Senior Accounts Payable Specialist (2141)

Description

Sunlight Batteries USA is seeking an experienced Senior Accounts Payable Specialist to oversee and support critical accounts payable operations for our U.S. business. This role serves as the primary liaison between an off‑site shared services team, internal stakeholders, and external vendors. The Senior AP Specialist is a subject matter expert responsible for resolving discrepancies, ensuring accurate and timely payments, maintaining strong internal controls, and driving process efficiency across the procure‑to‑pay cycle.

Key Responsibilities

Invoice Processing & Payment Execution

• Serve as the primary point of contact between off‑site shared services and U.S. internal departments to resolve invoice discrepancies and ensure timely resolution.
• Communicate directly with vendors to request statements, investigate variances, and resolve invoice or payment issues.
• Prepare and execute weekly payment runs, ensuring accuracy and adherence to payment terms.
• Review and analyze AP aging reports; reconcile vendor balances on a monthly basis.
• Ensure invoices receive proper approvals in accordance with company policies and internal controls.
• Maintain accurate AP aging and reconcile the AP subledger to the general ledger.

Vendor & Internal Collaboration

• Act as the primary vendor contact for payment status inquiries, discrepancies, and escalations.
• Partner with Procurement, Receiving, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to resolve three‑way match issues.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors to support uninterrupted production and supply continuity.

Controls, Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with internal controls, company AP policies, and audit standards.
• Support month‑end close activities, including accruals and AP-related reconciliations.
• Assist with internal and external audits by preparing required documentation and responding to audit inquiries.
• Monitor compliance with payment terms, early payment discounts, and applicable tax requirements.

Process Improvement & Leadership

• Serve as a subject matter expert for ERP and AP systems, including SAP.
• Identify and recommend opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, automation, and controls within AP processes.
• Assist with special projects involving accounts payable, cash management, or broader finance initiatives.
• Provide guidance and support to internal teams and shared service partners on AP processes and best practices.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounts payable experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• SAP experience required.
• Strong knowledge of AP processes, controls, and best practices.
• Exceptional attention to detail with strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross‑functionally and coordinate with multiple internal teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly in managing vendor relationships and issue resolution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Manufacturing or industrial environment experience.
• Experience working with shared services or offshore AP teams.
• Exposure to audit support, internal controls, or continuous improvement initiatives.