AP Operations Lead

Univar Solutions•Bellevue, WA

4d•$92,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The AP Operations Lead is responsible for the end-to-end ownership, governance, and performance of the Accounts Payable function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of supplier invoices and payments. This role serves as the primary point of accountability for AP operations, including invoice workflow management, escalations, reconciliations, month-end close activities, and service level performance. The AP Operations Lead partners closely with stakeholders across the business to resolve issues, strengthen internal controls, and deliver a positive supplier experience. The role monitors operational metrics, drives process improvements, and identifies opportunities for automation and efficiency. As the functional owner of AP, this position ensures operational excellence while supporting the company's greater financial, compliance, and reporting objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field from an accredited four-year institution preferred.
5+ years of Accounts Payable or Accounts Receivable experience.
Strong knowledge of Accounts Payable operations, invoice-to-payment workflows, internal controls, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Experience performing and reviewing AP-related account reconciliations, accruals, aging analysis, and month-end close activities.
Demonstrated ability to identify root causes, resolve operational issues, manage escalations, and drive timely resolution of exceptions.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret operational and financial data, monitor performance metrics, and recommend process improvements.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reporting, reconciliations, and trend analysis.
Experience working with ERP and AP systems such as Microsoft Great Plains, Dynamics CRM, Dynamics 365, or similar platforms; experience with AP automation tools and workflow solutions is preferred.
Ability to monitor service levels, operational performance, and process effectiveness using KPIs, dashboards, and reporting tools.
Strong communication and relationship management skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across Finance, Accounting, business stakeholders, and external suppliers.
Working knowledge of AP compliance requirements, audit support processes, approval workflows, and financial controls.
Proven ability to identify, recommend, and support automation, standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
Highly organized and self-directed, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Commitment to staying current on Accounts Payable best practices, emerging technologies, regulatory changes, and industry trends, and applying those insights to improve operational performance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with AP automation tools and workflow solutions is preferred.

Responsibilities

Own the end-to-end Accounts Payable process, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices and vendor payments.
Monitor invoice processing queues, manage exception handling, and drive resolution of aged or outstanding invoices.
Set up and maintain vendor records and master data.
Support month-end close activities related to Accounts Payable.
Review and reconcile AP-related general ledger accounts and partner with Accounting to ensure accurate financial reporting.
Serve as the primary escalation point for suppliers and internal business stakeholders regarding AP-related issues.
Develop, maintain, and improve Accounts Payable policies, procedures, and training materials.
Analyze Accounts Payable performance metrics to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement.
Support data-driven decision-making through reporting and operational analysis.
Lead process improvement initiatives focused on automation, efficiency, scalability, and operational excellence.
Serve as the subject matter expert for Accounts Payable systems and tools.
Partner with IT and external vendors to design, test, implement, and optimize system enhancements and integrations.
Stay informed on emerging Accounts Payable technologies, industry trends, and regulatory changes, and recommend improvements as appropriate.
Prepare audit documentation and support internal and external audits related to Accounts Payable processes and transactions.
Ensure compliance with internal controls, company policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.