Accounting Consultant

About the role

This consulting role focuses on overseeing and optimizing accounts receivable (AR) and accounts payable (AP) processes in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The analyst will act as a key liaison between onshore operations and offshore AR/AP teams, troubleshoot financial and process issues, and drive improvements that align with manufacturing and procure-to-pay workflows. The position emphasizes high-level process management rather than transactional processing, with a strong focus on root cause analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end AP process at a high level, ensuring that offshore processing aligns with company policies and operational needs.
• Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies by working closely with suppliers, receiving, purchasing, and other internal departments.
• Communicate with vendors to clarify invoice issues and ensure AP practices comply with internal financial policies and procedures.
• Serve as a liaison between buyers and the offshore AP team, helping buyers update and correct information in the AP queue to prevent errors and delays.
• Monitor and manage communication queues used by the offshore team, ensuring timely responses and resolution of AP-related inquiries.
• Collaborate with procurement and receiving teams to ensure accurate purchase orders, receipts, and vendor returns, reducing AP exceptions and rework.
• Support accounts receivable activities by partnering with customer service, shared services, and production control to process pending aged credit memos.
• Investigate and identify root causes of errors on invoices and credit memos, and propose and implement practical corrective actions.
• Work closely with the offshore AR team to resolve AR issues and streamline processes, ensuring accurate and timely billing and cash application.
• Proactively identify and resolve AR/AP issues related to ERP system discrepancies, inventory-related accounting mismatches, and internal control weaknesses.
• Analyze recurring AP and AR problems, develop root cause solutions, and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency and reduce errors.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives with operations, procurement, and finance to improve AP/AR accuracy, workflow, and information flow.
• Facilitate and run meetings or touchpoints with various team members and teams to review issues, track progress, and drive accountability in AP/AR processes.
• Assist with broader accounting resolutions and functions such as general ledger activities and reporting, depending on experience and capabilities.
• Utilize Microsoft Excel and ERP tools to perform reconciliations, analyze data, and support decision-making in AP/AR and related accounting functions.
• Demonstrate leadership by guiding stakeholders through process changes, encouraging best practices, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

Requirements

• At least 5+ years of experience in accounts payable and accounts receivable, specifically within a manufacturing company or a similar environment.
• Strong understanding of the procure-to-pay process, including vendor returns and related workflows.
• Solid general accounts receivable knowledge and familiarity with GL and financial accounting operations.
• Demonstrated ability to identify issues in AP/AR processes and implement effective process improvements, with a proven track record supported by references.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and strong overall Microsoft Office skills.
• Experience working with ERP systems; familiarity with Oracle ERP is highly beneficial, though not strictly required.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with offshore teams.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Results-driven, proactive approach with strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ambition and a desire to grow and advance professionally, including taking on additional responsibilities and actively pursuing learning and development opportunities.
• Experience in accounts payable leadership or AP specialist roles, particularly in solving complex AP problems.
• Experience collaborating with offshore teams in functions such as AP, AR, tax, and general ledger.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (preferred but not required).
• Management or leadership experience, including running and facilitating meetings and touchpoints with cross-functional teams.
• Experience in office management, administration, or roles that required wearing multiple hats, such as executive assistant positions.
• Hands-on experience with invoice processing, purchase orders, reconciliations, general ledger entries, journal entries, and cash application.
• Experience in a manufacturing industry environment and familiarity with its operational and accounting nuances.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a structured yet evolving environment, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Comfort working as an intermediary between onshore stakeholders and offshore accounting teams, including managing communication queues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Oracle ERP systems.
• Experience in a manufacturing industry environment and familiarity with its operational and accounting nuances.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a structured yet evolving environment, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Comfort working as an intermediary between onshore stakeholders and offshore accounting teams, including managing communication queues.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $45.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital, 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available, Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents), Short and long-term disability, Health Spending Account (HSA), Transportation benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).

Work Environment

This role follows a hybrid schedule, with 2–3 days per week in the office. The consultant will sit in an accounting space alongside approximately 3–7 colleagues, fostering close collaboration and real-time communication. The position involves frequent trips to purchasing and receiving functions located across the street, supporting hands-on coordination with operational teams. The role includes regular interactions with an offshore office in the Philippines that handles AP, AR, tax, and general ledger activities, requiring consistent virtual communication and coordination. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The organization offers a supportive and collaborative culture that emphasizes continuous improvement, accountability, and professional growth. Employees benefit from a stable environment with significant room for advancement, learning, and movement across roles and locations. The company is recognized for industry leadership and innovative projects, and employees value the positive work culture, comprehensive benefits, competitive compensation, and healthy work-life balance.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.