Accounts Payable Manager — Lead & Optimize Operations (Hybrid)

Kahana & Feld LLP; Carlsbad (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kahana Feld LLP is seeking a seasoned Accounts Payable Manager in Carlsbad, CA. You will lead a team to process/vendor payments, ensure accurate coding, and enforce internal controls across client matters.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years of AP experience, a background in law firms or professional services, and familiarity with Aderant. The role offers hybrid work and a path to develop cross-functional finance capabilities within the firm.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressively responsible accounts payable or accounting experience, including experience supervising or leading a team.
• Experience in a law firm or other professional services environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of accounts payable controls, general ledger coding, reconciliations, and expense management.
• Experience with a legal accounting system, such as Aderant, preferred.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to resolve issues across departments.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential financial, employee, vendor, and client information.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full accounts payable cycle, from invoice receipt and review through approval, payment, reconciliation, and record retention.
• Review invoices and expenses for required documentation, appropriate approvals, accurate coding, and compliance with firm policies and applicable client billing guidelines.
• Coordinate payment runs and resolves vendor inquiries while maintaining appropriate approval processes and segregation of duties.
• Maintain vendor records and oversee controls for vendor setup, tax documentation, and changes to payment instructions.
• Reconcile accounts payable records and support month-end and year-end close, accruals, audits, and Form 1099 preparation.
• Supervise and develop accounts payable staff by establishing daily priorities, managing workloads, and monitoring performance and processing accuracy.
• Coordinate with the Procurement and Expense Manager regarding analytical standards, specialized training, and review procedures for AP Analysts.
• Oversee the recording of client and matter expenses, coordinating with Billing to resolve coding issues and support timely, accurate client cost recovery.
• Coordinate with the Procurement & Expense Manager regarding AP-related payment processing and accounting activities for employee reimbursements and corporate credit card transactions.
• Develop procedures, reporting, and performance measures to improve payment accuracy, processing times, and visibility into outstanding obligations.
• Partner with Finance leadership to identify process risks, strengthen internal controls, and support system and workflow improvements.
• Lead special projects as assigned.

Skills

Accounts payable controls

Leadership/people management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Tools

Aderant

Job description

Kahana Feld LLP is seeking a seasoned Accounts Payable Manager in Carlsbad, CA. You will lead a team to process/vendor payments, ensure accurate coding, and enforce internal controls across client matters.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years of AP experience, a background in law firms or professional services, and familiarity with Aderant. The role offers hybrid work and a path to develop cross-functional finance capabilities within the firm.