Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Accounts Payable Manager to lead, develop and optimize our accounts payable department. This role is essential in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices, employee expense reports, and other financial transactions. The Accounts Payable Manager will play a pivotal role in maintaining strong vendor relationships, driving process improvements, and ensuring strict compliance with financial policies and regulations. This role will be crucial to automating parts of the AP process.
Key Responsibilities:
Team Leadership and Development:
- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of accounts payable professionals, ensuring clear communication, performance management, and continuous professional development.
- Delegate tasks, set performance goals, and foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
Invoice Processing and Verification:
- Oversee the accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices, employee expense reports, and other financial transactions.
- Ensure proper invoice coding, appropriate approvals, and compliance with company policies.
- Resolve discrepancies and disputes with vendors promptly, ensuring smooth transaction processing.
Bank transaction processing:
- Oversee and execute input of payment run into bank for approval.
Vendor Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, addressing inquiries and resolving concerns in a timely and professional manner.
- Negotiate favorable payment terms with vendors, maximizing discounts and optimizing cash flow.
Process Optimization & Automation:
- Continuously evaluate and improve accounts payable processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
- Identify opportunities for workflow automation, implement best practices, and leverage technology to streamline operations.
Policy and Compliance Management:
- Ensure strict adherence to company financial policies, procedures, and regulatory guidelines.
- Stay updated on changes in accounting standards and regulations impacting the accounts payable function.
Month-end and Year-end Closing:
- Support month-end and year-end close processes by reconciling accounts payable balances, preparing accruals, and generating necessary reports for the finance team.
Reporting and Analysis:
- Generate and analyze accounts payable reports to track spending patterns, identify trends, and provide insights to management.
- Prepare ad hoc financial reports and data analysis as required by leadership.
Cross-functional Collaboration:
- Collaborate with procurement, finance, and other departments to ensure accurate and seamless processing of financial transactions.
Audits and Internal Controls:
- Prepare and provide documentation for internal and external audits related to accounts payable activities.
- Implement and monitor internal controls to safeguard company assets and prevent financial fraud.
Qualifications:
- Proven experience as an Accounts Payable Manager or in a similar role, with a demonstrated ability to manage and optimize AP processes and train and develop staff.
- Advanced proficiency in accounting software (the Finance and Operations (F&O) module in Dynamics 365 is a plus), and the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to manage high transaction volumes with precision.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of implementing effective solutions to complex financial challenges.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with vendors, colleagues, and senior management.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented remote environment.
- Experience with process improvement initiatives, automation solutions, and driving operational efficiencies is necessary.
- Solid understanding of accounting regulations, compliance standards, and best practices in accounts payable management.
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Flexibility to work outside regular business hours as needed to meet project deadlines or handle urgent tasks.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with industry trends, tools, and best practices.
Physical Requirements:
- Sitting: Ability to be able to sit for long periods of time.
- Lifting: Ability to lift equipment and or tools up to 20 pounds.
If you’re ready to grow your career in an energetic, customer-focused environment, Waterfield may be looking for you!
