Assistant Accounts Payable Manager Jobs in Florida

Accounts Payable Manager

Location: Lakeland, FL

Department: Finance – Accounts Payable

Reports To: VP of Financial Reporting

Position Overview

This position will be responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of invoices, payments, vendor reconciliations, and expense reporting. The Accounts Payable Manager will lead and develop the AP team while maintaining strong internal controls, vendor relationships, and compliance with company policies and accounting standards. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on, collaborative leader with strong attention to detail and experience managing high-volume accounts payable operations in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable Operations

• Oversee daily accounts payable activities, including:
• Invoice processing
• Payment approvals
• Check runs
• ACH and wire transfers
• Vendor account maintenance
• Manage and oversee automated 3-way match workflows, ensuring accurate reconciliation between purchase orders, invoices, and receiving documentation.
• Identify and resolve invoice and payment discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Ensure invoices are processed accurately and within established timelines.
• Monitor AP workflow and payment schedules to maintain strong vendor relationships and prevent service disruptions.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and develop Accounts Payable staff to ensure productivity, accuracy, accountability, and professional growth.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures for the AP team.
• Promote collaboration, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the department.
• Provide coaching and support to team members while maintaining a high standard of operational performance.

Vendor Management

• Maintain positive relationships with vendors and address invoice discrepancies, payment issues, and inquiries promptly.
• Oversee vendor onboarding processes, including:
• Vendor setup and verification
• Required documentation
• Tax forms
• Payment terms
• Compliance with company policies and internal controls
• Ensure vendor records are accurate and properly maintained, including W-9 documentation and payment terms.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, and applicable regulatory requirements related to accounts payable.
• Assist with annual audits by preparing documentation and responding to auditor requests.
• Support compliance with 1099 reporting requirements and other applicable tax-related obligations.
• Maintain accurate documentation and processes to support audit readiness and financial controls.

Process Improvement & Automation

• Identify opportunities to streamline accounts payable processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Evaluate and implement automation, workflow improvements, and AP best practices.
• Assist with the implementation and optimization of AP systems and workflows.
• Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures for accounts payable functions.
• Identify opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency, reporting, and overall team performance.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of accounts payable experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and trustworthiness.
• Strong understanding of accounts payable processes, internal controls, and accounting principles.
• Experience with automated 3-way match workflows, including invoice, purchase order, and receiving reconciliation processes, preferred.
• Experience with ERP and accounting systems preferred, including platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics GP or Dynamics 365 Business Central.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Copilot.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external vendors.
• Experience managing high-volume invoice processing environments preferred.
• English/Spanish bilingual proficiency preferred.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a strong people leader and process-oriented AP professional who can balance day-to-day operational execution with longer-term process improvement. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a high-volume environment, possess strong ERP and systems knowledge, and have the credibility and communication skills necessary to partner effectively with vendors, accounting leadership, and cross-functional teams.