Accounts Payable Lead

Description The Accounts Payable Lead is responsible for managing the company accounts payable process while also providing day-to-day leadership, training, and workflow direction to the Accounts Payable team. This role continues to perform the full range of AP Specialist duties — invoice processing, payments, and reconciliations — while also ensuring the team meets deadlines, maintains accuracy, and follows company policy. This role plays a critical part in maintaining vendor relationships, optimizing cash flow, developing team members, and supporting overall financial operations. Department: Finance Location: Columbia, Missouri Description The Accounts Payable Lead is responsible for managing the company accounts payable process while also providing day-to-day leadership, training, and workflow direction to the Accounts Payable team. This role continues to perform the full range of AP Specialist duties — invoice processing, payments, and reconciliations — while also ensuring the team meets deadlines, maintains accuracy, and follows company policy. This role plays a critical part in maintaining vendor relationships, optimizing cash flow, developing team members, and supporting overall financial operations. Requirements for success: Subject matter expert of procure to pay best practices. Provide day-to-day guidance, training, and workflow direction to Accounts Payable Specialists. Assign and review team members work to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to company policies and procedures. Onboard and train new AP team members on processes, systems, and company procedures. Serve as the first point of escalation for complex invoice, payment, or reconciliation issues. Support the AP Manager with month-end close activities, reporting, and process-improvement initiatives. Receive, review, and process invoices accurately and efficiently, ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures. Obtain necessary approvals and verify coding and documentation for proper account allocation. Prepare and process payments, including checks, wire transfers, ACH payments, and electronic payments, in accordance with payment terms and vendor agreements. Reconcile accounts payable transactions and statements, resolving discrepancies and ensuring accuracy of balances. Investigate and resolve outstanding items, such as unmatched invoices or vendor credits. Review freight invoices for accuracy and dispute charges when certain criteria have been met. Ideal candidate qualities include: Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Management is preferred, but not required. 5+ years of Accounts Payable experience preferred, including prior experience training, mentoring, or leading others. 10-key calculator skills, by touch. Why it's great to build your career with us! We are a tight-knit group, and we understand the needs of our teammates. This personal connection allows us to strategically design competitive benefits packages that enhance the employee experience and support overall well-being. Some of our benefits: Health, Vision & Dental Insurance with company contributions Company HSA Contributions Add On Insurance Options: Accident, Short Term Disability, etc. Free Employee Assistance Program: 24/7 access Generous paid time off (PTO) that increases with tenure, plus company-paid holidays Volunteer Paid Time Off: Give back to our community & get paid! Retirement Options with no Vesting Requirements This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The GMES family of companies provides to individuals of all races, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital, and veteran status, equal employment opportunities within our dynamic growth plans. #J-18808-Ljbffr