What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounts Payable Specialist position at NearU?
NearU Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (Monday-Thursday onsite, Friday remote)
Summary
NearU is seeking a detail-oriented, analytical, and highly organized Accounts Payable Specialist to join our dynamic finance team. In this role, you will play a key part in ensuring the timely and accurate processing of vendor payments, maintaining vendor master records, and supporting accurate financial reporting. You will also be responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with our branches to promote collaboration and service excellence across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Summary
NearU is seeking a detail-oriented, analytical, and highly organized Accounts Payable Specialist to join our dynamic finance team. In this role, you will play a key part in ensuring the timely and accurate processing of vendor payments, maintaining vendor master records, and supporting accurate financial reporting. You will also be responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with our branches to promote collaboration and service excellence across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Audit and process vendor invoices accurately and efficiently, ensuring correct coding to departments and general ledger accounts using the chart of accounts across inter-company entities.
- Verify invoice accuracy and resolve discrepancies through proactive communication with internal departments and branches.
- Prepare and process payments to vendors via various methods (e.g., check, ACH, wire transfer) in alignment with company policies and agreed-upon payment terms.
- Maintain accurate vendor records, including contact details, payment terms, and tax documentation (e.g., W-9 forms).
- Utilize AP data and reporting tools to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for process improvement or cost savings.
- Review systems reports to support month-end and year-end closing activities related to accounts payable, including accruals and reconciliations.
- Respond to branch inquiries professionally and promptly to ensure strong internal relationships and service excellence.
- Support internal and external audit requests by providing requested documentation and explanations.
- Develop and maintain AP workflows and standard operating procedures (SOPs); ensure documentation is current and organized.
- Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and compliance within AP functions.
- Adhere to company policies, procedures, and GAAP or other relevant accounting regulations.
- Contribute to projects and process enhancements by performing additional duties as assigned, proactively identifying opportunities to improve Accounts Payable operations, and implementing innovative solutions to support the goals of the accounting and finance department.
- Associate’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in Accounts Payable or a related accounting role.
- Strong understanding of accounts payable principles, processes, and best practices.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail, with excellent data entry skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel; experience with cloud-based accounting software and ERP systems preferred (Sage Intacct a plus).
- Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, identify and solve complex problems and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrate exceptional written and verbal communication skills to foster cross-functional teamwork. This includes proactively addressing inquiries, managing vendor relationships, and rebuilding trust to ensure seamless accounts payable operations.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Familiarity with internal controls, compliance requirements, and audit processes related to AP is a plus.
- High level of accuracy and integrity.