Accounts Payable Specialist

Accounts Payable Specialist

Citizens, Inc. is seeking an Accounts Payable Specialist to join our accounting team. The right candidate will possess high attention to detail and the ability to interact with all levels of staff and management.

Accounts Payable Operations

• Process daily disbursements and ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all payments
• Perform payment reversals, rejections, and returns in accordance with internal workflow
• Process wires, ACH, and internal bank transfers
• Process commission payments and ensure settlement amounts are accurate and fully supported
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date agent and vendor account information
• Review payment activity to identify irregularities or anomalies and proactively investigate discrepancies, seeking clarification as needed

Vendor Management and Reconciliation

• Track, manage, and respond to inquiries from internal stakeholders and external vendors
• Maintain accurate vendor and agent master data, including W-9 collection, payment terms, and banking details, in compliance with internal controls and documentation standards
• Maintain and reconcile accounts payable ledger accounts to ensure accuracy and alignment with financial records

General Administrative Duties:

• Crosstrain with other members of the team or functional areas within the department to provide coverage and support
• Perform additional job-related duties and participate in special projects as needed to support team objectives

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and minimizing rework
• Demonstrated ability to meet critical business deadlines and operate with a sense of urgency in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrate experience in supporting high-volume transaction processing
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders and resolve issues professionally
• Takes initiative to investigate, ask for clarifying questions, and ensure alignment before execution
• Proactive mindset with the ability to identify areas for process improvements to create efficiencies

Required Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of progressive experience in Accounts Payable operations
• Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Working knowledge of disbursement processes, including checks, wire transfers, and ACH payment
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems (e.g. Oracle Fusion Cloud), including invoice entry and validation, vendor maintenance, and payment processing
• Experience with end-to-end invoice processing, including invoice coding, 2-way/3-way matching, and resolving exceptions with internal teams and vendors
• Proven ability to communicate professionally and effectively with vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve invoice and payment issues in a timely manner
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with advanced Excel skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with effective interpersonal abilities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a general accounting or finance office environment
• Working knowledge of month-end close activities related to Accounts Payable, including accrual support and account reconciliations
• Strong understanding of internal controls (SOX a plus), segregation of duties, and confidentiality when handling vendor banking and payment information

Benefits (The Fun Stuff)

As an employee of Citizens, we promise you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers, communities, and one another. We believe in fostering a culture of camaraderie, where your ideas are valued, and collaborative efforts drive innovation. Our commitment to rewarding work extends beyond professional growth to recognize your individual contributions and achievements.

We take a complete approach to our employees' well-being. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, AD&D, group term life insurance, and a matching 401k to secure your financial future. Our benefits plan allows for Virtual Visits and access to our Employee Assistance Program, showcasing our commitment to your health and work-life balance. Enjoy the added perks of generous Paid Time Off and holidays, ensuring you have the time to recharge and savor life outside of work. Join us and embrace a workplace that values not only your professional growth but also your personal fulfillment.

Citizens is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is valued, and all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.