Accounts Payable Specialist

Over the last 20 years, Ares’ success has been driven by our people and our culture. Today, our team is guided by our core values – Collaborative, Responsible, Entrepreneurial, Self‑Aware, Trustworthy – and our purpose to be a catalyst for shared prosperity and a better future. Through our recruitment, career development and employee‑focused programming, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment where high‑performance talent of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can build careers within this exciting and growing industry. Job Description The Accounts Payable Specialist is a key member of the global accounts payable team who will have two major areas of focus: operational execution and process improvement delivery. Key responsibilities under operational execution include payment processing, vendor management activities, and issue resolution. Process improvement delivery responsibilities include data analysis, process documentation, requirements gathering and change management, supporting strategic AP initiatives. The successful candidate would be detail‑oriented with the drive to be both accurate and efficient. You thrive in a complex, fast‑paced, and high‑volume environment, where you can effectively manage the needs of multiple stakeholder groups. You can turn concepts into action and drive results, demonstrating a strong balance of analytical, technical, and communication skills. You should embody a culture of moving fast but thoughtfully. You have a willingness and ability to improve processes in a growing organization to streamline processes and improve efficiency to facilitate that growth. This individual should have a strong desire to deliver excellent customer service, with the ability to be proactive and anticipate the needs of the business and react accordingly. ESSENTIAL TASKS Execute payment activities in accordance with SLAs and internal controls by performing required validation checks, ensuring accuracy prior to release, and investigating and resolving discrepancies as needed. Support vendor onboarding and maintenance activities, including reviewing and validating vendor data in Coupa and Oracle Fusion, responding to vendor inquiries, and supporting supplier enablement. Own AP issues end‑to‑end by collaborating with vendors, internal stakeholders, and offshore teams to drive timely resolution and escape critical issues as needed. Ensure compliance with SOX controls by following maker‑checker principles, performing fraud prevention validations (including vendor banking updates), and maintaining audit‑ready documentation. Serve as primary escalation contact on complex or time‑sensitive AP issues. Collaborate with IT/Financial Applications team to monitor and resolve AP system errors and integration issues. Perform system and period‑end close activities, including timely execution of AP close processes and reporting requirements. Investigate and resolve reconciling items by analyzing discrepancies and ensuring timely resolution of differences with relevant stakeholders. Identify and drive process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and controls, while maintaining accurate and up‑to‑date process documentation. Meet SLA and accuracy targets by maintaining high levels of performance, responsiveness, and operational reliability across all assigned activities. Provide support and analysis to other ad‑hoc projects & initiatives as directed by department manager. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s Degree required (business or accounting background preferred). 3‑5 years of experience in finance or accounting function in a global organization. Financial services industry experience preferred. Experience working in a global, matrixed environment with offshore or shared service teams preferred. Proven ability to perform in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment, managing competing priorities and executing urgent, time‑sensitive requests (including short turnaround items) with accuracy and strong control discipline. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with ability to understand the implications for the wider enterprise. Experience using ERP packages (SAP, Oracle Fusion, Peoplesoft, etc.). Experience being on a project team implementing new technology and/or enterprise‑level process change. Excellent organizational, planning and overall time‑management skills. Must be able to work on a variety of projects simultaneously and prioritize work. Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization. A self‑starter with the ability to work on own initiative. Detail oriented and high degree of accuracy. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite with strong Excel, PowerPoint and Visio skills. Reporting relationships: Global AP Operations Manager. Compensation Base salary range: $100,000 - $120,000. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance‑based bonus. The range takes into account a broad spectrum of qualifications, including, but not limited to, years of relevant work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role. Benefits Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental and Vision plans. 401(k) program with company match. Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA). Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution. Basic and voluntary Life Insurance. Long‑Term Disability (LTD) and Short‑Term Disability (STD) insurance. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit. Access to a world‑class medical advisory team. Mental health app that includes coaching, therapy and psychiatry. Mindfulness and wellbeing app. Financial wellness benefit that includes access to a financial advisor. New parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, emergency backup care. Matching gift program, education sponsorship program, and more. Equal Opportunity Statement Ares Management LLC (together with its related operating and administrative subsidiaries, “Ares Management”) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, creed, sex, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, gender identity and expression, transgender status, genetic information, status as unemployed, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Ares Management will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. #J-18808-Ljbffr