Job Summary:
The Lead Accountant - Accounts Payable Invoice Processing supports Expenditure Accounting by leading and assisting the team with key accounts payable activities. The role identifies and resolves processing issues, communicates with invoice approvers, and helps ensure timely payments and the capture of available discounts.
The position facilitates process training, reviews month-end journal entries, and leads continuous improvement initiatives. It uses digital accounting and invoicing systems, including automation and AI-enabled tools, to streamline workflows, maintain accurate documentation, support compliance, and improve record-keeping.
Job Responsibilities:
• Uses digital accounting and invoicing systems to process, distribute, and electronically track invoices. Support backup withholding activities, including accurate and timely payments and regulatory reporting.
• Codes, reviews, and posts paper and electronic invoices.
• Maintains organized procedures for identifying, tracking, and resolving problematic invoices.
• Responds to vendor inquiries and collaborates with assigned departments and field offices to resolve invoice-processing issues.
• Trains stakeholders on accounts payable procedures and identifies opportunities to streamline invoice workflows.
• Confirms field staff approvals, verifies costs, performs account reconciliations, and follows up on reports to maintain accurate financial records.
• Reviews month-end journal entries and supports period-end close activities.
• Leads concurrent projects, mentors less-experienced professionals, and initiates changes that improve accounts payable processes.
• Builds effective stakeholder relationships, shares knowledge, and influences accounts payable projects and peer groups.
• Applies industry best practices to identify and diagnose issues and independently recommend solutions.
• Collaborates across disciplines and applies advanced accounts payable and project management skills to support company performance and organizational goals.
• Works with internal and external auditors to provide documentation and support for annual and semiannual audits.
• Partners with service organizations to resolve accounts payable processing issues.
• Communicates accounts payable processes, results, and decisions to internal and external stakeholders, including individuals who may not be familiar with the details.
• Ensures the timely and effective resolution of requests, questions, and complaints.
• Uses data, automation, and AI-enabled tools to identify workflow issues, improve invoice accuracy, enhance reporting, and increase processing efficiency.
Education:
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant work experience.
Experience:
Seven (7) or more years of relevant experience, preferably in:
• Accounts payable
• Invoice workflow systems
• General ledger coding
• Compliance and reporting
• Account reconciliations
• Process automation and optimization
• Strong knowledge of and experience with SAP
Preferred Certifications:
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Skills and Technical Knowledge:
• Working knowledge of SAP, with an emphasis on general ledger processes
• Experience with Enverus or similar invoice workflow systems
• Experience with cloud data platforms and analytics and reporting tools, including Snowflake, Sigma, and Power BI
• Proficiency with Microsoft Power Platform tools, including Power Apps and Power Automate
• Experience with automation and scripting tools, including VBA for Excel and Access, Python, and SQL
• Experience applying AI, natural language processing, or automation tools to finance and accounting, including Claude, or Shortcut AI
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, Word, and Teams
• Accounts payable and invoice reconciliation
• Account reconciliations
• Financial Reporting Standards (FRS)
• Bookkeeping and general ledger accounting
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Data analysis and reporting
• Business process improvement
• Digital accounting and invoicing systems
• Documentation procedures
Competencies
• Stakeholder relationship management
• Oral and written communication
• Results orientation
• Active learning
• Digital literacy
• Business acumen
• Innovation
• Problem-Solving
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Project Management
• Coaching and Mentoring
