Client Accounts Payable Specialist

Kaizen CPAs + Advisors•Antioch, IL

About The Position

At Kaizen CPAs + Advisors & YPD, we're a people-first firm committed to helping businesses overcome financial challenges and achieve their goals. We believe great results come from great people, and our culture is built around four core values: Own It, Be an Ideal Team Player, Make a Positive Impact, and Embrace a Growth Mindset. Join a supportive team where your work matters, your growth is encouraged, and your contributions make a real impact. We're looking for a Client AP Specialist to join our team! In this role, you'll become a trusted extension of our clients' accounting teams by ensuring accounts payable is processed accurately, efficiently, and on time. As you grow into the role, you'll take ownership of your client portfolio and continuously look for ways to improve processes and deliver an exceptional client experience.

Requirements

1–3 years of experience in accounts payable, bookkeeping, accounting, or a related role.
Strong working knowledge of QuickBooks Online.
Comfortable using Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams, with the ability to quickly learn new software such as BILL and other cloud-based accounting tools.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a client-service mindset.
You take ownership of your work and pride yourself on getting the details right.
You're highly organized and can successfully manage multiple clients, priorities, and recurring deadlines.
You communicate professionally and proactively with clients, vendors, and teammates.
You're comfortable learning and using new technology to improve efficiency and accuracy.
You enjoy solving problems, adapting to change, and continuously improving the way work gets done.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and credit check, consistent with applicable laws. Candidates must be willing and able to meet these requirements as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
QuickBooks Online Certification is a plus-or a willingness to earn one.
Experience with BILL.
Experience with outsourced accounting.
Experience supporting multiple clients in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Become proficient in BILL and QuickBooks Online within your first 60–90 days, allowing you to independently manage assigned client accounts.
Ensure approved invoices are paid accurately and on schedule while proactively managing payment calendars, approvals, and cash flow considerations.
Process accounts payable with exceptional accuracy and attention to detail, maintaining high-quality financial records.
Build strong relationships with clients and vendors by communicating proactively, resolving issues quickly, and providing outstanding service.
Learn each client's unique AP processes, including their chart of accounts, approval workflows, vendor requirements, and payment schedules.
Identify opportunities to streamline AP workflows through technology and process improvements that increase efficiency and scalability.
Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies promptly to maintain accurate records and strong vendor relationships.
Maintain organized, audit-ready documentation and consistent procedures for vendor setup, invoice processing, approvals, payments, and recordkeeping.
Collaborate with teammates to support month-end close activities and resolve accounting discrepancies.
Contribute ideas that improve internal processes, service quality, and the overall client experience.
Participate in team meetings, share knowledge, and help strengthen our AP service offering as we continue to grow.