Accounts Payable Lead: Lead, Train & Optimize Cash Flow

Columbia Safety and Supply; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Vision & Dental Insurance with

HSA contributions

Add‑on insurance options

Free Employee Assistance Program

Generous PTO & holidays

Volunteer Paid Time Off

Job summary

Columbia Safety and Supply is seeking an Accounts Payable Lead in Columbia, Missouri. You will manage the AP process, lead and train the AP team, and ensure timely, accurate invoice processing, payments, and reconciliations in line with company policy.

You will also support month-end close, optimize cash flow, and maintain vendor relationships while developing team members for broader financial operations.

Qualifications

• Subject matter expert of procure to pay best practices.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, training, and workflow direction to Accounts Payable Specialists.
• Assign and review team members' work to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Onboard and train new AP team members on processes, systems, and company procedures.
• Serve as the first point of escalation for complex invoice, payment, or reconciliation issues.
• Support the AP Manager with month-end close activities, reporting, and process-improvement initiatives.
• Receive, review, and process invoices accurately and efficiently, ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Obtain necessary approvals and verify coding and documentation for proper account allocation.
• Prepare and process payments, including checks, wire transfers, ACH payments, and electronic payments.
• Reconcile accounts payable transactions and statements, resolving discrepancies and ensuring accuracy of balances.
• Investigate and resolve outstanding items, such as unmatched invoices or vendor credits.
• Review freight invoices for accuracy and dispute charges when certain criteria have been met.

Responsibilities

• Lead the AP team to meet deadlines and maintain accuracy.
• Oversee invoice processing, payments, and reconciliations.
• Support month-end close and reporting activities.
• Ensure proper approvals, coding, and documentation.
• Maintain vendor relationships and optimize cash flow.

Skills

Procure to Pay (P2P) expertise

Team leadership/mentoring

Invoice processing & payments

Month-end close support

Vendor relations & communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Business

Job description

Columbia Safety and Supply is seeking an Accounts Payable Lead in Columbia, Missouri. You will manage the AP process, lead and train the AP team, and ensure timely, accurate invoice processing, payments, and reconciliations in line with company policy.

You will also support month-end close, optimize cash flow, and maintain vendor relationships while developing team members for broader financial operations.