AP Team Lead - McDonald Automotive

Accounts Payable Team Lead

With 9 automotive brands across 13 rooftops, our centralized accounting team operates from our Volkswagen store on Broadway Avenue in Littleton, providing consistent financial oversight and operational support to every dealership in the group.

The Accounts Payable Team Lead is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Accounts Payable function, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of invoices, vendor payments, employee expense reports, and account reconciliations. This role serves as the primary liaison between AP specialists, management, and vendors, while maintaining strong internal controls, supporting audit requirements, and driving continuous process improvements. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented accounting professional with leadership experience, strong ERP system knowledge, and a commitment to operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, train, mentor, and support the Accounts Payable team.
• Assign and balance daily workloads to ensure efficiency and timely completion of tasks.
• Monitor team performance and provide ongoing coaching and development.
• Cross-train team members to ensure business continuity and operational flexibility.

• Oversee the full-cycle Accounts Payable process, including invoice review, approval workflows, and payment processing.
• Review and approve employee expense reports for accuracy and policy compliance.
• Ensure proper General Ledger (GL) coding and account allocation.
• Manage ACH, wire transfer, and check payment processing activities.
• Audit returned checks, failed payments, and payment exceptions, ensuring timely resolution.
• Ensure all transactions are recorded accurately and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Support internal and external financial audits by providing documentation and responding to audit inquiries.

• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex vendor payment inquiries and discrepancies.
• Build and maintain positive vendor relationships while ensuring adherence to negotiated payment terms.
• Ensure compliance with vendor onboarding requirements, including collection and maintenance of W-9, W-8, Certificates of Insurance, and other required documentation.
• Resolve payment disputes and coordinate with internal departments to address vendor concerns.

• Monitor Accounts Payable aging reports and proactively address outstanding items.
• Reconcile vendor statements and investigate discrepancies.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close processes, including accruals and account reconciliations.
• Review monthly and quarterly provisions and collaborate with business departments to obtain necessary supporting information and clarifications.
• Prepare and distribute AP-related reports for management review.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and enforce strong internal controls to minimize fraud risk and safeguard company assets.
• Oversee annual 1099 reporting, filing, and compliance activities.
• Support continuous monitoring and enhancement of departmental controls and procedures.

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability within the Accounts Payable function.
• Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures and best practices.
• Recommend and implement process improvements, automation initiatives, and system enhancements.
• Partner with management to support strategic accounting and operational initiatives.

• Provide backup support for other administrative and accounting functions as needed.
• Participate in special projects and cross-functional initiatives.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

• 5–7 years of progressive Accounts Payable experience required.
• 1–2 years of lead or team leadership experience preferred.
• Experience within an automotive dealership, automotive group, or OEM manufacturing environment is highly preferred.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including reporting, reconciliations, and data analysis.
• Thorough understanding of Accounts Payable processes, General Ledger accounting, and financial controls.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to identify and resolve pricing, quantity, and payment discrepancies.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple deadlines.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and build strong vendor relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and foster a positive, customer-service-oriented work environment.
• Primarily office-based environment with prolonged periods of computer work.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Disclaimer: This position will remain open for at least three days and will close upon candidate selection.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your application for employment or the recruiting process, please contact us by sending an email to View email address on click.appcast.io.