Accounting - Accounts Payable Manager

SUMMARY

The Accounts Payable Manager is responsible for leading and directing all activities of the Accounts Payable Department for Wallis Companies. This role ensures timely and accurate payments to vendors, strong internal controls, and compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. The Accounts Payable Manager oversees staff, manages processes, and partners with leadership to optimize cash flow, strengthen vendor relationships, and support business objectives.

Business Results Orientation

Provide leadership and direction for all AP functions, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices, vendor payments, and expense reimbursements.

*Oversee the month-end and year-end AP close process, ensuring accurate reconciliations, reporting, and compliance.

Manage vendor relationships to maximize payment terms and improve company cash flow.

Review and approve reconciliations of assigned accounts, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring accuracy of financial data.

Maintain effective internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with corporate policies, IRS regulations, and GAAP.

Direct the preparation of supporting schedules and documentation for year-end audits and respond to auditor inquiries.

*Identify opportunities to streamline AP processes and implement best practices.

Partner with the Controller to set departmental goals aligned with the Accounting & Finance Balanced Scorecard.

Communication

Act as the primary contact for vendor escalations, internal AP inquiries, and communications with leadership.

*Regularly communicate AP performance, variances, and issues to the Controller and other members of Management.

Coordinate with all departments to ensure accurate allocation and reporting of expenses.

Generate and distribute accurate reports on AP activity and metrics as requested by management

Customer Service Orientation

*Provide excellent service to internal and external stakeholders by ensuring AP processes are transparent, accurate, and timely.

Oversee vendor onboarding and maintenance, ensuring compliance with company requirements and proper supporting documentation.

Ensure prompt and professional response to vendor inquiries and resolve disputes effectively.

*Partner with internal departments to improve processes that impact AP and customer service.

Developing Talent

*Lead, coach, and develop the Accounts Payable team (AP Specialists and support staff).

*Manage performance appraisal process, provide ongoing feedback, and support employee growth and professional development.

Ensure staff receive training and cross-training to build capability and coverage across all AP functions.

*Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement within the team.

Technical Expertise

Oversee 1099 reporting and compliance with IRS regulations.

*Maintain expert knowledge of AP systems, electronic banking processes, and enterprise reporting systems.

Ensure compliance with company CAPEX processes, approval limits, and proper documentation.

Monitor licensing, tax payments, and other regulatory requirements that impact AP operations.

Stay current on AP industry best practices, accounting standards, and emerging technologies.

Support the Controller with special projects and financial analysis related to payables and cash flow

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct: AP Specialist I, AP Specialist II, and Student Assistant (when applicable)

This position is responsible for the overall direction, coordination and evaluation of each position. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include planning, assigning and directing work; managing training and certifications; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees up to and including termination with supervisor’s approval; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education: Required: Associate’s Degree in Accounting, or related field

Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, or Business Administration 

Experience: Over 3 years and up to 5 years in accounting or related field  

Language Skills: Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English in a manner  that is sufficient for effective communication.

  Skills and Abilities:

● Understanding of AP Processes like coding, approvals, 3-way match and payment runs

● Familiarity with general ledger, debits/credits, and reconciliations

● Attention to detail

● Understanding of and experience with fraud prevention techniques

● Intensive knowledge of a specialty filed and the use of a wide range of procedures

● Ability to use own judgment in the analysis of facts and circumstances surrounding individual problems and transactions and in the determination of actions to be taken within the limits of standard or accepted practice

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Wallis Companies reserves the right to make changes to job descriptions as needed with or without notice to affected employees. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. This job description does not establish a contract for employment.

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