Accounts Payable Lead

Natural Factors; Calgary; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Accounts Payable Lead to oversee the full accounts payable cycle in a dynamic, high-volume setting. This role is crucial for ensuring timely payments, managing vendor relationships, and maintaining accurate financial records. The ideal candidate will leverage their problem-solving skills and proficiency in Oracle systems to enhance operational efficiency. Join a collaborative finance team where your contributions will directly impact financial decision-making and vendor satisfaction. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and have a keen eye for detail, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of supervisory experience in accounts payable.
• Strong proficiency in Oracle financial systems and ERP.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full accounts payable cycle in a high-volume environment.
• Prepare and analyze management reports for financial insights.

Skills

Accounts Payable Management

Vendor Relationship Management

Problem-Solving

Oracle Financial Systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Education

Community College Diploma in Business Administration (Accounting)

Tools

Oracle

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Accounts Payable Lead

The Accounts Payable Lead is responsible for managing the full accounts payable cycle in a high-volume environment, ensuring timely and accurate payment of invoices, vendor statements, and related financial obligations. This role requires strong oversight of month-end duties, including accruals, vendor reconciliations, and the preparation of detailed management reports to support financial decision-making. The ideal candidate will excel in problem-solving vendor issues, maintaining accuracy, and leveraging technology such as Oracle (an asset) to streamline processes. This position plays a critical role in maintaining vendor relationships and ensuring operational efficiency within the Finance Department.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Oversee the accounts payable process in a high-volume environment, managing the coding, costing, and approval of invoices to ensure accurate and timely payments to vendors.
• Perform month-end duties, including preparing accruals, reconciling accounts, and ensuring all financial records are accurate and up to date for reporting purposes.
• Problem-solve vendor issues by investigating discrepancies, resolving payment disputes, and responding to inquiries in a timely and professional manner to maintain strong vendor relationships.
• Conduct vendor statement reconciliations monthly, verifying account information, invoice details, and payment records to ensure accuracy and compliance with payment terms.
• Prepare and analyze management reports, including monthly accounts payable summaries, aging reports, and expenditure analyses, to provide actionable insights to the Controller.
• Utilize Oracle systems (preferred) to process invoices, run cheque payments, and manage financial data; ensure all electronic funds transfers (EFTs) and cheque runs are executed by scheduled deadlines.
• Maintain accurate electronic and paper-based vendor files, ensuring proper documentation, coding, and authorization of invoices in compliance with organizational policies.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of accounts payable operations, including automation of routine tasks where applicable.
• Support internal and external audits by providing accurate documentation, reports, and explanations of accounts payable processes and transactions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including procurement and budgeting, to ensure alignment on vendor payments and financial reporting.

Other Duties:

• Assist in onboarding new vendors, verifying banking information, and setting up payment terms in Oracle or other systems.
• Monitor and manage payment schedules to ensure compliance with vendor agreements and avoid late payment penalties.
• Reverse and re-allocate payments as needed, ensuring proper documentation for audit trails.
• Assist in preparing budgets and forecasts for the accounts payable function, ensuring expenditures align with organizational goals.
• Provide training and guidance to junior accounts payable staff on best practices, system usage, and process adherence.
• Backfill for other accounts payable roles during peak periods or absences, ensuring continuity of operations.
• Perform additional finance-related tasks as assigned by the Controller.

Qualifications:

• Completion of a community college business administration diploma with a concentration in accounting (or equivalent education).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of accounts payable supervisory experience in a high-volume environment, with a proven track record of managing the full AP cycle.
• Experience with Oracle financial systems is a strong asset; proficiency in other ERP systems is also beneficial.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) for data analysis, reporting, and documentation.
• Strong problem-solving skills, particularly in resolving vendor payment issues and discrepancies.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accuracy in financial records and reporting.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to liaise with vendors, internal teams, and senior management.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team player while also taking ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Experience working with direct commodity suppliers or in a multi-location company is an asset.

Working Conditions:

• This role operates in a high-volume, fast-paced office environment with strict deadlines for payment cycles and reporting.
• Occasional overtime may be required during month-end, year-end, or audit periods.
• The position requires a high level of focus and accuracy to manage large volumes of financial data and vendor interactions.