Manager, Accounts Payable

The Manager, Accounts Payable leads the full-cycle accounts payable function for GTI Energy, ensuring vendor invoices are processed accurately, payments are issued timely, and internal controls over cash disbursements are consistently followed. This role owns AP policy, vendor relationship management, payment operations, and process automation, while also supporting select general accounting responsibilities including expense accruals and balance sheet account reconciliations in partnership with the Controller.

This role supervises the accounts payable team.

GTI Energy is where complex energy challenges meet bold solutions. With deep expertise in energy research, technology development, and business innovation, we help partners across industries build and demonstrate solutions for better-performing energy systems. Our progress is guided by collaboration, innovation, and systems thinking.

Joining GTI Energy means being part of a purpose-driven team motivated by learning, growing, and making an impact. We offer competitive compensation, strong benefits, and opportunities for professional development in a culture that values respect and belonging. Recognized as a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace for seven consecutive years, our people-focused culture reflects our commitment to creating an environment where people feel supported, valued, and able to thrive.

The position will be based in the Chicagoland area at the GTI Energy Headquarters. We offer a hybrid/core work week, where employees are remote Mondays and Fridays, and required to be on-site Tuesday through Thursday, subject to manager discretion.

• Full-Cycle Accounts Payable Processing:
  • Oversee the full accounts payable cycle, including invoice receipt, three-way matching (purchase order, receipt, and invoice), coding, approvals, and payment disbursement for a high volume of vendor invoices and travel/expense reimbursements.
  • Ensure timely and accurate payments, making full use of available early-payment discounts.
  • Review and approve payment batches and manage weekly/bi-weekly check, ACH, and wire payment runs.
  • Review and approve transaction coding and payments.
  • Ensure adequate documentation is maintained in an organized, accessible manner to support all disbursement cycle transactions.
• Staff Management:
  • Recruit, supervise, develop, and train accounts payable staff to enhance customer service and improve departmental efficiency.
  • Establish goals, conduct performance evaluations, and provide ongoing feedback.
  • Lead, mentor, and cross-train the AP team to maintain coverage, build bench strength, and support career development.
• