Accounts Payable Manager

About the role

Lead the accounts payable function, driving process improvements, ensuring compliance, and managing a high-performing team to support efficient financial operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the accounts payable section in identifying, verifying, analyzing, and implementing process improvement opportunities, including impact and risk assessments, status reporting, and change management.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the affiliate’s continuous improvement strategy within accounts payable.
• Collaborate with other work groups and stakeholders to develop new support materials, including training, reporting, and system enhancements based on process revisions.
• Provide day-to-day accounts payable support in the following areas: PO and Non-PO invoice processing, holds, payment cycles, 1099 reporting, records management, GL entries, month-end and year-end close, account reconciliations, root cause analysis, and issue resolution related to system or personnel performance.
• Demonstrate a strong partnership with Finance, Accounting, IT, business users, outsourced service providers, and suppliers.
• Maintain a relentless focus on user experience to ensure excellence in AP processes and procedures.
• Monitor key operational metrics to measure and assess accounts payable performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Support the maintenance of desktop procedures to ensure accurate documentation of current processes.
• Manage operational escalations and the change request process related to outsourced provider performance.
• Provide regular communication and training on processes and systems for employees, outsourced providers, and suppliers.
• Ensure accounts payable operations comply with statutory requirements, affiliate policies, processes, procedures, internal controls, and objectives.
• Develop and manage a high-functioning, efficient, and responsive accounts payable team through strategic hiring, performance management, and process optimization.
• Supervise team productivity to achieve an effective balance, meet departmental goals, and maintain quality assurance.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to optimize the balance between flexibility and solid financial controls.
• Audit and approve AP financial transactions while adhering to all internal controls and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure completeness and accuracy of Accounts Payable vouchers and recurring vouchers, including coding, matching, data entry, proper attachments, approvals, sales tax accrual, and accuracy of charges to comply with Accounting policies and procedures.
• Advise General Ledger Accountants of any necessary adjusting entries related to Accounts Payable.
• Maintain and troubleshoot the SAP Concur invoice automation system; review the application for better utilization.
• Oversee the reconciliation of vendor statements, including analyzing charges and payments.
• Verify and maintain all rental, lease, and contract accounts.
• Work with outside vendors and staff to resolve Accounts Payable-related issues; handle correspondence and inquiries.
• Monitor aging of payables, payment dates, discounts, and finance charges; approve and ensure accuracy of vendor payment runs.
• Responsible for Accounts Payable month-end closing, including accruals and generating month-end reports; assess all outstanding packing slips and invoices over 45 days old.
• Oversee the 1099 process to ensure timely and accurate tax filings to prevent penalties and fines.
• Reconcile Accounts Payable accounts and other related Balance Sheet accounts affecting the AP section.
• Ensure communication with key vendors to resolve pending issues and facilitate positive working relationships.
• Manage, coordinate, and support special projects as needed.
• Assist in providing information and materials for the annual audit of the agency’s financial records and the preparation of the agency budget.
• Prepare reports and provide accounting-related information and analysis to middle management, the management team, and external bodies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Controller.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in business, supply chain, procurement, finance, or project management.
• 5+ years of procure-to-pay and continuous improvement/business analysis experience.
• 5+ years of supervisory management experience.
• Experience with Concur is required; experience with NetSuite ERP is a plus.

Skills

• Interpersonal experience and a track record of working with cross-functional business stakeholders.
• Experience using analytic tools such as data gathering and analysis, spreadsheets, flow-charting, and process diagramming.
• Analytical and project management experience, including interpreting business needs and translating them into operational requirements.
• Working knowledge of Accounts Payable best practices.
• Ability to lead and implement change within the department and the organization.
• Strong communication skills at all levels within the affiliate.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical skills, and a sense of ownership.
• Self-motivated, self-managed, and able to think independently.
• Extensive Excel background and working knowledge of computer spreadsheets and accounting software packages.
• Ability to work independently, plan, and organize work effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of accounting methods and procedures.
• Organizational and decision-making skills with the ability to meet deadlines and set priorities independently.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain composure under stress.