Accounts Payable Lead

Covenant Logisitcs; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Match

Health Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Covenant Logistics is seeking an Accounts Payable Lead to guide the AP team and act as the primary escalation point for vendor issues. The role focuses on system functionality, process improvements, and timely payment processing across multi-location operations.

The position requires strong AP knowledge, vendor relationship skills, and experience with ERP systems like D365. Competitive compensation is provided with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience in vendor management, accounts payable, or related function required.
• Strong understanding of AP processes and vendor management practices.
• Working knowledge of GL structures, accruals, and basic accounting principles.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary resource for Maintenance Accounts Payable Specialists regarding system functionality, invoice processing, and vendor-related questions.
• Assist with training, cross-training, and ongoing guidance to team members to support operational effectiveness and continuity.
• Resolve complex vendor disputes, payment issues, and account discrepancies that require escalation beyond routine processing.
• Monitor vendor account status and support the timely processing of invoices and payments to maintain positive vendor relationships.
• Identify system enhancement opportunities and communicate recommendations to appropriate support and business partners.

Skills

Vendor management

Accounts payable processes

Communication

Excel

Policy compliance

Education

High School Diploma

Higher education preferred

Tools

D365

ERP systems

Job description

The Accounts Payable Lead serves as the primary subject matter expert for Accounts Payable operations and provides day-to-day guidance to Accounts Payable Specialists. This position is responsible for resolving complex vendor issues, supporting system processes, assisting with accounting-related questions, coordinating with internal stakeholders, and serving as the escalation point for operational challenges.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary resource for Maintenance Accounts Payable Specialists regarding system functionality, invoice processing, and vendor-related questions.
• Assist with training, cross‑training, and ongoing guidance to team members to support operational effectiveness and continuity.
• Assist in developing, documenting, and maintaining department procedures, work instructions, and best practices.
• Resolve complex vendor disputes, payment issues, and account discrepancies that require escalation beyond routine processing.
• Partner with vendors and internal departments to investigate and resolve escalated concerns in a timely manner.
• Monitor vendor account status and support the timely processing of invoices and payments to maintain positive vendor relationships.
• Process vendor credit applications and support new vendor setup and maintenance activities.
• Create and manage manual invoice tracking spreadsheets for invoices that cannot be processed through standard system workflows.
• Monitor recurring system, workflow, and processing issues and coordinate resolution efforts with IT and software support teams.
• Identify system enhancement opportunities and communicate recommendations to appropriate support and business partners.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the company's General Ledger structure and chart of accounts to assist with coding, research, and accounting-related inquiries.
• Prepare and maintain the monthly accrual spreadsheet and support audit requests through documentation retrieval and research.
• Escalate critical operational risks, unresolved issues, and significant vendor concerns to Manager as appropriate.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives, reporting, operational analysis, weekly check run support, and other departmental projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of Accounts Payable processes, vendor management and payment systems.
• Working knowledge of General Ledger structures, account coding, accruals, and basic accounting principles.
• Ability to research, analyze, and resolve complex vendor disputes, payment issues, and account discrepancies.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite of products, especially Excel, and other business systems for reporting, reconciliation, and analysis.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive vendor relationships.
• Ability to interpret policies, maintain compliance with internal controls, and support audit and documentation requests.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and serve as a subject matter expert and escalation point for Accounts Payable operations.

Education/Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Higher education preferred.
• 2+ years’ experience in vendor management, accounts payable, or related function required.
• Transportation and Logistics experience preferred.
• TMT, EBE, D365, experience preferred.
• Experience supporting multi-location operations preferred.

Competitive Compensation

We believe in rewarding excellence. Our compensation approach balances market‑based salary ranges with individual performance, experience, and tenure ensuring your pay is fair, competitive, and aligned with your growth. The posted range reflects the full pay band for the position. The expected pay range below represents where most candidates are hired, based on experience, skills, and internal equity. Candidates with more extensive or highly relevant experience may be considered toward the higher end of the overall pay band.

• Expected Pay Range: $19.23-$21.75
• Full Pay Range: $19.23-$29.87
• Pay Grade: 6
• 401(k) Match: Build your future with our generous company match.
• Serious Health Condition Pay: Financial protection when it matters most.

Robust Health & Wellness Benefits

Your well‑being is our priority. Our full health benefits package is designed to support every aspect of your health—from preventive care to peace of mind:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Telemedicine Access
• Company-Paid Short & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Company-Paid Life Insurance

Time to Recharge

We believe rest fuels results. Our time‑off benefits help you maintain balance and bring your best self to work:

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Company Holidays
• Time off to Volunteer

Culture-Driven Perks

We’ve created a workplace culture where people feel empowered, supported, and excited to grow. Our corporate perks are designed to elevate your everyday:

• Casual Dress Code: Dress for your day.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Advance your education with financial support.
• Employee Discount Program: Exclusive savings on everyday essentials and more.
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DFSA)
• Adoption Assistance: Meaningful support for growing families.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential, 24/7 support for life’s challenges.
• Pet Insurance: To protect your furry family members

Covenant Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Disability/Veteran

VEVRAA Federal Contractor

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.