Lead Accounts Payable Specialist

Accounting Career Consultants; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading finance team is seeking a Lead Accounts Payable professional to oversee operations and mentor junior staff. This role entails ensuring timely processing of invoices and payments while improving processes and fostering collaboration across departments. Ideal candidates thrive in a leadership capacity with a keen attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of progressive experience in accounts payable.
• Strong knowledge of AP processes, 3-way matching, and GL coding.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor within a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of the accounts payable team.
• Review and approve invoices ensuring compliance with policies.
• Train, mentor, and support junior AP staff.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Leadership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

ERP or accounting systems

SAP

Job description

Why is This a Great Opportunity?

This Lead Accounts Payable position offers a unique chance to take on a leadership role within a dynamic finance team. Ideal for professionals who enjoy process improvement, cross-departmental collaboration, and mentoring others, this role goes beyond transactional work to include oversight of day-to-day operations, problem-solving, and driving efficiencies. You’ll play a key part in maintaining vendor relationships, ensuring compliance, and guiding the AP team through changing priorities. If you’re ready to step into a role that values initiative, accuracy, and leadership, this is a strong next step in your accounting career.


Job Description:

The Lead Accounts Payable (AP) role is responsible for overseeing the accounts payable function, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices, disbursements, and expense reporting. This role serves as the point of contact for the AP team and works closely with internal departments and external vendors to resolve discrepancies and improve processes.

Key Responsibilities:
• Lead daily operations of the accounts payable team, including invoice processing, vendor payments, and reconciliations.
• Review and approve invoices and payment runs to ensure proper coding, authorization, and compliance with company policies.
• Monitor AP aging and resolve past-due items or vendor disputes.
• Ensure 3-way match (purchase order, receipt, invoice) accuracy and troubleshoot exceptions.
• Train, mentor, and provide guidance to junior AP staff; delegate tasks and support their development.
• Assist with month-end close processes, including journal entries, accruals, and reconciliations related to AP.
• Collaborate with procurement, receiving, and finance teams to resolve discrepancies and streamline workflows.
• Assist with audits by preparing documentation and responding to inquiries related to AP transactions.
• Participate in systems improvements and process enhancements to drive efficiency and accuracy.


Qualifications:

Required:
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in accounts payable.
• Strong knowledge of accounts payable processes, 3-way matching, and general ledger coding.
• Experience with ERP or accounting systems.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor others within a team environment.

Preferred:
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience with implementing or optimizing AP systems or processes.
• Familiarity with SAP

This role offers growth potential for those looking to expand their leadership skills while contributing to the financial accuracy and operational efficiency of a professional and supportive organization.

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