Accounts Payable Clerk

Accounts Payable Analyst

Cranford, NJ

$110k-$120k

The Horizon Group is seeking an experienced Accounts Payable (AP) Analyst to assist with invoice processing, payment execution, and cash management across our client’s fund entities and management company. This role will support the Finance team across multiple functions, including payroll assistance, invoice and expense management, wire and cash management, controls and compliance, audit support, and process optimization. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, analytical, and proactive, with a strong understanding of accounting operations and financial systems. Highly proficient in Quickbooks Online Accounting software and Bill.com.

Our client:

Our client is a leading alternative asset manager serving institutional clients with a focus on mortgage debt, structured finance, and asset-based lending. With a commitment to deliver consistent and compelling risk-adjusted returns for their investors, they specialize in operationally complex residential real estate investments, leveraging their infrastructure, experience, and discipline to uncover value others overlook. Founded in 2020, and with a fully owned direct lender under its umbrella, the firm has deployed more than $5 billion in capital across 16 investment vehicles and has over $1 billion in assets currently under management.

Responsibilities:

Invoice & Expense Management

• Review, code, and process invoices for both fund-related expenses (legal, due diligence, fund admin, tax advisors) and management company expenses (rent, IT, professional services).
• Process vendor invoices and employee expense reports accurately and in a timely manner.
• Review and verify invoices, ensuring proper documentation, coding, and approvals.
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Support month-end close by preparing accruals and reconciliations for payables.

Payroll Assistance

• Assist with payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies and applicable laws.
• Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts and prepare journal entries.
• Support payroll audits and assist with employee inquiries related to compensation and benefits.

Wire Processing & Cash Management

• Initiate and coordinate wires for vendor payments, and intercompany transfers.
• Monitor daily cash balances and assist with bank reconciliations.
• Coordinate with the Finance team to optimize cash flow and payment timing.

Controls, Compliance & Audit Support

• Maintain segregation of duties for invoice approvals and wire releases.
• Assist with internal and external audit requests and documentation.
• Maintain proper records and support compliance with GAAP.
• Prepare documentation and support fund audits, tax filings, and regulatory reviews.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Manage vendor onboarding, including banking information, W-9s, and AML/KYC documentation.
• Serve as primary point of contact for law firms and service providers.

Systems & Process Optimization

• Own AP systems (ERP / workflow tools such as Bill.com).
• Implement process improvements to increase automation, reduce invoice cycle times, and strengthen controls.
• Assist with reconciliations of fund expenses and cash activity.

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare periodic reports on accounts payable and cash flow trends.
• Analyze vendor activity, payment performance, and expense categories to identify efficiencies.
• Provide ad-hoc financial data and analysis as requested by management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 1-2 years of relevant experience in Accounts Payable, Accounting, or Finance operations within a Financial Services setting.
• Exposure to audit processes, internal controls, and compliance frameworks is a plus.
• Proficiency with ERP/AP automation tools (Quickbooks Online Accounting Software, Bill.com) and banking platforms (e.g. J.P. Morgan ACCESS).
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deal-driven environment.

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation and performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401k).
• Exposure to senior leadership and deal teams.
• Opportunity to shape processes and scale AP operations in a growing investment platform.