Accounts Payable Specialist

The Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for owning the full accounts payable cycle for an assigned portfolio of vendor accounts, from invoice receipt through payment and reconciliation. This role extends beyond invoice entry: the Specialist researches and resolves discrepancies, reviews vendor statements, supports payment processing, maintains accurate documentation, and assists with month-end close activities. The position also provides coverage across multiple AP functions, helping the department maintain consistent service levels during absences, high-volume periods, and process changes. This position supports the AP department's broader procure-to-pay function by contributing to process improvement efforts, participating in cross-training, and helping maintain consistent, well-documented AP procedures. Review, code, verify, and process vendor invoices, credit memos, expense reports, and payment requests, matching to purchase orders and receiving documentation when applicable. Own assigned vendor accounts from invoice receipt through payment and reconciliation, including researching and resolving discrepancies, statement issues, and disputed balances with vendors and internal departments. Maintain accurate vendor account records, ensuring transactions post to the correct vendor, location, general ledger account, and accounting period, and maintain complete documentation for audit and reporting purposes. Assist with ACH, check, virtual card, wire, and other payment processing activities. Prepare account reconciliations and journal entries, and support month-end and year-end close through accrual support, aging reviews, and reporting. Review employee travel and expense reports for accuracy, appropriate approvals, documentation, and policy compliance. Assist with vendor setup and vendor change requests in accordance with internal controls. Monitor assigned work queues and follow up on aging items, unresolved exceptions, vendor holds, and overdue tasks. Provide coverage across AP functions during absences, workload increases, and process transitions; participate in cross-training and document assigned processes to reduce single points of failure. Identify recurring issues and recommend improvements to invoice processing, payment controls, and internal workflows; support automation, paper-reduction, and other process improvement initiatives. Partner with purchasing, receiving, operations, and finance to improve the overall procure-to-pay process. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor. Requirements High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred. Three to five years of relevant accounts payable experience, including high-volume, deadline-driven invoice processing, vendor statement reconciliations, payment processing, and month-end close support. Strong understanding of accounts payable processes and basic accounting principles, with experience researching discrepancies and reconciling vendor accounts. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook, and experience using accounting or enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Strong attention to detail, organization, and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities and meet established deadlines. Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently – researching issues, determining appropriate next steps, and resolving discrepancies with minimal supervision. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to take ownership of assigned work and contribute effectively within a team. Ability to maintain confidential and meticulous records. Successful completion of pre-employment background and drug screening. Core Competencies Demonstrates expertise in managing the full accounts payable cycle, including invoice processing, vendor account reconciliation, and month-end close support. Proficient in utilizing accounting software and Microsoft Office tools to maintain accurate records and improve processes. Highest-signal resume keywords Accounts Payable Management Invoice Processing Vendor Reconciliation Microsoft Excel Proficiency Problem-Solving Skills ATS Optimization Keywords Hard Skills Accounts Payable Processes Invoice Entry Payment Processing Vendor Statement Reconciliation Month-End Close Support Journal Entries Account Reconciliation Expense Report Review ACH Processing ERP Software Experience Soft Skills Attention to Detail Time Management Organizational Skills Written Communication Verbal Communication Industry Keywords Procure-to-Pay Vendor Management Internal Controls Process Improvement Audit Documentation Tools & Technologies Microsoft Office Excel Outlook Accounting Software Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) #J-18808-Ljbffr