Accounts Payable Team Lead

SCHEDULE: Full-time; Monday through Friday (8:00 am- 4:30 pm) Average of 40 hours a week. Overtime required for month/quarter ends and occasional weekends and holidays.

LOCATION: 131 E Main Street, Hills, Iowa 

BENEFITS: Our employees are our most valuable assets, so we invest in them with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Our philosophy of taking care of the customer extends to taking care of our employees so that they, in turn, can take good care of themselves and their families. Join Hills Bank and let us surprise you with even more perks!

SCOPE:

The Accounts Payable Team Lead is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day accounts payable operations, leading and developing the AP team, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, maintaining strong internal controls, and serving as the primary point of contact for AP-related inquiries. This role emphasizes operational excellence, problem resolution, vendor management, and continuous process improvement while ensuring timely and accurate disbursement of payments.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Accounts Payable Operations & Leadership

• Assist with departmental leadership to ensure invoices and payments are processed timely, accurately, and in compliance with internal policies.
• Equalize work distribution, monitor daily output, and review check, ACH, and batch processing to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Review and approve accounts payable batches, ensuring appropriate approvals, documentation, and adherence to internal controls.
• Identify training needs and provide ongoing coaching related to systems, procedures, and best practices.
• Serve as the primary owner of the AP inbox, prioritizing requests, recognizing urgent issues, and ensuring timely and effective resolution of all correspondence.

Vendor Management & Problem Resolution

• Act as the primary liaison with vendors and internal departments to resolve discrepancies, disputes, lost checks, payment inquiries, and system-related issues.
• Perform vendor setup, vetting, maintenance, and approval in accordance with Bank policies, including W-9 validation and tax compliance.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills when working with vendors and bank employees.
• Maintain familiarity with indemnities and related procedures, ensuring proper handling and documentation.

Internal Controls, Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain strict internal controls to prevent fraud, duplicate payments, and errors.
• Ensure compliance with IRS 1099 reporting requirements, Iowa sales and consumer use tax regulations, escheatment laws, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee year end 1099 preparation, validation, reporting, and vendor corrections.
• Manage escheatment processes, including outstanding check cleanup and required reporting.

Financial Accounting Support

• Review accounts payable transactions with a high degree of skepticism to ensure proper general ledger coding and alignment with accounting policies.
• Assist with the review and reconciliation of select general ledger accounts, prepare adjusting entries as needed, and provide supporting documentation.
• Assist with accounts payable and purchasing system administration, including testing, upgrades, and new implementations.
• Assist with year-end accounting processes, including compiling support for accrual entries.
• Provide financial accounting support and research as the primary AP subject matter resource for the Bank.

Process Improvement & Technology

• Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and efficiencies within the accounts payable function.
• Track AP batches, monitor workflow status, and respond to questions related to Visa and card-related notifications.

Service & Outcomes

• Ensure the department meets all financial deadlines, adheres to internal controls, and provides high-quality service to both internal and external customers.
• Perform backup duties within the department as needed to ensure continuity during vacations, leaves, or peak periods.

Other Duties:

• Assist the Controller with other projects as required.
• Maintain professional knowledge through job-related education, seminars, workshops, and conferences.
• Participate in bank and community events as appropriate.

EDUCATION AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of a two-year degree in accounting, finance, or a related field (four-year degree preferred).

• Four years of bank or similar regulated financial accounting experience.
• Accounts payable system experience with Flexi is preferred.
• Progressive experience in accounts payable, including leadership or senior-level responsibilities
• Strong understanding of Iowa sales and consumer use tax guidelines.
• Strong understanding of IRS 1099 reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret policies, maintain confidentiality, and exercise sound judgment.
• Work schedule flexibility required during month-end processing, year-end (December–February), and other critical reporting periods; occasional Saturdays and holidays may be required.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/VETERANS/DISABILITY