The Accounts Payable Clerk is responsible for managing the day-to-day accounts payable functions to ensure accurate and timely processing of invoices, employee reimbursements, vendor payments, and financial records. This position plays a critical role in maintaining strong vendor relationships, supporting month-end close activities, reconciling financial transactions, and ensuring compliance with company accounting policies and procedures.
The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, organized, dependable, and capable of handling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Accounts Payable Processing
- Review, verify, and process vendor invoices, expense reports, check requests, and payment authorizations.
- Ensure invoices are coded correctly and entered accurately into the accounting system.
- Process and distribute vendor payments through checks, ACH, wire transfers, or electronic payment systems.
- Maintain payment schedules to ensure all obligations are paid within vendor terms and company guidelines.
- Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies, missing invoices, duplicate payments, and vendor statement issues.
- Process voids, stop-payments, and payment corrections according to established procedures.
Vendor Management
- Establish and maintain positive relationships with vendors and service providers.
- Respond to vendor inquiries regarding payment status, account balances, and reconciliation matters.
- Verify vendor information including W-9 forms, tax identification numbers, and payment instructions.
- Assist with annual 1099 preparation and vendor compliance documentation.
Employee Expense & Credit Card Authorization
- Review and process employee expense reports for accuracy, policy compliance, and timely reimbursement.
- Reconcile corporate credit card transactions and ensure proper supporting documentation is provided.
- Monitor deadlines and communicate regularly with employees regarding missing receipts or overdue submissions.
Reconciliations & Financial Reporting
- Reconcile vendor statements, accounts payable balances, and related general ledger accounts.
- Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing procedures.
- Support accrual preparation for unpaid expenses and outstanding liabilities.
- Maintain prepaid expense schedules and related accounting documentation.
- Assist with payroll liability reconciliations and insurance-related accounting activities as assigned
Recordkeeping & Compliance
- Maintain organized and accurate accounts payable files and documentation.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and internal controls.
- Assist with audits by providing supporting documentation and account analysis.
- Support unclaimed property reporting and other regulatory requirements when necessary.
- Protect confidential financial and employee information.
Administrative & Operational Support
- Manage the accounts payable email inboxes and respond to inquiries promptly.
- Generate reports related to cash disbursements, aging, and payment activity.
- Assist with special accounting projects and process improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with accounting staff and other departments to improve workflow efficiency.
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business preferred.
- Minimum of 2–5 years of accounts payable or general accounting experience preferred.
- Experience with accounting software (QBD/QBO) and CaseAware systems preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of accounts payable procedures and accounting principles.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
- High level of integrity and confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with electronic invoice processing systems.
- Knowledge of payroll-related liabilities and expense accruals.
- Certified Accounts Payable Professional (CAPP) certification is a plus.
- Experience with legal, professional services, or multi-entity accounting environments preferred.