Accounts Payable Lead

Merraine Group; Village of Cedarhurst (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Merraine Group in Cedarhurst, NY, is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable Lead to own critical accounting and payroll functions within a growing outsourced finance environment. The role demands strong technical knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy.

The successful candidate will handle full AP cycles, payroll processing for multi-state employees, and provide client and team support.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of accounts payable experience required.
• 2+ years of payroll processing experience required; multi-state payroll experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of accounting, bookkeeping, AP, and payroll principles.
• Knowledge of payroll compliance, including FLSA, state/local taxation, and garnishments.
• Experience with ADP, Paychex, Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, or comparable systems.
• Strong Excel skills and excellent data-entry accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines in a high-volume environment.
• High level of professionalism and discretion when handling confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full AP cycle: invoice receipt, verification, coding, reconciliation, and timely payment.
• Enter invoices and GL data accurately with complete documentation.
• Monitor AP aging and prioritize payments based on urgency and business needs.
• Identify duplicate or fraudulent invoices and process credits/adjustments/stop payments.
• Process payments via checks, online vendor platforms, and banking systems.
• Manage employee reimbursements, purchase orders, fund transfers, and related AP activity.
• Prepare 1099 information and AP reports and support month-end close.

Skills

Accounts payable

Payroll processing

Excel

Data entry accuracy

Communication

Multitasking

Discretion

Problem solving

Organization

Tools

ADP

Paychex

Gusto

QuickBooks Payroll

Job description

This is an opportunity for an experienced Accounts Payable Lead to take ownership of critical accounting and payroll functions within a growing outsourced finance and accounting environment. The successful candidate will bring strong technical knowledge, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality. This hands‑on role is ideal for a self‑directed professional who takes initiative, communicates effectively, and is committed to delivering dependable service to both clients and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable

• Manage the full AP cycle, including invoice receipt, verification, coding, reconciliation, and timely payment.
• Enter invoices and GL data accurately and maintain complete supporting documentation.
• Monitor AP aging, verify balances, and help clients prioritize payments based on urgency and business needs.
• Identify duplicate or potentially fraudulent invoices and process credits, adjustments, corrections, and stop payments.
• Process payments through checks, online vendor platforms, and banking systems.
• Manage employee reimbursements, purchase orders, fund transfers, and related AP activity.
• Prepare 1099 information and AP reports and support month‑end close activities.

Payroll

• Process bi‑weekly and monthly payroll accurately and on schedule, including high‑volume and complex payroll periods.
• Review timesheets, earnings, deductions, and adjustments while maintaining compliance with applicable payroll regulations.
• Process off‑cycle checks, bonuses, terminations, and other payroll adjustments.
• Maintain employee payroll records and system data.
• Reconcile payroll reports and coordinate accurate GL entries with the accounting team.
• Support quarterly and year‑end payroll reporting, including W‑2s and 1099s.
• Respond professionally to employee and client payroll questions.
• Assist with onboarding new payroll clients and documenting processes for team coverage and delegation.

Client & Team Support

• Serve as a primary point of contact for AP-related client needs.
• Communicate issues, risks, and discrepancies promptly and professionally.
• Collaborate with account leads, advisors, offshore staff, and operations.
• Provide guidance and training to team members in AP and payroll processes.
• Contribute ideas and feedback that improve accuracy, efficiency, and service delivery.

Qualifications & Experience

• 3+ years of accounts payable experience required.
• 2+ years of payroll processing experience required; multi‑state payroll experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of accounting, bookkeeping, AP, and payroll principles.
• Knowledge of payroll compliance, including FLSA, state/local taxation, and garnishments.
• Experience with ADP, Paychex, Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, or comparable systems.
• Strong Excel skills and excellent data‑entry accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines in a high‑volume environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and time management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of professionalism and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new systems and technology.
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Ownership and accountability
• Organization and follow-through
• Sound judgment and problem‑solving
• Adaptability and initiative
• Professional communication
• Confidentiality and discretion
• Ability to manage competing priorities

This is a full‑time, in‑person position in Cedarhurst, NY, within a collaborative professional environment supporting a diverse client base. The organization values accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and high‑quality client service.