
    Mar 2026 - Present · 5 mos

    In my current role, I support and develop SAP‑based processes across the ITC and RTR areas, with a focus on system optimisation, smooth roll‑outs and helping the business get the most out of SAP. I work closely with project teams during blueprinting and design phases, carry out gap analysis and help shape practical, user‑friendly solutions that fit both global standards and local needs. I’m involved in ongoing roll‑outs and enhancements, making sure changes are tested properly, documented clearly and embedded effectively into day‑to‑day operations. Continuous improvement is a major part of my work—I look for ways to streamline workflows, strengthen data quality and improve the overall reliability of SAP finance processes. Alongside this, I deliver end‑user training and support, helping teams feel confident with new functionalities and ensuring process changes land smoothly. This hands‑on experience across system design, implementation and user enablement gives me a strong foundation for broader SAP finance roles and future project work.

  • SAP Finance Specialist - AR at Shell
    Nov 2023 - Mar 2026 · 2 yrs 5 mos

    In this role, I looked after a large portfolio of over 1,000 customer accounts, making sure payments were allocated correctly, chasing overdue balances, and sorting out any issues or discrepancies along the way. A big part of the job involved keeping on top of blocked orders and raising or following up on disputes so the wider business could keep moving without delays. I worked regularly with SAP and other connected systems to keep account information accurate and up to date. On a day‑to‑day basis, I used tools such as GSAP, Salesforce, HighRadius, Alteryx and Global Fleet Net to track activity, investigate problems and make the overall process more efficient. The role relied heavily on building good working relationships—whether that meant speaking with customers, coordinating with the team, or working with different business partners and stakeholders. I focused on meeting performance targets while helping to maintain steady cash flow and a smooth order‑to‑cash cycle.

  • ABB (2 yrs 10 mos)
    • SAP Finance Specialist (AP) – Accounts Payable SME
      Apr 2022 - Nov 2023 · 1 yr 8 mos

      In this role, I handled a wide range of accounts payable activities, from processing internal and third‑party supplier invoices to managing adjustments such as advances, retentions and deductions. I worked daily with SAP, Basware and ReadSoft to make sure transactions were processed accurately and on time. I acted as an SME for the SAP FICO module and served as a Central Finance (CFin) Key User for P2P, supporting both system queries and process improvements. Part of my responsibilities also included managing urgent or ad‑hoc payments for critical suppliers through ServiceNOW to keep operations running smoothly. Each month, I prepared payment runs, supported financial closing activities and updated SOPs where needed. During my time in the role, I significantly improved the Paid‑on‑Time ratio and reduced invoice processing time by around 40%, helping the team move closer to company targets. I regularly carried out analysis and reporting, including GR/IR reviews, ageing reports, KPIs and accrual checks. I also supported internal control testing and prepared documentation for external audits. Customer service and communication were key parts of the job—I handled queries, joined business meetings and worked closely with different teams to make sure suppliers and internal stakeholders were supported. I also successfully helped transition AP activities from local teams to the GBS centre and played a hands‑on role during the Hypercare phase to ensure a smooth changeover. One of the highlights of the role was travelling to Bangalore to support the offshore team, where I provided training, strengthened collaboration and helped build consistency across the process.

    • Accounts Payable Junior Specialist
      Feb 2021 - May 2022 · 1 yr 4 mos

  • Volunteer English Language Teacher at Oxford Hub
    Jun 2019 - Feb 2021 · 1 yr 9 mos

  • Associate at Morrison MINI
    Aug 2014 - Jan 2021 · 6 yrs 6 mos