Accts Payable Mgr

Southwest Traders, Inc•Temecula, CA

About The Position

Southwest Traders, Inc. is a full-service distribution company delivering frozen, fresh, and ambient products to national accounts and specialty food and beverage businesses. Its corporate headquarters are in Temecula, California, with distribution centers in Temecula, Fresno, and Stockton. SWT describes its culture and work environment as fast-paced and high-demand. The Accounts Payable Manager oversees the company's accounts payable functions and team. The role ensures accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices and payments, maintains internal controls, resolves vendor and internal discrepancies, and assists the CFO and VP of Finance with accounts payable operations. The position also supports financial close, auditing, cash flow planning, reporting, and process improvement.

Requirements

Prior accounts payable experience, including experience managing or supervising accounts payable functions.
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and competing priorities.
Strong knowledge of accounts payable processes and general accounting principles.
Experience with invoice processing, vendor management, payment processing, and account reconciliations.
Experience supervising, coaching, and developing employees.
Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills.
Excellent planning and organizational skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Experience working with accounting or ERP systems.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience will be considered.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a high-volume distribution, foodservice, or similar operating environment.

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day activities of the accounts payable department and staff.
Review, code, approve, and process vendor invoices accurately and on time.
Manage accounts payable check runs and electronic vendor payments.
Review accounts payable aging reports and monitor outstanding or past-due items.
Maintain accurate vendor records and obtain and retain appropriate documentation.
Review vendor statements and research and resolve discrepancies and outstanding items.
Monitor invoice approval workflows and follow up with departments on outstanding approvals.
Ensure compliance with company purchasing, approval, and payment policies.
Maintain appropriate segregation of duties and internal controls within accounts payable.
Review accounts payable transactions for appropriate general ledger coding and accounting treatment.
Support month-end and year-end financial closing, including accounts payable reconciliations and accruals.
Coordinate accounts payable information requests with outside auditors.
Support cash flow planning by providing visibility into upcoming vendor payment requirements.
Identify and implement improvements to accounts payable processes, controls, accuracy, and efficiency.
Provide accounts payable reporting and analysis as requested by management.
Supervise, train, develop, and direct accounts payable staff.
Prioritize workload and meet payment and closing deadlines in a high-volume environment.
Research and resolve invoice, receiving, pricing, and payment discrepancies.
Build and maintain professional relationships with vendors and internal departments.
Review supporting documentation to ensure invoices and payments are properly authorized.
Reconcile vendor statements and accounts payable-related general ledger accounts.
Maintain complete and systematic accounts payable records and supporting documentation.
Assist with preparation and processing of annual vendor tax reporting, including Forms 1099.
Protect confidential company, vendor, banking, and financial information.
Recommend practical solutions to process issues and perform miscellaneous Finance department tasks as needed.