What are the responsibilities and job description for the Supervisor, Logistics Accounting & Payables position at The Sherwin-Williams Company?
The Logistics Accounts Payable (AP) Supervisor within Sherwin Business Services (SBS) oversees daily AP operations across multiple business units, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of freight invoices, payments, and vendor records. This role drives process excellence, maintains strong vendor relationships, and partners cross-functionally with Procurement, Treasury, Operations, and General Accounting to support a scalable, well-controlled AP function. The supervisor leads a team of AP professionals, manages workload allocation, resolves exceptions, and champions continuous improvement initiatives aligned to service-level commitments and control requirements.
This role is not hybrid/remote and will report to our Hinckley Parkway location in Cleveland, OH.
Because this role involves access to confidential financial information, the Company has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and to provide similar protections for its clients and potential investments.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
Operational Leadership
Oversee end-to-end AP processing: invoice intake, 2/3-way match, approvals, payment runs (ACH, wire, check), and month-end accruals.
Manage daily queues and work allocation to meet SLAs for invoice cycle time, payment timeliness, and inquiry response.
Ensure adherence to company policies, SOX/internal controls, and audit readiness (documentation, approvals, segregation of duties).
Monitor and helps drive resolution exceptions with the respected team (price/quantity variances, missing POs, duplicate invoices, blocked payments).
Own weekly payment proposals, cash requirements coordination with Treasury, and payment timing optimization.
Vendor & Stakeholder Management
Serve as escalation point for vendor inquiries and complex disputes; maintain positive supplier relationships.
Coordinate with Operations and Receiving to resolve match exceptions and GRNI discrepancies.
Collaborate with Controllership on accruals, reclasses, and period-close activities.
Process, Systems & Controls
Work with the Center of Excellence (COE) on ERP/AP automation tools to drive efficiency and accuracy.
Maintain standardized work instructions, desk procedures, and control narratives; lead training and cross-training.
Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
Account reconciliation and analysis of aging
People Leadership
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing AP team; set goals, conduct performance reviews, and support career growth.
Monitor productivity and quality metrics; provide feedback and remove barriers to delivery.
Foster a culture of accountability, customer service, and problem-solving.
Compliance & Risk
Ensure compliance with tax reporting (1099), unclaimed property/escheatment, and regulatory requirements.
Support internal/external audits; manage evidence requests and remediate findings.
Enforce payment controls (positive pay, dual approvals) to prevent fraud.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
FORMAL EDUCATION:
Required:
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:
Required:
3 years of progressive financial and/or accounting experience.
Strong experience with Microsoft Office programs, specifically Excel.
Strong customer service orientation.
Ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced work environment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship
Preferred:
- Strong understanding of GAAP principles related to AP.
- Vendor relationship management and issue resolution.
- Process improvement experience (Lean/Kaizen preferred).
- Effective communication and stakeholder collaboration.
Knowledge of team dynamics, motivation techniques, and conflict resolution.
Basics of performance management/coaching.
Understanding of company policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
Familiarity with industry standards and best practices.
Previous supervisory experience.
TECHNICAL/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
Required:
- Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and perform consistently, multi-tasking as necessary, and demonstrating good communication and organizational skills.
- Must have an aptitude for understanding technical advancements and implementing new systems and enhancements.
- Ability to interact with all levels of management using strong written and verbal communications. Must demonstrate an aptitude for grasping new concepts and adapting them to S-W business rules applicable to various operating divisions.
- Must be able to make logical conclusions based on financial data.
Preferred:
- Excellent Excel spreadsheet and report writing skills
Travel: 10%
Sherwin-Williams is proud to be an Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity, Inclusion and Diversity Supportive Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.
VEVRAA Federal Contractor requesting priority referral of protected veterans.