Ap Operations Associate Jobs in Rockford, IL (NOW HIRING)

Company & Benefits Information
At Blain's Farm & Fleet we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to have a job they love, work in a great environment, grow their career & enjoy a positive balance.
As a family-owned retailer we take pride in offering a competitive benefit package designed to support you & your life. It is one of the reasons we have been named a Forbes Best Employer for seven consecutive years!

• Associates hired into a full-time role will become eligible for the following benefits effective their 91st day of full-time employment: Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Short & Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Ancillary Benefits, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Etc.
• All major Holidays & Birthday off
• Advanced Leadership Training Programs: build the skills to grow your career
• Associate discount on name brands like Carhartt, Under Armour, STIHL, Milwaukee Tool, DeWalt & much more!
• Internal recognition programs that support an engaged workplace
• 401(K) with company match

Compensation

• Base pay starting between $78,200 - $97,000 per year

The pay listed for this position may vary based on experience. Please note, compensation decisions are contingent on the facts and conditions for each job opening. We take into consideration the minimum requirements outlined in the job description, such as, training and experience, the position's work location, required travel (if any), and external market conditions when determining the final salary for potential new hires.
Please note salary estimates published via alternate online job boards may not be a true representation of the actual pay range offered for this position. Please refer to the Blain's Farm & Fleet position description for accurate pay range information.
Job Duties
As the Accounts Payable Manager, you will provide leadership, guidance, coaching, and process oversight for the Accounts Payable function including managing and directing all aspects of the Company's invoice management process. This role will be responsible for providing direction to associates regarding their role and responsibilities to help meet the overall Company objectives along with empowering and promoting the proper level of responsibility and authority to achieve the overall department objectives while ensuring quality and accuracy.

• Lead, manage, and develop the Accounts Payable team, emphasizing efficiency, continuous improvement, and value-added work
  • Leverage AI and technology to transform and automate workflows
  • Set clear expectations by assigning work, establishing goals, and providing ongoing coaching and performance feedback
  • Facilitate regular team meetings and 1:1s to ensure alignment, accountability, and communication
  • Ensure technical proficiency across the team through training, development, and coaching
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and customer focus, delivering accurate, timely, and responsive services through effective use of technology
  • Maintain and continuously improve standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring accuracy, effectiveness, and cross-training
• Oversee a broad segment of the organization's financial transactions, ensuring accurate recording of transactions, efficient payment processing, and accurate reporting for the cash forecasting model
• Establish, monitor, and enhance internal controls, accounting/reporting procedures, and special report preparation related to disbursements and working capital management.
• Proactively drive process improvements by identifying and implementing workflow automation solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce administrative burden across functions
  • Apply Root cause analysis to identify improvement opportunities
  • Engage and partner with cross-functional stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions
• Manage vendor relationships and serve as the primary point of contact for key partners, resolving payment issues and ensuring strong business partnerships
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to support accurate and timely transaction processing
  • Drive improvements in AP performance metrics through proactive partnership
  • Stay informed of business changes that may impact AP operations
  • Promote effective communication and teamwork across functions
• Establish relevant Accounts Payable metrics, and implement methods and procedures for tracking and reporting on identified key performance indicators (KPI's)
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of month-end and year-end close activities; assist with external audits by preparing necessary reports and documentation.
• Monitor and maintain accurate accounting records and reconciliations for all Accounts Payable financial transactions.
• Ensure all annual 1099-related forms are processed, reported to the government, and provided to suppliers in compliance with reporting deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5+ years of progressive and relevant Accounts Payable experience including at least 3 years of supervisory experience
• Experience identifying and implementing workflow and process automation to improve efficiency and reduce manual tasks
• Exhibits strong understanding of accounting principles and best practices
• Demonstrated, effective team leadership skills including the ability to delegate

EEO Statement
Blain Supply, Inc and Blain's Farm and Fleet (collectively "Blain's") is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognize the importance of diversity and creating an inclusive culture in order to leverage the skills and talents of all people to the mutual advantage of each individual and the organization. Blain's does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any applicable legally protected status. Our goal is to continue to be recognized as an employer of choice and we have received Forbes Best Mid-Sized company to work for an unprecedented 7 years in a row.