Accounts Payable Manager - Kansas City

Accounts Payable Manager

Direct Counsel represents a leading Am Law 100 firm seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Manager to lead the Firm's Accounts Payable function. This role will oversee daily AP operations, team management, internal controls, systems, and process improvement while partnering closely with Accounting, Finance, attorneys, professional staff, and Firm leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the Firm's Accounts Payable operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, compliance, and strong internal controls.
• Manage, coach, and develop the Accounts Payable team, including hiring, training, performance management, and workload planning.
• Oversee vendor invoices, payments, vendor records, trust disbursements, foreign vendor payments, sales/use tax review, and 1099 reporting.
• Serve as a trusted resource for attorneys, professional staff, leadership, vendors, and internal departments regarding AP processes and issues.
• Resolve complex and escalated payment and Accounts Payable matters with sound judgment and discretion.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, scalability, and service quality.
• Serve as a functional leader for key AP systems, including Emburse/Chrome River and Elite 3E.
• Partner with Accounting, Finance, IT, and vendors on system implementations, upgrades, testing, and process improvements.
• Lead Accounts Payable audit requests and provide necessary documentation and analysis.
• Partner with Accounting leadership on departmental priorities and operational initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressively responsible Accounts Payable experience, preferably within a law firm or large professional services environment.
• Prior experience managing or leading a team, including coaching, performance management, and employee development.
• Strong knowledge of AP processes, internal controls, payment practices, and financial operations.
• Experience with financial and expense management systems; Elite 3E and Chrome River/Emburse preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead process improvements and technology initiatives.
• Exceptional attention to detail, professionalism, judgment, and customer-service orientation.

Why Join?

• Opportunity to lead a critical function within a national Am Law 100 firm
• Collaborative, professional work environment
• $90,000$110,000 annual compensation
• Full benefits package
• Opportunity for professional growth and advancement