We are looking for an experienced Accounts Payable Lead to join our team in California on a Contract to Permanent basis. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented accounting specialist who can guide day-to-day payables operations, strengthen vendor relationships, and keep financial processes accurate and timely. The position plays a key part in supporting monthly close activities, audit readiness, and consistent payment practices across the organization.
Responsibilities:
- Direct daily accounts payable activity, ensuring invoices are reviewed, coded, and processed accurately within established timelines.
- Manage vendor account reconciliation by examining statements, addressing discrepancies, and resolving overdue items in a timely manner.
- Handle complex supplier concerns and escalated payment matters while fostering responsive, service-oriented vendor relationships.
- Support internal teams with accounts payable requests, including urgent payment needs, manual check coordination, and vendor-related issue resolution.
- Set up new suppliers in Oracle, maintain vendor records, and organize W-9 documentation while keeping existing tax information current.
- Process employee reimbursements and petty cash activity with close attention to policy compliance and proper documentation.
- Administer invoice and payment processing for assigned entities, including preparing check runs and coordinating ACH-related payment activity.
- Compile accounts payable accrual information for month-end close and partner with the Controller to provide documentation for annual audit requests.
- Evaluate existing workflows, recommend process improvements, and uphold strong internal controls that align with company and audit standards.
- Review payment timing and help organize check run schedules to support effective cash flow management and standard operating procedures.
- 5+ years of accounts payable experience, including leadership or lead-level responsibility within a high-volume environment.
- Strong working knowledge of invoice coding, invoice processing, check runs, and ACH payment procedures.
- Experience reconciling vendor statements and resolving discrepancies, past-due balances, and payment-related issues.
- Proficiency with Oracle or similar ERP systems for vendor maintenance, invoice entry, and payment processing.
- Familiarity with 1099 preparation, W-9 maintenance, employee expense reporting, and petty cash administration.
- Solid understanding of internal controls, audit documentation standards, and month-end accrual support.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to respond to escalations and collaborate effectively with vendors and internal stakeholders.