Accounts Payable Assistant

Accounts Payable SpecialistLocation: 5000 Kansas Avenue Kansas City, KS 66106Work Model: HybridDepartment: AccountingPosition Overview: Embrace the ChallengeAre you naturally curious, energized by solving complex puzzles, and excited to work collaboratively toward a shared vision? The AWG Support Center Accounting Department is seeking driven, entry-level candidates for our Accounts Payable team.Being a seasoned AP clerk is not a prerequisite. We care far more about your attitude, adaptability, and desire to grow than years of transactional experience. This role is a genuine challenge—it requires high attention to detail, proactive problem-solving, and the recognition that in a large-scale supply chain cooperative, every action and inaction carries real operational consequences. If you are eager to streamline daily tasks, eliminate inefficiencies, and progressively take on larger, more complex projects, this is the launchpad for your financial career.Key Responsibilities & Operational ImpactInvoice Processing & Validation: Review, process, and reconcile high volumes of vendor product invoices from both paper and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) streams.Exception & Discrepancy Research: Run daily exception reports and reference raw EDI data, PO numbers, and receiving receipts to ensure billing accuracy.Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with Merchandising, Warehouse, and AP Leadership to resolve payment blockers and verify receiving records.Multi-System Navigation: Utilize specialized accounting tools—including Content Manager, OnDemand, Balances, and PeopleSoft—to research payables and reconcile accounts.Stakeholder Service & Case Management: Provide prompt, professional service to internal and external partners while managing and following up on inquiries via ServiceNow.Workflow Optimization: Actively look for ways to streamline routine tasks so you can free up capacity for higher-level projects and strategic initiatives.Core Competencies & MindsetNatural Curiosity: An innate desire to ask "why," dig into raw data, and understand how individual transactions connect to the larger financial picture.Consequence Awareness: An understanding that both action (e.g., approving an inaccurate payment) and inaction (e.g., letting an invoice sit past terms) impact company relationships and cash flow.Great Attitude & Energy: A positive, resilient approach to daily challenges, tight deadlines, and changing priorities.Collaboration Focus: A desire to contribute to a supportive, high-performing team where victories are celebrated and challenges are solved together.Continuous Efficiency Drive: A habit of refining daily processes to work smarter and faster without compromising accuracy.Position Qualifications & RequirementsEducation: High School Diploma or equivalent required. (Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, or Finance is a plus, but not required).Technical Skills: Proficiency in 10-key and keyboarding by touch; comfort learning new software platforms quickly.Prior Experience: No prior AP or accounting experience is required! Candidates with strong organizational habits, attention to detail, and customer service experience are encouraged to apply.Deadlines & Organization: Ability to stay organized and calm while managing multiple priorities against aggressive processing schedules.BenefitsMedical, Dental, & Vision InsuranceHealth Savings AccountDependent Care Flexible Spending AccountPaid Vacation, Holiday, and Sick Time401(k) with 4% match along with 3 other contributionsTuition ReimbursementBasic & Supplemental Life and AD&DEmployee Assistance ProgramShort-Term and Long-Term DisabilityWellness ProgramYearly Holiday Bonus