Lead Finance Operations

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and implement pioneering ideas and AI-driven solutions (such as Intelligent Document Processing, smart matching systems, and automated workflows) to streamline the entire invoice-to-pay lifecycle and enhance overall departmental efficiency.
• Oversee the review, coding, and processing of high-volume vendor invoices, ensuring total precision, utilizing automated validation tools, and securing proper internal departmental approvals.
• Manage and optimize weekly payment runs via ACH, wire transfers, and checks to balance cash flow priorities with strong vendor relationships.
• Direct monthly vendor statement reconciliations and spearhead the resolution of complex discrepancies or past-due balances across all operating accounts.
• Maintain secure digital and physical financial records to ensure rigorous data integrity. Manage 1099 filings, ensure total accuracy in AI-driven data extraction, and lead annual audit preparations.
• Serve as the primary senior point of contact for complex vendor inquiries and internal departmental billing strategy, while mentoring and leading the day-to-day work of the finance team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in Accounts Payable, operational accounting, or finance operations.
• Demonstrated success leading or contributing to finance transformation initiatives, including process redesign, system implementation, or automation efforts.
• Experience working in complex, high-volume environments where accuracy, speed, and compliance are critical.
• Advanced Excel proficiency (e.g., PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, data modeling, and reconciliation).
• Hands-on experience with enterprise financial systems such as NetSuite, SAP, Workday, Coupa, Zip, or similar ERP/procurement platforms.
• Exposure to or strong interest in modern AP automation tools, including OCR-based invoice processing, intelligent matching engines, and workflow automation solutions.
• Comfortable working with data to diagnose issues, improve processes, and support decision-making.

Qualifications

• Exceptional organizational skills with a proven ability to manage competing priorities in deadline-driven environments.
• Meticulous attention to detail, especially in financial reconciliation, reporting, and compliance-related work.
• Natural problem-solver who actively identifies inefficiencies and implements scalable, technology-enabled solutions.
• Clear, confident communicator who can influence and collaborate across finance, operations, HR, and school leadership teams.