Accounts Payable Manager

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory•Batavia, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Fermilab’s Finance & Procurement Division seeks an Accounts Payable Manager . The Accounts Payable Manager under limited supervision, responsible for the direction & operations of the Laboratory’s accounts payable function within the Accounting Department, exercising substantial latitude in independent decision-making to ensure accuracy, compliance and timeliness of vendor payments and disbursements. Provides supervision and directs the activities of accounts payable practices and procedures consistent with regulatory and contractual requirements. Oversees individual employee development and training and performs all other personnel actions for direct reports.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 7+ years of relevant accounting experience required.
Strong leadership and communication skills, fostering collaboration and guiding teams to achieve organizational goals.
Proficiency in accounting software products (e.g., Oracle E-Business Suite, Oracle Peoplesoft, and related accounting software/reporting tools), leveraging system expertise to improve processes, reporting, and decision-making.
Experience in government accounting and compliance, ensuring adherence to DOE Financial Management Handbook, FAR/DEAR, and other regulatory requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or Accounting related Professional Certification such as CPA or CMA is preferred.
Supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages all activities of the accounts payable function, ensuring integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of vendor disbursements.
Reviews and approves invoices, reconciliations, and payment runs prepared by AP staff, ensuring compliance with DOE requirements, federal regulations, and internal policies.
Analyzes and resolves complex AP issues, such as invoice discrepancies, vendor disputes, tax treatment, and compliance questions; provides management with analysis and recommended actions.
Explains complex AP procedures and requirements (e.g., prompt payment, discounts, 1099 reporting, foreign vendors) to employees, vendors, auditors, and external stakeholders.
Represents accounts payable in cross-functional interactions with Procurement, Finance, vendors, and DOE auditors.
Recommends, implements, and documents changes in AP policies, procedures, and internal controls to improve efficiency and compliance.
Prepares complex AP-related reports for management, the Department of Energy, auditors, and taxing authorities.
Maintains AP records and documentation in compliance with audit, retention, and DOE Financial Management Handbook requirements.
Develops and runs ad-hoc queries and reports in Oracle/ERP or other financial systems to meet audit, compliance, and management information needs.
Collaborates with IT and system administrators to identify, test, and resolve AP system issues; leads AP system upgrades, enhancements, and integrations.
Develops and executes test plans for AP system implementations or upgrades, ensuring accurate processing of invoices, disbursements, and compliance requirements.
Serves on cross-functional teams representing Accounts Payable in enterprise-wide initiatives related to Finance, Procurement, and IT.
Provides leadership to AP staff, including hiring, training, performance reviews, coaching, and disciplinary actions as needed.
Ensures compliance with federal, state, and DOE regulations including prompt payment, discount opportunities, vendor tax reporting, and internal audit standards.
Performs other duties as assigned to support Finance, Procurement, and institutional objectives.
Abides by and enforces all environmental, health, safety, and confidentiality regulations and practices pertinent to AP operations.