Manager, Accounts Payable - Westchester, IL

Position Overview

Follett Higher Education is a leading educational service provider and omnichannel retailer that provides students, faculty and staff, parents, and fans with the course materials, learning tools, and retail services needed to successfully support the collegiate journey. Follett Higher Education supports over 6 million students through its 1,100 physical and 1,750 eCommerce campus stores across North America.

The Accounts Payable Manager is responsible for overseeing all accounts payable operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices, managing vendor relationships, and maintaining compliance with company policies and accounting standards. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to lead and mentor AP team members while implementing process improvements and controls.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a team of engaged Accounts Payable team members, both FTE and contractors, with the ability to execute a high standard of initiatives and processes while driving high operational standards to produce business results.
• Ongoing development, communication, and feedback, managing performance, reviews and goals, training, interviewing and selecting talent, as well as onboarding and scheduling to ensure efficient team operations.
• Vendor relationship management, including inquiries, dispute resolution, and negotiation of payment terms.
• Month-end and year-end close activities, reconciliations, accruals, and financial reporting support.
• Assists/implements company initiatives, process improvements, and special AP projects.
• Analyzes accounts payable cycle to develop more efficient procedures and use of resources while maintaining a high level of accuracy/efficiency.
• Implementing and monitoring internal controls, compliance procedures, and audit requirements; recommending process improvements and system enhancements.
• Additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned.

• 8-10 years of progressive Accounts Payable experience, including experience in a high-volume or complex business environment.
• 5 years of management or supervisory experience, with demonstrated success leading, coaching, and developing Accounts Payable professionals.
• A demonstrated ability to support and influence a team.
• Experience with working with vendors/partners/offshore resources on accounts
• Experience managing a combination of full-time employees, contractors, and/or offshore resources.
• Strong knowledge of the end-to-end Accounts Payable lifecycle, including invoice processing, approvals, payment processing, vendor maintenance, reconciliations, and issue resolution.