Lead Account Payable Processor

The Accounts Payable (AP) Disbursement Specialist is responsible for managing and processing timely, accurate disbursements of approved invoices. This role ensures adherence to company policies and compliance with regulatory requirements. The specialist also collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to process daily payments and resolve payment inquiries. The specialist will play a vital role in maintaining the company's financial integrity by ensuring effective and efficient disbursement functions.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Disbursement Processing
  • Prepare, submit for approval and complete processing of disbursement batches
  • Manage and reconcile daily disbursement activities, ensuring discrepancies are identified and resolved promptly
  • Vendor and Invoice Management. Internal controls prohibit a disbursement specialist from updating vendor master or processing invoices
• Reconciliation and Reporting
  • Review AP aging reports to identify vendor payment delays and collaborate with other AP team members to resolve
• Internal Controls and Compliance
  • Ensure processes are executed as written. Where process documentation is unclear or incomplete, draft revisions and escalate for review and approval
  • Assist in audits, providing necessary documentation and explanations for AP disbursement transactions as required
• Process Improvement and Optimization
  • Identify and propose process improvements to efficiency and accuracy. Collaborate with the process owner and implement as approved
  • Collaborate with finance and IT teams to optimize the use of financial systems (e.g., ERP systems) and automate payment processes where possible
  • Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for disbursement processes to ensure consistency and accuracy
• Other duties as assigned by area leadership
• Comply with the terms and conditions of the employment contract, company policies and procedures, and any and all directives (such as, but not limited to, transfer and/or re-assignment to different work locations, change in teams and/or work shifts, policies in regards to flexibility of work benefits and/or work environment, alternative work arrangements, and other decisions that may arise due to the changing business environment). The Company may adopt, vary or rescind these policies and directives in its absolute discretion and without any limitation (implied or otherwise) on its ability to do so

Required Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in accounts payable, specifically in a disbursement role
• Experience with USD AP
• Experience with ERP systems (such as SAP, Oracle, or PeopleSoft)
• Solid understanding of accounts payable processes, accounting principles, journal entries, clearing accounts and compliance requirements (e.g., SOX, GAAP)
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Proven excellent documentation skills for process and statement reconciliations
• Proven exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to handle sensitive information confidentially
• Proven solid interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• Experience with Canadian AP
• Interest and aptitude for learning new systems and data
• Advanced Excel skills (lookups, match, Pivot Tables, Power Query)

Key Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze payment data and resolve discrepancies
• Organizational Skills: Solid multitasking and prioritization skills to manage multiple payment cycles and meet deadlines
• Customer Service Orientation: Dedicated to delivering exceptional service to internal and external customers
• Process Orientation: Focus on consistent and accurate execution and prompt problem resolution. process efficiency, with a commitment to continuously improving the AP function