Accounts Payable Lead

Overview:

Hayden Industrial, a leading manufacturer of industrial cooling systems, is seeking an Accounts Payable Lead to join our Finance team. The Accounts Payable Lead will provide day-to-day leadership and support to the Accounts Payable team, helping ensure invoices and payments are processed accurately, timely, and in accordance with company procedures. This position will serve as a resource for AP Clerks and AP Specialists, assist with training and problem resolution, monitor workflow and workload, and help maintain the overall efficiency and accuracy of the Accounts Payable function.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day guidance, support, and coaching to Accounts Payable Clerks and Specialists; assist with training and onboarding of new team members.
• Monitor the AP workflow to ensure invoices and transactions are processed accurately, efficiently, and within established deadlines and company procedures.
• Review invoices for appropriate documentation, approvals, coding, purchase orders, receiving information, and overall accuracy and completeness.
• Monitor AP email inquiries and ensure vendor and internal requests are addressed timely, with a target response time of 24 hours.
• Monitor aged and open invoices, payment schedules, and outstanding items; work with AP team members and other departments to resolve issues and support timely payments and cash management objectives.
• Research and resolve invoice, payment, and vendor account discrepancies, including receiving, pricing, purchase order, coding, and vendor-related issues; serve as an escalation point for complex or unusual matters.
• Assist with vendor account maintenance and ensure vendor information and account discrepancies are appropriately addressed.
• Review AP team transactions and work for accuracy and completeness, providing feedback, coaching, and guidance as needed.
• Assist with payment processing activities, including check runs, wire payments, and other scheduled payments, ensuring payments are processed accurately and timely.
• Prepare, review, and maintain AP reports, including invoice counts, aging reports, workflow metrics, and other AP-related reporting.
• Develop and maintain AP procedures and identify opportunities to improve processes, accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Receiving, and other departments to resolve invoice and payment issues and improve cross-functional processes.
• Assist with month-end close activities, audits, special projects, reporting, and other accounting-related activities as assigned.
• Process invoices and perform other AP duties as needed during periods of high volume or staffing shortages while maintaining confidentiality of financial and vendor information.
• Provide support to the Finance Shared Services Manager on special projects and other assigned responsibilities.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; three or more years of accounts payable or related accounting experience preferred.
• Prior experience in a lead, senior, or supervisory accounts payable role preferred, with the ability to provide direction, training, and support to AP team members.
• Strong understanding of accounts payable processes, including invoice and payment processing, vendor account management, and resolving discrepancies.
• Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, organization, and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to independently research and resolve issues and work effectively with internal departments and external vendors.
• Ability to work effectively in a high-volume, fast-paced environment while maintaining confidentiality and appropriately handling financial information.

Supervisor Responsibility:

This position provides day-to-day direction, training, and support to Accounts Payable team members but does not have formal supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The Accounts Payable Lead position is primarily based in an office environment, with tasks typically performed at a desk or workstation. The role requires extended periods of sitting, frequent use of office equipment, and repetitive motions such as typing and using a mouse. Occasional lifting of office supplies or files (up to 25 pounds) may also be required.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Travel:

No travel is required for this position.

Benefits:

Hayden Industrial offers a generous benefits package including comprehensive health, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, a generous paid time off schedule, and professional development opportunities.

AAP/EEO Statement:

Hayden Industrial is an equal employment opportunity employer. Hayden Industrial recognizes and embraces federal legislation on equal employment opportunity and is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination. All applicants for employment and all employees will be afforded equal opportunity and treatment, regardless of age, race, religion, gender, national origin, disability status or other protected status. All employees are responsible for complying with all applicable Federal, State and Local Laws, rules and regulations regarding non-discrimination practices.