Accounts Payable Specialist

Ares Operations•Los Angeles, CA

23d•Onsite

About The Position

The Accounts Payable Specialist is a key member of the global accounts payable team who will have two major areas of focus: operational execution and process improvement delivery. Key responsibilities under operational execution include payment processing, vendor management activities, and issue resolution. Process improvement delivery responsibilities include data analysis, process documentation, requirements gathering and change management, supporting strategic AP initiatives. The successful candidate would be detail-oriented with the drive to be both accurate and efficient. You thrive in a complex, fast-paced, and high-volume environment, where you can effectively manage the needs of multiple stakeholder groups. You can turn concepts into action and drive results, demonstrating a strong balance of analytical, technical, and communication skills. You should embody a culture of moving fast but thoughtfully. You have a willingness and ability to improve processes in a growing organization to streamline processes and improve efficiency to facilitate that growth. This individual should have a strong desire to deliver excellent customer service, with the ability to be proactive and anticipate the needs of the business and react accordingly.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required (business or accounting background preferred)
3-5 years of experience in finance or accounting function in a global organization
Experience working in a global, matrixed environment with offshore or shared service teams preferred.
Proven ability to perform in a high-volume, fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities and executing urgent, time-sensitive requests (including short turnaround items) with accuracy and strong control discipline.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to understand the implications for the wider enterprise.
Experience using ERP packages (SAP, Oracle Fusion, Peoplesoft etc.)
Experience being on a project team implementing new technology and/or enterprise level process change.
Excellent organizational, planning and overall time management skills.
Must be able to work on a variety of projects simultaneously and prioritize work.
Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization
A self-starter with the ability to work on own initiative.
Detail oriented and high degree of accuracy
Proficient in Microsoft Office suite with strong Excel, PowerPoint and Visio skills

Nice To Haves

Financial services industry experience preferred

Responsibilities

Execute payment activities in accordance with SLAs and internal controls by performing required validation checks, ensuring accuracy prior to release, and investigating and resolving discrepancies as needed.
Support vendor onboarding and maintenance activities, including reviewing and validating vendor data in Coupa and Oracle Fusion, responding to vendor inquiries, and supporting supplier enablement.
Own AP issues end-to-end by collaborating with vendors, internal stakeholders, and offshore teams to drive timely resolution and escalate critical issues as needed.
Ensure compliance with SOX controls by following maker-checker principles, performing fraud prevention validations (including vendor banking updates), and maintaining audit-ready documentation.
Serve as primary escalation contact on complex or time-sensitive AP issues.
Collaborate with IT/Financial Applications team to monitor and resolve AP system errors and integration issues.
Perform system and period-end close activities, including timely execution of AP close processes and reporting requirements.
Investigate and resolve reconciling items by analyzing discrepancies and ensuring timely resolution of differences with relevant stakeholders.
Identify and drive process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and controls, while maintaining accurate and up-to-date process documentation.
Meet SLA and accuracy targets by maintaining high levels of performance, responsiveness, and operational reliability across all assigned activities.
Provide support and analysis to other ad-hoc projects & initiatives as directed by department manager.