Accounts Payable Manager

Vedder Careers • Chicago, IL

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Vedder's Chicago office is seeking an Accounts Payable Manager. The Accounts Payable (AP) Manager position is a critical inward facing role focused on ensuring the smooth running of Fiscal operations. The AP Manager will analyze and improve departmental processes and work to improve quality, productivity and efficiency. The AP Manager works with the AP supervisor and AP team to ensure that work is properly allocated and completed in a timely and accurate manner. This position addresses tight deadlines and a multitude of accounting activities including accounts payable, cash receipts, Firm credit card program, employee expense reimbursements, and more. This is a hands-on position in a team-oriented environment where you will roll up your sleeves and work with all levels of management within our Firm.

Requirements

• Experience managing a full-cycle high volume accounts payable team with proven leadership and process improvement ideas.
• Must possess strong organization, time management and execution skills.
• Analytical skills and a basic understanding of accounting principles.
• Must be self-motivated, proactive, resourceful, work well under strict deadlines and exhibit a team player attitude.
• Ability to analyze/interpret data and take appropriate action.
• Must demonstrate leadership and initiative, and relate well across all levels of the organization.
• Must possess sound judgment and decision making ability, have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, in writing and verbally.
• Skilled in providing appropriate performance feedback to ensure career development and growth.
• Experience with policy and procedure development/documentation and with system implementations and process solutions.
• Ability to act and operate independently with minimal daily direction from the Senior Manager of Accounting Operations to accomplish objectives.
• Must maintain the highest of ethics and confidentiality at all times.
• Positive attitude and disposition.
• Bachelor degree (B.S.) majoring in Accounting or Finance with at least 5 years of experience in a Supervisory or AP Manager position.
• Experience managing a full-cycle high volume accounts payable team with proven leadership and process improvement skills.
• Position also requires the ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines
• Experience with 3E financial system
• Proficient in word processing software (MS Word) and extremely proficient in spreadsheet software (MS Excel)

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Chrome River (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Manage AP Supervisor and AP team. This includes: evaluating, training, hiring and supervising staff.
• Assess staffing workload and job assignment along with re-defining job descriptions as needed.
• Annually review and set priorities and goals for the AP team that support the strategic plan and direction of the Firm and the Accounting/Finance group.
• Overseeing the daily activities of operations related to accounts payable as needed, ensuring that all major projects, month-end, and year-end reports are completed accurately and on time.
• Evaluating, developing, and improving departmental controls and procedures to increase accuracy and efficiency.
• Develop, monitor, and publish metrics to gauge efficiencies in the workflow of areas that need improvement and to ensure service level commitments are met.
• Obtain and maintain a thorough understanding of the financial reporting system and general ledger structure, directly relating to the AP cycle.
• Ensure the monthly Bank Compliance activities and monthly AP reporting are performed in a timely and accurate manner.
• Collaborates with the other accounting and finance department staff to support overall department goals and objectives.
• Advises staff regarding the handling of non-routine transactions.
• Ensures the regular reconciliation of vendor accounts to ensure proper accounting.
• Oversees the review of accounts payable coding and documentation of expenses to ensure compliance with Firm policies.
• Responsible for maintaining well-controlled vendor master file with accurate approved vendor information and up-to-date vendor payment terms.
• Deal with client/vendors inquiries related to accounts.
• Responsible for working with AP team on vendor W-9 documentation, annual 1099 reporting, unclaimed property review and reporting.
• Prepare a monthly AP aging and reconcile AP sub-ledger to the general ledger.
• Establish and maintain adequate internal controls and ensure proper segregation of duties is maintained at all times.
• Ensure compliance with the Firm’s policies and procedures.
• Work with Accounting team in support of external audits by providing supporting schedules, reconciliations, pulling selections and interfacing with external auditors as required.
• Ability to keep confidential information private and maintain high levels of security and dependability.
• Other projects/job related duties as assigned/requested

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Discretionary annual bonus program.
• Discretionary profit sharing and 401(k) matching
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, along with optional health savings and flexible spending accounts, firm-paid Life and Disability benefits, and wellness programs
• Competitive time off package including vacation days, paid holidays, sick time and personal days.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth through firm provided training programs.
• Anniversary and Vedder Praise Programs to celebrate your achievements and milestones.
• Hybrid work model and family-friendly policies.
• Employee discount program, pre-tax commuter benefits, back up child & elder care, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center discounts and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager