Accounts Payable Associate

Accounts Payable Associate

The Accounts Payable Associate supports all aspects of the accounts payable function, ensuring invoices and payments are processed accurately and on time while maintaining strong vendor relationships. This role plays a key part in supporting the companys mission to deliver high-quality products and responsive customer support at a globally competitive cost, particularly within a fast-paced industrial manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Review and enter vendor invoices in a timely and accurate manner, including coding invoices, matching purchase orders and tickets, and obtaining necessary approvals.
• Reconcile processed work by verifying entries and comparing system reports to balances to ensure accuracy.
• Reconcile vendor statements on a monthly basis and resolve any discrepancies.
• Manage vendor relationships by responding promptly and professionally to inquiries via email and phone about payment status, invoice issues, and other questions.
• Research and resolve invoice discrepancies, such as price or quantity mismatches, by identifying root causes and implementing solutions.
• Send remittance information to vendors weekly after payments are processed.
• Ensure adherence to all accounts payable policies and procedures, including the new vendor approval process and invoice processing standards.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and up-to-date accounting files and documentation.
• Provide daily team coverage to ensure all critical accounts payable tasks are completed on schedule.
• Assist with reporting, month-end preparation, and accruals to support the accounting close process.
• Support audits by gathering and providing required documentation and backup as requested.
• Assist management in identifying and resolving process and system issues within accounts payable.
• Drive continuous improvements in efficiency and effectiveness across day-to-day accounts payable activities.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues in departments such as sales, shipping, and customer service to resolve issues and support business operations.
• Perform other accounts payable and related duties as assigned to support the overall finance function.

Essential Skills

• Associate degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field.
• 13 years of previous accounts payable experience, with the ability to hit the ground running in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience handling direct invoices for manufactured goods and products, preferably within an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency in accounts payable data entry with a strong focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deadlines consistently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to follow through on tasks and objectives.
• Ability to function effectively as part of a collaborative team and work independently with minimal micromanagement.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English for effective interaction with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• PC proficiency, including solid working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Basic knowledge of accounting principles and terminology relevant to accounts payable.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with vendors and internal departments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 15 years of accounts payable experience is highly valued, especially in a manufacturing or industrial products environment.
• Experience using SAP for accounts payable processing is strongly preferred.
• Experience with Great Plains or similar ERP/accounting systems can be considered if accounts payable experience is strong.
• Background in manufacturing environments involving industrial products such as hydraulic valves, liftgate or farm equipment components, or industrial pumps is a plus.
• Proven ability to manage an AP inbox, respond to vendor inquiries, and handle statement reconciliations and dispute resolution.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and willing to learn and adapt to established processes and systems.
• Comfort working in a highly accountable environment where accuracy, responsiveness, and ownership are expected.
• Not overqualified for the role, with experience level aligned to hands-on accounts payable responsibilities.

Work Environment

This position operates in a corporate office environment that is physically attached to a production area, so you should be comfortable working in close proximity to a manufacturing setting. The team is described as supportive, fun, and highly accountable, offering a fast-paced environment where the work is varied and engaging. You will report to the Accounts Payable Manager and work alongside two other accounts payable team members, while collaborating frequently with departments such as sales, shipping, and customer service. The role is onsite initially, with the first month required in the office, followed by an evaluation for a hybrid schedule with remote work on designated weekdays. The culture emphasizes collaboration, responsiveness, continuous improvement, and a strong commitment to delivering high-quality products and outstanding customer support.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lincolnshire, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $26.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)