Client Accounts Payable Specialist

Kaizen CPAs + Advisors; Antioch (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaizen CPAs + Advisors is seeking a Client AP Specialist to become a trusted extension of our clients' accounting teams, ensuring accounts payable is processed accurately, efficiently, and on time. In this role, you'll grow into managing your own client portfolio and continuously look for ways to improve processes and deliver an exceptional client experience.

You'll start by becoming proficient in BILL and QuickBooks Online within 60–90 days, then take on responsibilities that support our

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance.
• 1–3 years of accounts payable or bookkeeping experience.
• Strong knowledge of QuickBooks Online; certification is a plus.
• Experience with BILL and cloud-based accounting tools.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with a client-service mindset.
• Bonus: experience with outsourced accounting or supporting multiple clients.

Responsibilities

• Become proficient in BILL and QuickBooks Online within 60–90 days to manage client accounts.
• Ensure invoices are paid accurately and on schedule, managing calendars and cash flow.
• Process accounts payable with high accuracy and maintain records.
• Build relationships with clients and vendors through proactive communication.
• Learn each client's AP processes, including COA and approval workflows.
• Identify opportunities to streamline AP workflows with technology.
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Keep audit-ready documentation for vendor setup and payments.
• Collaborate with teammates on month-end close and resolve discrepancies.
• Share ideas to improve internal processes and client experience.
• Participate in team meetings and strengthen our AP service offering.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Client service mindset

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

BILL

QuickBooks Online

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Teams

Job description

At Kaizen CPAs + Advisors & YPD, we're a people-first firm committed to helping businesses overcome financial challenges and achieve their goals. We believe great results come from great people, and our culture is built around four core values:

• Own It – Take pride in solving problems and delivering results.
• Be an Ideal Team Player – Collaborate, support others, and succeed together.
• Make a Positive Impact – Create meaningful value for our clients, team, and community.
• Embrace a Growth Mindset – Keep learning, improving, and growing.

Join a supportive team where your work matters, your growth is encouraged, and your contributions make a real impact.

We're looking for a Client AP Specialist to join our team! In this role, you'll become a trusted extension of our clients' accounting teams by ensuring accounts payable is processed accurately, efficiently, and on time. As you grow into the role, you'll take ownership of your client portfolio and continuously look for ways to improve processes and deliver an exceptional client experience.

What You'll Do

• Become proficient in BILL and QuickBooks Online within your first 60–90 days, allowing you to independently manage assigned client accounts.
• Ensure approved invoices are paid accurately and on schedule while proactively managing payment calendars, approvals, and cash flow considerations.
• Process accounts payable with exceptional accuracy and attention to detail, maintaining high-quality financial records.
• Build strong relationships with clients and vendors by communicating proactively, resolving issues quickly, and providing outstanding service.
• Learn each client's unique AP processes, including their chart of accounts, approval workflows, vendor requirements, and payment schedules.
• Identify opportunities to streamline AP workflows through technology and process improvements that increase efficiency and scalability.
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies promptly to maintain accurate records and strong vendor relationships.
• Maintain organized, audit-ready documentation and consistent procedures for vendor setup, invoice processing, approvals, payments, and recordkeeping.
• Collaborate with teammates to support month-end close activities and resolve accounting discrepancies.
• Contribute ideas that improve internal processes, service quality, and the overall client experience.
• Participate in team meetings, share knowledge, and help strengthen our AP service offering as we continue to grow.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• You take ownership of your work and pride yourself on getting the details right.
• You're highly organized and can successfully manage multiple clients, priorities, and recurring deadlines.
• You communicate professionally and proactively with clients, vendors, and teammates.
• You're comfortable learning and using new technology to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• You enjoy solving problems, adapting to change, and continuously improving the way work gets done.

What We're Looking For

• Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: 1–3 years of experience in accounts payable, bookkeeping, accounting, or a related role.
• QuickBooks Online: Strong working knowledge of QuickBooks Online. Certification is a plus—or a willingness to earn one.
• Technology Skills: Comfortable using Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams, with the ability to quickly learn new software such as BILL and other cloud-based accounting tools.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a client-service mindset.
• Bonus Points: Experience with BILL, outsourced accounting, or supporting multiple clients in a fast-paced environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Kaizen CPAs + Advisors is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, free from discrimination and harassment. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, termination, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and credit check, consistent with applicable laws. Candidates must be willing and able to meet these requirements as a condition of employment.