Under the general direction of the Senior Manager of Financial Operations, the Accounting Automation & Payables Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the Authority's Accounts Payable and related accounting operations. This position provides leadership over the payables function, ensuring timely, accurate, efficient, and compliant processing while driving continuous improvement and automation. The Manager leads and develops staff, establishes priorities and performance expectations, and fosters a culture of accountability, innovation, and change. The position serves as a key accounting resource, applying knowledge of GAAP, GASB, internal controls, and Authority policies to ensure automated processes produce accurate and compliant financial results.

This role partners with Finance, Procurement, Information Technology, and departments across the Authority to modernize procure-to-pay processes, implement and optimize Oracle Fusion and related technologies, strengthen controls, and reduce manual intervention. The Manager identifies opportunities to eliminate inefficient processes, develops performance measures, supports system implementations, and leads initiatives that improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. This position is not simply responsible for managing Accounts Payable as it exists today; it is responsible for reinventing the process and building a future-ready, technology-enabled AP organization.

SUPERVISES OTHERS: YES

FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT

COMPENSATION: $95,501 - $105,528 Based on Experience

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead and transform the Accounts Payable function by establishing a high-performing, accountable team culture focused on continuous improvement, operational excellence, and exceptional customer service.
• Drive the modernization and automation of AP processes, identifying opportunities to eliminate manual work, and reduce intradepartmental touchpoints.
• Develop and execute an AP automation roadmap that leverages Oracle Fusion and complementary technologies to streamline invoice capture, matching, approvals, payments, vendor onboarding, and exception management.
• Maintains and strengthens internal controls over financial reporting, ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of the Authority's accounting records and financial information.
• Strengthen AP internal controls and risk management through standardized processes, segregation of duties, automated controls, exception monitoring, and proactive identification of fraud and payment risks.
• Challenge the status quo and redesign inefficient processes, using data, technology, and best practices to create scalable processes that can support the Authority's continued growth.
• Establish and monitor AP performance metrics and dashboards, including invoice cycle time, touchless processing rates, exception rates, payment timeliness, duplicate invoices, and vendor adoption of electronic payment methods.
• Build a future-ready AP organization by developing employees, cross-training the team, establishing clear performance expectations, and creating an environment where employees are empowered to embrace change, technology, and continuous improvement.
• Oversees project-related payables, ensuring invoices and payments are accurately processed, properly supported, and aligned with contractual requirements and project timelines.
• Ensures compliance with the Florida Prompt Payment Act and applicable Authority policies by monitoring invoice processing, approval, and payment timelines and addressing delays or exceptions.
• Oversees the timely submission, review, and reconciliation of PCard transactions and supporting documentation, ensuring compliance with Authority policies and accurate recording of expenses.
• Provides support for bank reconciliations and cash-related accounting activities, assisting with timely identification, research, and resolution of outstanding transactions.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required as an essential function of this position.

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, and you may not be responsible for every item listed. The employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as necessary

COMPETENCIES

• Driving Results: Ability to inspire and motivate their staff to achieve goals by fostering a positive work environment that encourages enthusiasm, engagement, and high performance. Creates a sense of purpose and excitement around team's output.
• Decisiveness: Thinking outside the box; taking appropriate risk when getting things done with resources available resulting in actionable output.
• Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions; Admitting mistakes and learning from them; Assuming responsibility for dealing with problems, crisis, or issues.
• Sound Judgement: The ability to make sound and timely decisions by analyzing and understanding situations and information clearly by carefully examining the details. Exhibits a sense of urgency where appropriate

REQUIRED FOR ALL HCAA JOBS

• In the event of an emergency or disaster that impacts the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA), an employee may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee's department or the HCAA Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Such assignments may be before, during, or after the emergency/disaster.
• Complies with all HCAA Policies, Standard Procedures, Rules and Regulations, and Operating Directives.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS)

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field
• Six (6) years related AP experience.
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience
• Or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• CPA Certified Public Accountant
• Automation or Process Improvement Experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of accounting principles and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to guide financial reporting and practices.
• Knowledge of professional and departmental standards for conducting comprehensive auditing programs, ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, accounting standards, and Authority policies governing Accounts Payable, financial operations, internal controls, and automated payment processes.
• Ability to establish clear direction, motivate teams, and foster a work culture focused on ongoing learning and performance goals.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others within and outside the Authority.

• Ability to handle restricted, sensitive, and confidential information.

• Ability to provide outstanding customer service, serve the public, and represent the Authority with courtesy and professionalism.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Occasional walking & standing
• Frequent sitting up to 6 hours per day
• Occasional lifting up to 25 Ibs
• Frequent typing