Accounts Payable Specialist

Location: Chicago, IL
Hire Type: Contract
Industry: Manufacturing

Our client, a well-established manufacturing organization, is seeking an Accounts Payable Specialist to support daily AP operations and assist with a high-volume invoice backlog following the recent implementation of AppZen.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of accounts payable processes, can research and resolve invoice discrepancies, and is comfortable working through changing procedures during a system transition. This position requires someone who can process invoices efficiently without sacrificing accuracy or attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Review, verify, code, and process a high volume of vendor invoices.
• Perform three-way matching between invoices, purchase orders, receipts, and approvals.
• Code invoices to the appropriate general ledger accounts and cost centers.
• Research and resolve discrepancies involving invoices, purchase orders, duplicate payments, and short payments.
• Reconcile vendor statements and respond to payment-status inquiries.
• Maintain accurate supporting documentation for audits and month-end close.
• Follow established internal controls, approval workflows, and accounting policies.
• Help reduce the current invoice backlog while maintaining quality and accuracy.
• Troubleshoot AP workflow and system issues following the AppZen implementation.
• Assist with improving and establishing AP procedures as processes are refined.
• Collaborate with Finance, Procurement, Operations, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• One to three years of accounts payable, accounting, or related finance experience.
• Strong knowledge of invoice processing, payment cycles, reconciliations, and vendor management.
• Experience processing invoices in a high-volume or shared-services environment.
• Experience with SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Workday, or a comparable ERP system.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Strong troubleshooting, research, and discrepancy-resolution skills.
• Excellent accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience with AppZen or another AP automation platform.
• Experience supporting an AP software implementation or process transition.
• Familiarity with three-way matching, 1099 reporting, audit readiness, and month-end close.
• Process-improvement and AP procedure-development experience.
• Knowledge of internal controls and basic GAAP principles.
• Manufacturing industry experience.