Accounting Specialist

The Accounting Specialist (Accounts Payable) is a core contributor within the Accounting and Financial Services (AFS) team, responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of AP transactions. This role requires a self‑directed individual who exercises sound judgment, takes ownership of their work product, and independently manages day‑to‑day AP responsibilities while escalating issues, risks, or exceptions as appropriate. The Accounting Specialist serves as a service‑oriented business partner to company locations and vendors by communicating clearly, resolving routine inquiries, and supporting reliable AP service. The role executes AP activities in accordance with established policies, internal controls, and regulatory requirements, and supports the effective use of approved systems, automation, and AI‑enabled tools in a high‑volume, multi‑entity environment. Responsibilities Process AP transactions accurately and timely, including invoices, check requests, and electronic payments, in accordance with established policies, internal controls, and regulatory requirements, taking ownership of work quality and follow‑through. Execute assigned compliance and control activities, including maintaining vendor documentation, supporting vendor tax reporting requirements, and preparing audit‑ready documentation; assist with internal and external audits as needed. Perform routine reconciliations and month‑end support activities, including vendor statements, aging items, refund checks, accrual support, and preparation of supporting schedules. Identify, investigate, and resolve AP and procure‑to‑pay processing errors, recurring issues, or data quality concerns, and escalation issues, risks, or trends in accordance with established protocols to support timely resolution and continuous improvement. Understand overall workflow and process including the role and tasks performed by AP in the workflow/process. Identify exceptions and provide feedback appropriately so that AP transactions are recorded properly. Serve as a professional point of contact for company locations and vendors, responding to inquiries, resolving routine issues, and supporting reliable and timely AP service. Use accounting systems and tools effectively, and proactively engage with emerging technologies by participating in training, testing, feedback, and adoption of approved system enhancements, including automation and AI‑supported capabilities, to support evolving AP processes. Perform other duties as assigned by the Accounting Supervisor. Actively works with stakeholders to resolve issues / troubleshoot / solve problems related to AP or procure to pay process. Qualifications Associate Degree in Accounting, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience Minimum of 2 years of Accounts Payable or related accounting experience, preferably in a multi‑entity or high‑volume environment. Experience processing invoices, payments, and supporting month‑end close and reconciliations preferred. Proficient with Microsoft Office products Experience with ERP systems (Oracle Financial Cloud and DealerTrack knowledge preferred) Strong understanding of Accounts Payable processes and attention to accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. Demonstrated ability to investigate issues, identify root causes, and resolve routine exceptions, with sound judgment to elevate more complex matters appropriately. Strong service‑oriented mindset, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with internal business locations and external vendors. High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities within established deadlines. Comfort using standard accounting systems and tools, with openness to learning automation and AI‑enabled features as processes evolve. Effective written and verbal communication skills Competencies Accountability & Ownership of Work Product - Takes responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of assigned Accounts Payable work. Follows issues through to resolution and escalates appropriately when needed. Execution Discipline & Attention to Detail - Consistently executes AP processes in accordance with established policies, procedures, and controls, maintaining high standards of accuracy and reliability in a volume‑driven environment. Problem Solving with Escalation Judgment - Investigates errors or discrepancies, resolves issues within assigned authority, and demonstrates sound judgment in knowing when and how to escalate issues or risks. Service Orientation & Professional Communication - Serves as a reliable, professional point of contact for vendors and internal stakeholders, communicating clearly, respectfully, and with a focus on timely resolution. Technology Acceptance & Learning Agility - Comfortable using ERP systems and approved tools; open to learning new systems, automation, and AI‑ #J-18808-Ljbffr