Accounts Payable Specialist

Job Description

The Accounts Payable Specialist is a key member of the global accounts payable team who will have two major areas of focus: operational execution and process improvement delivery.

• Execute payment activities in accordance with SLAs and internal controls by performing required validation checks, ensuring accuracy prior to release, and investigating and resolving discrepancies as needed.
• Serve as primary escalation contact on complex or time-sensitive AP issues.
• Collaborate with IT/Financial Applications team to monitor and resolve AP system errors and integration issues.
• Perform system and period-end close activities, including timely execution of AP close processes and reporting requirements.
• Investigate and resolve reconciling items by analyzing discrepancies and ensuring timely resolution of differences with relevant stakeholders.
• Identify and drive process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and controls, while maintaining accurate and up-to-date process documentation.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

Other duties may be assigned.

• Execute payment activities in accordance with SLAs and internal controls by performing required validation checks, ensuring accuracy prior to release, and investigating and resolving discrepancies as needed.
• Serve as primary escalation contact on complex or time-sensitive AP issues.
• Collaborate with IT/Financial Applications team to monitor and resolve AP system errors and integration issues.
• Perform system and period-end close activities, including timely execution of AP close processes and reporting requirements.
• Investigate and resolve reconciling items by analyzing discrepancies and ensuring timely resolution of differences with relevant stakeholders.
• Identify and drive process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and controls, while maintaining accurate and up-to-date process documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required (business or accounting background preferred)
• 5-7+ years of experience in finance or accounting function in a global organization
• Financial services industry experience preferred
• Experience working in a global, matrixed environment with offshore or shared service teams preferred.
• Proven ability to perform in a high-volume, fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities and executing urgent, time-sensitive requests (including short turnaround items) with accuracy and strong control discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to understand the implications for the wider enterprise.
• Experience using ERP packages (SAP, Oracle Fusion, Peoplesoft etc.)
• Experience being on a project team implementing new technology and/or enterprise level process change.
• Excellent organizational, planning and overall time management skills. Must be able to work on a variety of projects simultaneously and prioritize work.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• A self-starter with the ability to work on own initiative.
• Detail oriented and high degree of accuracy
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite with strong Excel, PowerPoint and Visio skills

Pay

The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus. Note, the range takes into account a broad spectrum of qualifications, including, but not limited to, years of relevant work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role.

• $115,000 - $130,000

Benefits

The firm also offers robust Benefits offerings. Ares U.S. Core Benefits include Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental and Vision plans; 401(k) program with company match; Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA); Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution; Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance; Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit. Ares offers a number of additional benefits including access to a world-class medical advisory team, a mental health app that includes coaching, therapy and psychiatry, a mindfulness and wellbeing app, financial wellness benefit that includes access to a financial advisor, new parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, emergency backup care, matching gift program, education sponsorship program, and much more.