Lead AP Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary/Objective:

The Lead Accounts Payable (AP) Associate leads a team of AP Associates, ensuring accurate and efficient processing of vendor invoices, payments, reconciliations, and related activities. This role emphasizes mentoring, vendor management, coordination with leadership, and continuous improvement, requiring an individual who is adaptable, detail-oriented, and skilled at problem-solving in a dynamic environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily AP operations, ensuring the timely and accurate entry, approval, and processing of vendor invoices and payments.
• Supervise a team of Accounts Payable Clerks, providing guidance, support, and mentorship.
• Coordinate and supervise month-end and year-end closing processes, including financial reporting related to payables.
• Identify and implement process improvements to drive operational efficiency in AP workflows.
• Ensure adherence to internal controls and regulatory compliance in all AP functions.
• Monitor and resolve invoice and payment discrepancies, working closely with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Facilitate vendor onboarding and verification, maintaining compliance with company policies and vendor setup requirements.
• Produce and review AP aging reports, vendor statements, and account reconciliations.
• Prepare vendor account reports at month-end and ensure accurate reconciliation of payables.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and leadership to review and approve vendor payments, adjustments, and escalations.
• Manage vendor relationships by addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and supporting timely communication between vendors, AP, and internal business partners.
• Coordinate with leadership on AP priorities, reporting needs, process improvements, and issue escalation to support business objectives.
• Provide training for new staff and foster continuous skill development within the AP team.
• Anticipate issues before they impact payment timelines, vendor relationships, or month-end close activities with a proactive mindset.
• Accountability and performance management in tracking KPIs, holding team members to standards, and addressing performance gaps.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in accounts payable, accounting, or a related field.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Prior supervisory experience preferred.
• Familiarity with ERP systems like NetSuite.
• General understanding of the wireless, construction, and/or utilities industries preferred.

Competencies Required

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently, ensuring timely processing of invoices and vendor payments.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail, with a focus on accuracy and compliance.
• Agile mindset to adapt to shifting priorities and challenges.
• Proficiency in MS Excel (including xlookups, pivot tables) and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong leadership and team development abilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills to manage internal, leadership, and vendor relationships effectively.
• Strong vendor management skills, including issue resolution, follow-up, and relationship management.
• Organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize efficiently.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professional integrity.
• Display conflict resolution skills.
• Effective delegation and workflow design.

Direct/Indirect Supervisory Responsibility:

• Supervise team performance, set goals, and manage deadlines.
• Assist in the training and onboarding of new Accounts Payable Clerks.
• Collaborate on hiring decisions and maintain team alignment with company objectives.

Work Environment/Physical Demands/Travel Required:

• Hybrid role In office Mon-Wed WFH Th/Fri
• Standard office environment
• Full-time position, with occasional travel as needed.

AAP/EEO Statement

NextEdge provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, NextEdge complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

NextEdge expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of NextEdge employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed 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.