ACCOUNTS PAYABLE SUPERVISOR JOB DESCRIPTION

An AP subledger with unreconciled balances, missed period-end accruals, and a backlog of unprocessed vendor invoices creates downstream problems that cascade through financial close. The Accounts Payable Supervisor is the function owner who prevents that outcome. Overseeing a team of specialists, this supervisor manages the full invoice-to-payment cycle, enforces Form 1099 compliance obligations, and steers period-end close in coordination with general accounting and treasury. Few finance roles carry this combination of daily transactional volume and month-end regulatory accountability.

As the Accounts Payable Supervisor, you own the accuracy and timeliness of all vendor payment operations, from PO and non-PO invoice processing through period-end accruals and 1099 filings, directly supporting the integrity of the general ledger. You lead a team of AP specialists within the broader Finance and Accounting function, coordinating regularly with treasury, purchasing, and senior finance leadership to sustain audit-ready records and compliant disbursement controls.

Career Impact: Supervisory ownership of Form 1099 compliance and period-end close builds the kind of technical accounting credibility that supports advancement into AP Manager or Controller-track roles.

Business Impact: Vendor payment accuracy and on-time disbursements determine whether supplier relationships remain stable and whether the general ledger closes clean each period.

Growth Opportunity: Leading process improvement initiatives and managing ERP-based workflows positions you to move into broader accounting operations management as your organization scales.

• Supervise AP specialists through daily invoice processing, task allocation, and performance management to maintain throughput and accuracy.
• Direct period-end close activities, including accruals, account reconciliation, and posting of AP transactions to the general ledger.
• Oversee weekly disbursements by allocating cash resources against vendor payment schedules and processing checks, ACH, and wire runs.
• Enforce internal controls and departmental procedures to protect company assets and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and SLAs.
• Manage Form 1099 preparation, sales and use tax filings, and other payable-related compliance obligations on an annual cycle.
• Monitor AP workflows and KPIs, identifying process gaps and implementing standardized improvements to increase team efficiency.
• Coordinate with treasury, purchasing, and general accounting to resolve invoice discrepancies and align on cost-posting strategies.
• Maintain vendor and supplier master files through regular audits to ensure data accuracy and support audit preparation.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or equivalent work experience.
• 4 or more years of accounts payable experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or team lead capacity.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general ledger coding, period-end accruals, and reconciliation processes.
• Proven ability to manage high volumes of PO and non-PO invoice transactions with accuracy and timeliness.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience identifying and implementing process improvements.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage competing deadlines and prioritize workload across a team.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with vendors, internal stakeholders, and senior leadership.

• Experience administering a company-wide Travel and Entertainment expense reporting system, including user onboarding and system integrity.
• Familiarity with abandoned property reporting requirements and multi-entity AP environments spanning multiple subsidiaries.
• Prior exposure to continuous improvement methodologies applied to financial operations workflows.
• Advanced spreadsheet skills, including data analysis, pivot tables, and formula-based reporting for AP metrics.

• Invoice processing accuracy rate measures the percentage of invoices posted without error or rework.
• Period-end close completion rate within the established close calendar, reflecting timely accrual and reconciliation execution.
• Vendor payment on-time rate, tracking disbursements released on or before the agreed payment terms.
• Form 1099 filing accuracy and on-time submission, measured against IRS deadline compliance each year.
• AP aging balance, reflecting the team's effectiveness at clearing outstanding payables within terms.
• Typical tools: ERP platforms (commonly SAP, MS Dynamics NAV); expense management systems (commonly SAP Concur); spreadsheet applications (commonly Microsoft Excel).

• Base Salary Range: $65,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus, typically 5 to 10 percent of base salary.
• Equity: Not standard at this level in most corporate environments.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by company.
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus standard federal holidays.
• Common Perks: Hybrid work flexibility, professional development reimbursement, 401(k) with employer match.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required for all applicants. Employment in this role is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process upon request.

The Accounts Payable Supervisor owns the full cycle of invoice processing, check runs, expense coding, and vendor payment relationships across a multi-department organization. Collaborating with the accounting team and serving as liaison to the purchasing team, this role shapes cost-saving outcomes and period-end accuracy for the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages the accounts payable department, including overseeing staff, workflows, and departmental procedures.
• Monitors the accounts payable process for efficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
• Supervises accounts payable specialists, including performance management and task allocation.
• Maintains vendor and supplier files through regular audits to ensure accuracy.
• Processes incoming invoices, including date stamping, coding, vouchering, and routing to appropriate departments.
• Prepares the daily check run and processes checks for mailing or overnight delivery.
• Processes and codes expense reports for corporate credit cards and employee reimbursements.
• Manages weekly disbursements by planning and allocating cash resources based on vendor requirements.
• Performs period-end accruals and account reconciliation processes.
• Oversees sales and use tax, Form 1099, and other payable-related filings.
• Acts as liaison between the purchasing team and vendors to resolve payable matters.
• Collaborates with the accounting team to identify cost-saving initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, preferably in Accounting.
• Minimum 8 years of accounts payable experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Strong general accounting knowledge, including correct general ledger coding and period-end processes.
• Proficiency in MS Office, including Excel and Word.
• Knowledge of Chempax software is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify and implement process improvements.
• High attention to detail and accuracy, with strong data entry and 10-key skills.
• Strong math, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, multitasking, and prioritization skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professional relationships across all levels.
• Strong leadership, team development, and interpersonal skills.

