Accounts Payable Manager

Royal Search Group; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Search Group is helping a client in Charlotte, NC recruit a hands-on Accounts Payable Manager to lead a small AP team and own day-to-day processing. You will manage the full AP cycle, enforce controls, and partner with Treasury for cash forecasting.

The role requires 5+ years of AP experience with 1–2+ years in a supervisory capacity, strong knowledge of GAAP, and proficiency with AP automation tools and ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of accounts payable experience, including 1–2+ years in a supervisory/lead capacity.
• Experience in a lower middle market or private equity–backed company a plus — comfortable wearing multiple hats in a leaner finance function.
• Strong working knowledge of AP automation tools and ERP systems.
• Solid understanding of GAAP as it relates to AP/accruals.
• Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail.
• Ability to balance hands‑on execution with team leadership and process ownership.
• Strong communication skills for vendor and cross‑functional interactions.

Responsibilities

• Own the full AP cycle: invoice receipt, three-way matching, coding, approval routing, and payment execution (ACH, check, wire, card).
• Maintain and improve internal controls over disbursements, ensuring compliance with company policy and segregation of duties.
• Manage weekly/biweekly payment runs and cash disbursement forecasting in coordination with Treasury/Controller.
• Ensure timely, accurate month-end close activities: AP accruals, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Process and review invoices, payment runs, and reconciliations alongside the team, especially during peak periods or staff absences.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex vendor issues, discrepancies, and exceptions.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships; resolve disputes and negotiate payment terms where appropriate.
• Partner with Procurement/Purchasing on PO matching and vendor onboarding.
• Support internal and external audit requests related to AP.

Skills

Accounts Payable

Team Leadership

Process Improvement

ERP Systems

GAAP

Vendor Management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ERP Systems

Job description

Our client is looking for a hands‑on Accounts Payable Manager to lead their AP function and a small team. This is not a purely supervisory role — our client needs someone who will be actively involved in day‑to‑day processing, exception handling, and process improvement while also managing a small team. This is a great fit for a candidate who enjoys staying close to the details while also owning process, controls, and team development in a lean corporate finance environment.

Key Responsibilities

Process & Controls

• Own the full AP cycle: invoice receipt, three-way matching, coding, approval routing, and payment execution (ACH, check, wire, card)
• Maintain and improve internal controls over disbursements, ensuring compliance with company policy and segregation of duties
• Manage weekly/biweekly payment runs and cash disbursement forecasting in coordination with Treasury/Controller
• Ensure timely, accurate month‑end close activities: AP accruals, reconciliations, and reporting
• Process and review invoices, payment runs, and reconciliations alongside the team, especially during peak periods or staff absences
• Serve as the escalation point for complex vendor issues, discrepancies, and exceptions
• Maintain strong vendor relationships; resolve disputes and negotiate payment terms where appropriate
• Partner with Procurement/Purchasing on PO matching and vendor onboarding
• Support internal and external audit requests related to AP

Systems & Reporting

• Own AP-related workflows in the ERP/AP automation system
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities to scale AP function as the company grows
• Prepare AP aging reports, KPIs, and ad hoc analysis for finance leadership
• Support 1099 preparation and vendor tax documentation (W-9s)

What Our Client Is Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of accounts payable experience, including 1–2+ years in a supervisory/lead capacity
• Experience in a lower middle market or private equity–backed company a plus — comfortable wearing multiple hats in a leaner finance function
• Strong working knowledge of AP automation tools and ERP systems
• Solid understanding of GAAP as it relates to AP/accruals
• Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail
• Ability to balance hands‑on execution with team leadership and process ownership
• Strong communication skills for vendor and cross‑functional interactions