Accounting Consultant

Job Title:

Accounts Receivable & Accounts Payable Advanced Analyst (Consultant)

Job Description

This consulting role focuses on overseeing and optimizing accounts receivable (AR) and accounts payable (AP) processes in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The analyst will act as a key liaison between onshore operations and offshore AR/AP teams, troubleshoot financial and process issues, and drive improvements that align with manufacturing and procure-to-pay workflows. The position emphasizes high-level process management rather than transactional processing, with a strong focus on root cause analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

+ Oversee the end-to-end AP process at a high level, ensuring that offshore processing aligns with company policies and operational needs.

+ Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies by working closely with suppliers, receiving, purchasing, and other internal departments.

+ Communicate with vendors to clarify invoice issues and ensure AP practices comply with internal financial policies and procedures.

+ Serve as a liaison between buyers and the offshore AP team, helping buyers update and correct information in the AP queue to prevent errors and delays.

+ Monitor and manage communication queues used by the offshore team, ensuring timely responses and resolution of AP-related inquiries.

+ Collaborate with procurement and receiving teams to ensure accurate purchase orders, receipts, and vendor returns, reducing AP exceptions and rework.

+ Support accounts receivable activities by partnering with customer service, shared services, and production control to process pending aged credit memos.

+ Investigate and identify root causes of errors on invoices and credit memos, and propose and implement practical corrective actions.

+ Work closely with the offshore AR team to resolve AR issues and streamline processes, ensuring accurate and timely billing and cash application.

+ Proactively identify and resolve AR/AP issues related to ERP system discrepancies, inventory-related accounting mismatches, and internal control weaknesses.

+ Analyze recurring AP and AR problems, develop root cause solutions, and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency and reduce errors.

+ Lead cross-functional initiatives with operations, procurement, and finance to improve AP/AR accuracy, workflow, and information flow.

+ Support internal and external audits by ensuring that documentation related to AP, AR, and related accounting processes is complete, accurate, and well-organized.

+ Collaborate closely with internal departments, suppliers, customers, and offshore accounting teams to align financial practices and resolve issues promptly.

+ Facilitate and run meetings or touchpoints with various team members and teams to review issues, track progress, and drive accountability in AP/AR processes.

+ Assist with broader accounting resolutions and functions such as general ledger activities and reporting, depending on experience and capabilities.

+ Utilize Microsoft Excel and ERP tools to perform reconciliations, analyze data, and support decision-making in AP/AR and related accounting functions.

+ Demonstrate leadership by guiding stakeholders through process changes, encouraging best practices, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

+ At least 5+ years of experience in accounts payable and accounts receivable, specifically within a manufacturing company or a similar environment.

+ Strong understanding of the procure-to-pay process, including vendor returns and related workflows.

+ Solid general accounts receivable knowledge and familiarity with GL and financial accounting operations.

+ Demonstrated ability to identify issues in AP/AR processes and implement effective process improvements, with a proven track record supported by references.

+ Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and strong overall Microsoft Office skills.

+ Experience working with ERP systems; familiarity with Oracle ERP is highly beneficial, though not strictly required.

+ Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with offshore teams.

+ Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and stakeholders simultaneously.

+ Results-driven, proactive approach with strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

+ Demonstrated ambition and a desire to grow and advance professionally, including taking on additional responsibilities and actively pursuing learning and development opportunities.

+ Experience in accounts payable leadership or AP specialist roles, particularly in solving complex AP problems.

+ Experience collaborating with offshore teams in functions such as AP, AR, tax, and general ledger.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+

Experience with Oracle ERP systems.

+ Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (preferred but not required).

+…