Accounts Payable Manager

Summary Description:The Accounts Payable Manager is responsible for end-to-end ownership of the Company's accounts payable function, including invoice processing, vendor management, payment planning and execution, AP aging management, and related accounting controls. This position serves as the primary owner of vendor payables and works closely with Finance leadership to ensure payments are appropriately planned and prioritized. The role requires an experienced accounts payable professional who can independently manage the AP process, identify and resolve issues, maintain strong vendor relationships, and provide clear visibility into upcoming payment needs.Essential Job Duties/Responsibilities:[CH1] [CN2]

· Own the end-to-end accounts payable process from invoice receipt through approval, payment, reconciliation, and resolution of outstanding items.

· Receive, review, and process trade payable invoices, including cold storage, customer brokerage, rebate payments, and other vendor invoices.

· Manage invoice coding and approval workflows and proactively follow up with approvers to prevent delays.

· Maintain and actively manage the AP aging, including identifying past-due balances, upcoming payments, credits, disputes, duplicate invoices, and other items requiring action.

· Develop and maintain proposed weekly payment plans based on vendor terms, due dates, business priorities, and direction from Finance leadership.

· Provide Finance leadership with clear visibility into upcoming payment requirements and significant or unusual vendor payments.

· Proactively identify payment issues or vendor concerns that could impact operations and escalate them to management as appropriate.

· Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor payment inquiries and proactively communicate with vendors regarding payment timing, discrepancies, and account status.

· Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors and work collaboratively to resolve payment or account issues.

· Ensure Capital and R&M invoices are properly coded and follow applicable payment schedules.

· Manage the AP email inbox and ensure inquiries are addressed in a timely manner.

· Process employee reimbursements.

· Execute approved weekly ACH, check, wire, and other payment activity in accordance with established controls.

· Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies, unapplied credits, aged items, and other account differences.

· Maintain accurate vendor records and support appropriate controls over vendor setup and changes, including banking information and required documentation.

· Work with the Accounting Manager during month-end close to identify accruals, resolve outstanding accrual reversals, and ensure expenses and liabilities are appropriately recorded.

· Prepare AP reporting as needed, including aging trends, upcoming payments, past-due balances, and other relevant information.

· Identify and implement opportunities to improve AP processes, controls, efficiency, and reporting.

· Maintain appropriate documentation and support for internal controls, financial statement audits, and other compliance requirements.

· Cross-train and provide backup support across accounting functions as needed.

· Evaluate and implement AP process efficiency improvements.

Qualifications:

· 5+ years of progressive accounts payable or accounting experience, preferably including significant independent ownership of the AP process.

· Experience managing vendor relationships, AP aging, payment schedules, and resolving payment issues.

· Strong understanding of accounts payable accounting, internal controls, accruals, and month-end close.

· Experience with Sage X3 or similar ERP preferred.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

· Experience in manufacturing, food processing, distribution, or a similarly operational environment preferred.

Skills:

· Strong ownership mentality with the ability to independently drive issues through resolution.

· Strong judgment in prioritizing AP activities, maintaining vendor relationships, and identifying issues that require management attention.

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills, particularly in vendor-facing situations.

· Excellent time management and organizational skills.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to work under pressure, manage changing priorities, and meet deadlines.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person