AP Supervisor

OUTFORM; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Outform Group in Chicago, IL is seeking an Accounts Payable Supervisor to lead a high‑volume AP team and optimize invoice processing, vendor management, and reporting. The role focuses on automation and process improvements to support cash flow and internal controls.

The ideal candidate will have hands‑on leadership, 5+ years in AP, and 2+ years of supervision, with strong Excel and ERP experience to drive efficiency in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage daily Accounts Payable operations in a high‑volume environment.
• Establish and enforce KPI reporting and accountability metrics across the AP team.
• Monitor invoice processing accuracy, exception trends, aging, turnaround time, and productivity.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on process efficiency, scalability, and control enhancement.
• Drive transformation initiatives including AI/scanning, OCR, workflow automation, and process standardization.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, and approval workflows.
• Review and resolve invoice discrepancies, payment issues, and vendor escalations.
• Coordinate and build month‑end close activities related to Accounts Payable.
• Prepare executive‑level operational reporting and KPI summaries.
• Train, mentor, and develop AP team members while driving accountability and performance.
• Partner with Finance and IT on ERP enhancements, implementations, and process improvements.
• Utilize advanced Excel reporting and analytics to support operational decision‑making.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Communication

Excel skills

ERP systems

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Oracle

SAP

OCR/AI tooling

Job description

At Outform Group, our guiding philosophy is Dare To Innovate. Outform Group specializes in creating tangible consumer engagements that elevate, connect and humanize brand experiences. We unite leading experts in research, strategy, design, innovation and manufacturing, who work together to create unforgettable brand experiences. Lean, interdisciplinary teams work in close collaboration with clients, helping them to solve their user’s biggest problems. Our user-centric, data-driven approach focuses on creating a seamless experience across different environments.

Job Summary

The Accounts Payable Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Accounts Payable function, ensuring timely and accurate invoice processing, vendor management, payment execution, compliance with internal controls, and operational reporting. This role is expected to drive continuous improvement, accountability, KPI management, and process transformation initiatives across the AP function.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on operational leader with experience managing high‑volume AP teams, implementing automation and AI/scanning initiatives, and leading process improvements within fast‑paced environments.

DIRECT REPORTS

The following position report directly to the Accounts Payable Supervisor: Accounts Payable Clerks

SCOPE & ACCOUNTABILITY

This role is accountable for the operational performance, accuracy, efficiency, and control environment of the Accounts Payable department. The AP Supervisor is responsible for ensuring timely invoice processing, reducing operational errors, driving KPI visibility, supporting cash flow management, and improving overall process efficiency through automation and standardization.

The role requires active leadership of the AP team while partnering cross‑functionally with Procurement, Operations, Treasury, Accounting, and IT to resolve issues and support business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage daily Accounts Payable operations in a high‑volume environment.
• Establish and enforce KPI reporting and accountability metrics across the AP team.
• Monitor invoice processing accuracy, exception trends, aging, turnaround time, and productivity.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on process efficiency, scalability, and control enhancement.
• Drive transformation initiatives including AI/scanning, OCR, workflow automation, and process standardization.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, and approval workflows.
• Review and resolve invoice discrepancies, payment issues, and vendor escalations.
• Coordinate and build month‑end close activities related to Accounts Payable.
• Prepare executive‑level operational reporting and KPI summaries.
• Train, mentor, and develop AP team members while driving accountability and performance.
• Partner with Finance and IT on ERP enhancements, implementations, and process improvements.
• Utilize advanced Excel reporting and analytics to support operational decision‑making.

KEY INTERFACES (NON-REPORTING)

• Finance Leadership
• Procurement / Purchasing
• Operations
• Treasury
• IT / Systems Support
• Shared Services
• External Vendors and Partners

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Success in this role will be measured against metrics including but not limited to:

• Invoice processing accuracy rates
• Reduction in processing errors and rework
• Invoice turnaround time
• AP aging and overdue invoice metrics
• Exception resolution timeliness
• Team productivity and throughput
• Continuous improvement implementation and measurable efficiency gains
• Successful implementation of automation/AI scanning initiatives
• Compliance with internal controls and audit requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of Accounts Payable experience in a high‑volume environment.
• Minimum 2+ years of supervisory or management experience required.
• Demonstrated experience leading operational transformation and process improvement initiatives.
• Experience implementing AP automation, OCR/scanning, AI workflow tools, or intelligent invoice processing preferred.
• Strong ERP systems experience required; Microsoft Dynamics 365, Oracle, SAP, or equivalent preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills required including pivot tables, lookups, reporting, reconciliations, and data analysis.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities within fast‑paced operational environments.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to drive accountability and performance.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on operational excellence.
• Ability to lead teams through organizational and process transformation.
• Strong business partnership mentality and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proactive problem solver with strong analytical capabilities.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization including executive leadership.
• Results‑oriented with a sense of urgency and ownership.

Essential Functions

Working conditions are in a normal office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, and stand, using hands to handle, finger, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Occasionally, the employee must crouch or kneel. The employee must occasionally exert or lift up to 20 pounds. Successful performance requires good eyesight with or without corrective lenses. Requires long periods of time working at a computer and includes phone work.

DISCLAIMER

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.