Accounts Payable Supervisor

About the role

The Accounts Payable (AP) Supervisor oversees the organization's accounts payable operations to maximize accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in the payment process. This position supervises accounts payable staff and oversees daily activities including paying vendors, reimbursing employees, and administering the Grant PUD Procurement Card (PCard) program.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and continuously improves accounts payable policies and procedures to ensure efficient and compliant processing of transactions and compliance with internal controls and external regulations.
• Manages the PCard program and employee expense reimbursement, including policy and procedure development, training and compliance oversight.
• Reviews and approves accounts payable entries and reconciliations for accuracy, completeness, and compliance, including trade AP, retainage, employee expenses and PCard reconciliations.
• Supports month-end and year-end close processes by reviewing, approving, and validating AP related transactions and reconciliations.
• Aids in sales and use tax accounting guidance, filings, and processes.
• Identifies policy, process, internal control, or technology weaknesses in the procurement to payment business process and proposes solutions.
• Oversees resolution of inquiries and issues related to AP processing, reporting and distribution.
• Acts as the first-level escalation point for complex errors or discrepancies.
• Demonstrates proficiency with accounts payable software and related financial systems, including understanding of system setup, configuration, and functionality.
• Maintains KPIs to ensure goals, deadlines, and service levels are met and analyzes key metrics to identify process improvements, pay cycle optimization and cash flow opportunities.
• Facilitates internal and external audits by providing required documentation, reconciliations, and reports.
• Recruits, hires, trains and develops AP staff and provides constructive, timely feedback and performance evaluations.
• Supports team development and fosters a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Oversees day-to-day activities of the AP operations, within Grant PUD policies and operational guidelines.
• Exercises judgement in structuring work, delegating tasks, and ensuring objectives are met accurately and within deadlines.
• Understands and adheres to compliance requirements for this position that may include laws, regulations, security guidelines, Grant PUD policies & procedures.
• Participates in all aspects of Grant PUD’s safety program, including: Following all safety policies and procedures, Reporting unsafe conditions and incidents within 24 hours, Accepting feedback and modeling safe behaviors, Supporting work stoppages when unsafe conditions are identified, Accepting responsibility for safety of all team members and modeling safe behaviors by: Clearly defining and completing performance-focused safety activities required of you and your team, Supporting work stoppages by employees when they identify unsafe/hazardous working conditions, Acknowledging compliant safety behaviors and good safety performance from members of your team(s).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a closely related field, OR 2 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience with an accounts payable focus, including at least one (1) year of experience supervising employees, leading people, or managing cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years’ of supervisor or management experience.
• Successful completion of Orange and Blue University may be considered in lieu of up to two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Professional certification in accounts payable or closely related field.

Other Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of accounts payable accounting principles, including journal entries, reconciliations, general ledger integration, sales and use tax reporting, and 1099s.
• Knowledge of technical accounting requirements and laws and regulations associated with governmental accounts payable including BARS, RCW, WAC and federal income-tac reporting requirements.
• Strong problem-solving, research, and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial and regulatory information.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills, including the ability to delegate, coach, motivate, provide feedback, mentor, and develop staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to understand and apply technical language, such as state and federal regulations, accounting standards, and system documentation.
• Technical writing and proofreading skills for preparing policies, procedures, and audit documentation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, formulas, data validation).
• Knowledge of accounting systems (Microsoft GP).
• SharePoint knowledge and ability to write macros is preferred.
• Ability to learn and navigate accounts payable and financial systems, including understanding system configuration and data flows.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive information.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.