Embedded within the Finance and Accounting function, the Accounts Payable Supervisor leads the month-end close, posting of AP transactions to the general ledger, and timely processing of invoices, wire, and ACH payments across all subsidiaries. Working closely with internal and external clients, this role delivers reconciled records and audit-ready documentation that support financial integrity across the organization.

Core Functions

• Manages monthly closing of the accounts payable system and posting of month-end information to the general ledger.
• Ensures all invoices, check requests, wire transfers, and ACH payments are processed accurately and on time.
• Maintains a clean and accurate Open AP report.
• Determines work procedures and workflow, and standardizes procedures to improve team efficiency.
• Supervises, mentors, and motivates the accounts payable team, ensuring even workload distribution and cross-training.
• Oversees transaction processing and develops strategies for accurate, timely cost posting.
• Ensures consistent and exceptional customer service to internal and external clients.
• Reconciles and pays vendor accounts promptly.
• Supports financial audit processes by directing the preparation of required documentation.
• Manages controls and procedures to ensure compliance with company strategy.
• Participates in the preparation and filing of abandoned property reports and 1099s.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting or related field.
• 4+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience with high volumes of PO and non-PO transactional processing.
• Proficiency in MS Dynamics NAV and MS Office products, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Solid leadership and team management skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Professional oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with employees and vendors.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.

Reporting to senior finance leadership, the Accounts Payable Supervisor shapes the integrity of the AP subledger by directing a team through vendor payment processing, account reconciliations, and discrepancy resolution across multiple ERP platforms. Partnering with reporting, treasury, and general accounting groups, this role enables accurate financial recording and continuous process improvement at a company-wide scale.

Primary Duties

• Directs a team in the timely and accurate processing of vendor payments, discrepancy resolution, and account reconciliations.
• Ensures the integrity of the accounts payable accounting subledger.
• Manages team staffing, training, performance management, coaching, and development.
• Establishes and maintains internal controls and procedures to protect company assets and address growth.
• Works closely with finance groups, including reporting, treasury, and general accounting, to ensure accurate financial recording of accounts payable activities.
• Interacts regularly with upper management, internal and external customers, and vendor partners to implement solutions aligned with company goals.
• Creates and reports monthly metrics and analytics to measure team output and capacity.
• Fosters team building and applies continuous process improvement principles to optimize invoice processing and vendor payments.
• Owns the company-wide Travel and Entertainment expense reporting system, including system integrity and user onboarding.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5 years of accounting or finance experience, including 2 years of people management experience.
• Experience with SAP Concur expense reporting and various ERP platforms.
• Demonstrated success in creating and implementing accounts payable best practices and internal controls.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with critical attention to detail.
• Effective managerial skills to facilitate and manage change and process improvements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact with all stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to balance competing priorities and meet deadlines.

Sitting at the intersection of vendor relationship management and high-volume invoice processing, the Accounts Payable Supervisor leads AP specialists and leads in resolving merchandise invoice exceptions, maintaining vendor records, and producing departmental productivity reporting within a retail AP environment. Operating across the APM department and coordinating with the Master Data Management team, this role builds the operational accuracy and vendor satisfaction that underpin retail financial compliance.

Duties

• Develops and evaluates AP specialists and leads to ensure the highest level of customer service to merchandise vendors.
• Assists with performance appraisals, monitors productivity, and participates in disciplinary actions as needed.
• Assesses daily functions of the MERA application, distributes exceptions to the team, and coordinates system issue resolution.
• Assists in coordinating audit-related information for MERCH transactions during quarterly and year-end external audits.
• Evaluates internal reporting on domestic invoice transactions and makes recommendations to improve timeliness and accuracy.
• Communicates vendor and invoice discrepancies to the AP Merchandise Supervisor and Manager.
• Maintains and updates business processes and procedures.
• Researches discrepancies related to vendors and processed invoices.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of general accounts payable experience, including at least 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Prior experience in retail and high-volume invoice transaction environments.
• Prior experience with a known ERP AP system, such as PeopleSoft or Oracle.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills, including strong analytical capabilities.
• A 4-year degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with co-workers, management, and vendors.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and organizational skills.

A key member of the Finance and Accounting team, the Accounts Payable Supervisor leads daily AP operations, including transaction processing, KPI monitoring, and continuous improvement of financial tools in alignment with applicable laws and Service Level Agreements. Collaborating across internal and external stakeholders at varying seniority levels, this role delivers process efficiency and audit readiness that protect the organization's financial controls.

