What are the responsibilities and job description for the Procurement Operations and Accounts Payable Manager position at Spring Education Group?
Spring Education Group is a multi-brand education network of superior private school institutions spanning infant care through high school. The network (currently composed of approximately 220 schools) brings together some of the best private school programs in the country, with proven track records educating children through unique and carefully crafted curricula.
Manager, Procurement Operations and Accounts Payable (P2P, Vendor Management, Process Improvement) – Spring Education Group
What We Offer
- Employee referral bonus
- Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401k)
- Opportunity to lead and build scalable procure-to-pay operations across a national organization
About the Role
Spring Education Group is seeking a Manager of Procurement Operations and Accounts Payable to lead and optimize the end-to-end procure-to-pay cycle across a multi-site organization. This role is responsible for overseeing accounts payable operations, establishing purchasing policies, and driving process improvements that enhance efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and support financial accuracy.
As a key partner to the Corporate Controller and cross-functional leaders, you will lead initiatives related to vendor management, purchase order processes, and system optimization. This role requires a balance of operational leadership, process design, and analytical capability within a fast-paced, multi-location environment.
**This is a hybrid position requiring three days per week in the office and two days remote**
Key Responsibilities
Procure-to-Pay Operations
- Lead and optimize the end-to-end procure-to-pay process across the organization
- Develop and enforce purchasing policies, including purchase order and preferred vendor usage
- Identify opportunities to consolidate vendors and reduce costs through strategic sourcing
- Oversee vendor relationships and resolve issues in a timely and professional manner
- Ensure accurate and timely processing of invoices and execution of weekly payment runs
- Maintain vendor master data including tax documentation and payment verification processes
Accounting & Financial Close Support
- Partner with the accounting team to support month-end close activities, including accruals and reconciliations
- Partner with the accounting team to support accurate expense classification and coding
- Support vendor statement reconciliations and invoice cutoff procedures
Process Improvement & Internal Controls
- Evaluate existing processes and implement improvements to increase efficiency and control
- Design, document, and maintain standard operating procedures for procure-to-pay processes
- Support automation and system enhancements, including purchase order and invoice workflows
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, company policies, and accounting standards
Compliance & Audit
- Oversee 1099 preparation and compliance requirements
- Support external audits by providing documentation and process visibility
- Ensure adherence to tax regulations and internal policies
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop accounts payable team members
- Establish performance expectations and drive accountability within the team
- Partner with finance leadership to improve operational performance and scalability
What We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- 5 years of experience in accounting, accounts payable, or procurement operations
- Prior leadership or supervisory experience
- Experience managing procure-to-pay processes in a multi-site environment
- Strong understanding of internal controls and financial operations
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with ERP systems such as NetSuite and AP automation tools such as AvidXchange
- Experience implementing or optimizing purchase order and invoice approval systems
- Experience in a multi-location or high-volume operational environment
Key Skills & Attributes
- Strong process improvement and systems mindset
- Analytical and problem-solving capabilities with attention to detail
- Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders
- Strong communication skills across all levels of the organization
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment