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The Accounts Payable (AP) Manager is a leadership role responsible for independently managing an accounts payable team and ensuring the overall accuracy and timeliness of all AP functions. This individual will lead a team of accounts payable professionals and own the entire process of receiving and paying invoices for the North America operation.

The successful candidate will guide the team toward higher productivity through process improvement, automation, and simplification, while monitoring, coaching, and strengthening each team member's capabilities. Ideally, they will have the knowledge and ability, and preferably the background, to manage and handle advanced financial tracking and reporting projects, with the implementation of AI and global data sharing platforms. They will work closely with vendors, department managers, and the Accounting and Finance team to refine processes and resolve payment issues. Additionally, the AP Manager will assist the CFO with maintaining ledgers, analyzing financial data against spend and forecasts, maintaining and ensuring compliance with proper Company financial protocols, preparing statements and reports to be relied on by Company Officers and Directors, and supporting period-end closing procedures.

Success in this position is measured by how accurately and punctually the incumbent pays vendors and ensures proper accounting for all payments, the accuracy of independent financial analysis, and the ability to successfully handle team management with supervisory responsibility.

Essential Job Functions

• Manage the accurate and timely processing of accounts payable, including document review, vendor setup and maintenance, invoice processing, employee expense reports, vendor relations, vendor rebates and allowances, 1099 reporting, banking administration, and payment processing.
• Monitor the processing of 7,000-10,000 invoices per month.
• Drive continuous change and strategic transformation by spearheading initiatives to modernize, streamline, and optimize end-to-end accounts payable operations and eliminate manual bottlenecks.
• Develop, implement, and maintain payables systems, procedures, and policies to ensure strict adherence to company guidelines.
• Evaluate new vendor applications to ensure they are reputable, meet insurance requirements, and are amenable to contract and payment terms.
• Consult with department managers and vendors to negotiate favorable payment terms and ensure the company receives their full benefit.
• Prepare journal entries, reconcile accounts, review reconciliations, and ensure all outstanding items are properly cleared.
• Review, analyze, modify, and implement efficient and effective accounts payable processes, policies, and procedures, including those related to Oracle ERP system functionality.
• Ensure proper coding for all payments throughout the process.
• Maintain and comply with strong internal controls.
• Execute timely and accurate month-end closes, account reconciliations, and reporting.
• Hire, train, supervise, motivate, and develop 6 to 8 accounts payable staff members (both regular employees and temporary staff), managing schedules and workflow.
• Assist in the reconciliation of balance sheet accounts in the general ledger.
• Execute full-cycle personnel management, including interviewing, hiring, training, planning, directing work, appraising performance, rewarding, disciplining, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.
• Execute special projects such as AP system implementation and payment process simplification.

Experience/ Training/ Education

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or equivalent
• 7 to 10 years of accounts payable and/or accounting experience in a high-transaction-volume environment.
• 3 years of people management experience
• Demonstrated capability to manage a high-quality and efficient accounts payable operation.
• Experience identifying bottlenecks in legacy accounts payable workflows and designing streamlined, automated invoice-to-pay processes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability

• Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts team success above personal interests; builds morale and group commitment to goals; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors their own work to ensure quality.
• Processes a high volume of transactions on time; strives to increase department productivity.  
• Follows instructions and responds to management direction; takes responsibility for personal actions; keeps commitments; commits to extended hours when necessary to reach goals; completes tasks on time or notifies the appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improvement; develops innovative approaches and ideas; presents information effectively to engage others.
• Well-grounded knowledge of financial and accounting principles, as well as the principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, and training.
• Strong verbal, written, analytical, persuasive, and interpersonal skills; acts as a strong team player able to work across multiple functions and disciplines.
• Possesses leadership skills pertinent to providing and seeking out continuing education opportunities and fostering a growth mindset.
• Capable of weighing the costs and benefits of various options to determine the best course of action for company goals.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Excel
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in controlling accounts payable operations, organizing and prioritizing numerous tasks, and meeting strict deadlines.
• Ability to speak clearly and use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions or approaches to problems.

Working Condition

Works in an office environment in proximity to top management. Generally works forty hours per week; however, some shifts or extended hours may be required during peak periods. Working under pressure is unavoidable when schedules change and problems arise, but deadlines and goals must still be met.