Accountabilities

• Manages team operations, including recruiting, meetings, feedback, mentoring, responsibility allocation, and performance development reviews.
• Ensures the right level of competencies within the team through development planning, knowledge sharing, and motivation.
• Maintains assigned process flows, ensuring documentation is kept up to date in the internal database.
• Monitors KPIs and internal controls to ensure process efficiency and safety.
• Identifies, standardizes, and improves financial and accounting tools, contributing to continuous improvement projects.
• Ensures timely and accurate processing of transactions in accordance with applicable laws and Service Level Agreements.
• Identifies risks, addresses escalations, and manages audit requests.
• Develops and maintains strong business relationships with internal and external key stakeholders.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in accounting, preferably including at least 1 year in a similar supervisory position.
• University degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
• Proficiency in MS Office tools, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent mentoring and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical skills with close attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across stakeholders at varying levels of seniority.

Accurate and timely payment of invoices across a high-volume finance environment depends on the Accounts Payable Supervisor, who directs clerical staff workflow, oversees weekly payment runs, and manages 1099 reporting and recurring lease payments within Creative Artists Agency's Finance and Accounting Group. Based within the AP department and reporting to Finance management, this role leads staffing decisions and builds team capability to sustain service excellence across the organization.

Operational Focus

• Directs department activities, including workflow management, process improvements, and change management.
• Determines staffing levels and maintains a qualified team, including hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating performance.
• Establishes, communicates, and ensures adherence to department policies and procedures, subject to management approval.
• Reviews weekly invoices for coding accuracy.
• Oversees the weekly payment run, including related reporting.
• Manages recurring payments, including rents, leases, and related CAM reconciliations.
• Manages outstanding and re-issued checks.
• Manages monthly and annual 1099 reporting and audit requests.
• Holds weekly AP team meetings and escalates issues as needed.
• Manages AP projects and some regional travel.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of accounts payable experience, including at least 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems and Microsoft Office.
• Strong Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and formulas.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• High attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills.

As the Accounts Payable Supervisor, this role processes PO and non-PO vouchers, reviews travel expense reports in adherence to GSA Federal Travel Regulation requirements, and manages cash disbursements to ensure timely vendor payment within Serco's Herndon, VA headquarters. The Accounts Payable Organization relies on this work to maintain accurate disbursement records and control reports while coordinating with Treasury, Payroll, Compliance, and other corporate departments.

Key Deliverables

• Reviews and processes PO and non-PO vouchers.
• Reviews travel expense reports, including verification, documentation substantiation, and processing in adherence to GSA Federal Travel Regulation requirements.
• Manages voucher posting, vendor setup, and analysis.
• Manages cash disbursements to ensure timely payment of vendor invoices and expense vouchers, maintaining accurate records and control reports.
• Collaborates with the manager and other departments, including Treasury, Payroll, and Compliance.
• Handles vendor inquiries, research, and reviews.
• Manages the ticketing system queue and performs analysis and recommendations.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent, plus 4-8 years of industry-specific experience.
• Government contracting experience required.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience required.
• Experience with high volumes of PO and non-PO transactional processing.
• Proficiency in Costpoint 7 and MS Office products, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• A broad understanding of accounts payable functions and the flow of transactions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with excellent organizational and multitasking ability.
• Ability to follow stated policies and procedures with good customer service skills.

Accounts Payable Supervisor leads a two-person purchase ledger team through the full cycle of invoice processing, weekly payment runs, supplier query resolution, and statement reconciliations for a growing commercial business supporting its Finance Manager. The work directly supports supplier relationship integrity and online banking accuracy across internal departments and the broader supply chain.

Scope of Work

• Leads the purchase ledger team and oversees the full purchase ledger process.
• Ensures supplier terms and rebates are correctly set up on the system and adhered to.
• Processes invoices and handles supplier queries.
• Processes the weekly payment run and allocates accordingly.
• Performs statement reconciliations and sends remittances.
• Works closely with internal departments and suppliers to resolve problems.
• Handles exceptions, urgent payment requests, payments, and online banking.

Background & Experience

• Proven experience running a purchase ledger function is essential.
• Supervisory experience is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of financial systems.
• Experience working in a product-led sector, including knowledge of stock and goods received.
• Good Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills with experience in a changing environment.

The Accounts Payable Supervisor oversees AP staff through invoice auditing, PO and non-PO posting, payment proposals, 1099 reporting, and monthly closing procedures to ensure all vendor payments are processed accurately and on time. Collaborating with Transportation, Customer Service, Inventory, and Purchasing to resolve invoice issues, this role advances operational accuracy and vendor master integrity across the finance function.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervises accounts payable staff and conducts yearly performance reviews.
• Audits and posts PO and non-PO invoices and runs payment proposals.
• Manages 1099 reporting, monthly closing procedures, and journal entries.
• Runs weekly reports and performs petty cash management.
• Resolves invoice issues with Transportation, Customer Service, Inventory, and Purchasing.
• Audits and confirms the Vendor Master.

Professional Experience

• College education preferred, with accounting coursework.
• SAP experience is mandatory.
• Intermediate Microsoft Office skills, including Excel and Word.
• Knowledge of international payment requirements.
• Strong multitasking, prioritization, and deadline management skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with strong people and persuasion skills.
• Proactive, with a strong sense of urgency and the ability to perform well under pressure.