Senior Accounts Payable Specialist

Guardian-Alarm; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Guardian-Alarm is seeking a Senior Accounts Payable Specialist to oversee the full AP function, drive automation, and improve processes for enhanced financial performance.

The role requires 5+ years in AP, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and strong knowledge of AP processes. You will manage end-to-end AP, ensure compliance, and collaborate with finance on reporting and month-end close.

Qualifications

• High level of integrity and ethical standards.
• Strong knowledge of accounts payable processes and best practices.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidential and meticulous records.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience; 5+ years AP experience; 2+ years in a senior role preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and administer day-to-day accounts payable operations to ensure timely and accurate payment processing.
• Manage end-to-end AP cycle: invoice receipt, verification, coding, approvals, payments, and vendor communication.
• Perform AP balance analysis, aged payables, and vendor accounts reconciliation; provide management reports.
• Lead process improvements and automation to streamline invoice processing and approvals.
• Maintain internal controls and assist audits; coordinate with other departments as needed.

Skills

Integrity

AP processes knowledge

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Confidential records

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Finance or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Accounting software

Job description

The Senior Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for overseeing and managing the full Accounts Payable (AP) function. This includes processing invoices, reconciling vendor accounts, managing AP reporting, and driving process improvements. The role is pivotal in ensuring accuracy and efficiency within the AP function, with a focus on streamlining processes, increasing automation, and supporting overall financial performance.

Accounts Payable Process Management:

• Oversee and administer the day-to-day accounts payable operations to ensure timely and accurate payment processing.
• Manage the end-to-end AP cycle, including invoice receipt, verification, coding, approval workflows, payment processing, and vendor communication.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and legal regulations related to accounts payable.

Accounts Payable Analysis:

• Conduct regular analysis and reconciliation of AP balances, aged payables, and vendor accounts to ensure the integrity of financial records.
• Provide insights and reports to management regarding AP trends, vendor payment cycles, and outstanding liabilities.
• Collaborate with the Finance team to prepare accruals, manage cash flow forecasting, and support the month-end close process.

Process Improvement & Automation:

• Lead initiatives to drive efficiencies and improvements within the accounts payable process, identifying bottlenecks and recommending solutions.
• Implement and maintain automation tools and technologies to streamline invoice processing, approvals, and payments.
• Continuously evaluate and refine AP workflows to improve processing speed, reduce errors, and enhance cost control.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with key vendors, resolving any payment issues or disputes in a timely and professional manner.
• Address vendor inquiries regarding payment status, discrepancies, and account reconciliations.
• Assist with the onboarding of new vendors and ensuring that the correct documentation and tax information are obtained.

Compliance & Internal Controls:

• Ensure proper documentation and adherence to internal controls to prevent fraud, errors, and misstatements in financial records.
• Assist with internal and external audits related to accounts payable, providing supporting documentation and explanations as needed.
• Work closely with other departments to ensure alignment and coordination in the AP processes.
• Participate in cross-functional projects as needed to support overall business goals.

Required Skills, Abilities, Education & Experience:

• High level of integrity
• Strong knowledge of accounts payable processes and best practices
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and various accounting software tools
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidential and meticulous records.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field, or equivalent work experience required
• 5+ years of Accounts Payable experience required
• 2+ years in a senior role preferred
• Proven track record of driving process improvements, implementing automation tools, and optimizing accounts payable operations required.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.