Senior Accounts Payable Specialist

Location: Kelso, WA
Compensation: $28-$41/hour DOE
Employment Type: Full-Time, Temp-to-Hire

About the Opportunity

Our client is seeking a Senior Accounts Payable Specialist to join their accounting team. This role is ideal for an experienced A/P professional who thrives in a high-volume environment, enjoys solving complex problems, and is passionate about improving processes through technology, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The Senior Accounts Payable Specialist will manage full-cycle accounts payable responsibilities while serving as a key resource for troubleshooting, training, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable Operations

• Process high-volume accounts payable transactions, including PO and non-PO invoices.
• Review invoice coding, approvals, discrepancies, and exception items.
• Reconcile vendor statements and company credit card transactions.
• Support subcontractor compliance requirements and vendor documentation review.
• Assist with month-end close activities, accruals, and reconciliation processes.
• Prepare payment runs and ensure accuracy prior to final approval.
• Provide backup support to team members during peak periods and absences.

Problem Solving & Issue Resolution

• Serve as a resource for complex accounts payable issues, including invoice discrepancies, payment disputes, retainage, and aging balances.
• Identify root causes of recurring issues and implement long-term solutions.
• Collaborate with operations, purchasing, project teams, and vendors to resolve payment and cost-related concerns.
• Manage compliance-related payment holds and documentation requirements.

Process Improvement & Technology

• Recommend and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Support and optimize accounts payable systems and workflow automation tools.
• Leverage reporting, automation, AI, and technology solutions to improve operational performance.
• Develop reports and dashboards to track key accounts payable metrics.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects and process enhancement initiatives.

Training & Documentation

• Create and maintain standard operating procedures and process documentation.
• Train and mentor team members on systems, workflows, and best practices.
• Support cross-training initiatives across the accounting department.
• Assist internal stakeholders with accounts payable policies and approval processes.

Controls & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to internal controls and accounting policies.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen controls and reduce risk.
• Support internal and external audit requests.
• Perform additional accounting and administrative duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of full-cycle accounts payable experience.
• Experience working in a high-volume accounts payable environment.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and A/P best practices.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis.
• Experience improving processes and implementing workflow efficiencies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience with ERP systems and accounts payable automation platforms.
• Construction, manufacturing, engineering, or project-based industry experience.
• Experience developing SOPs, training materials, and mentoring team memb

  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.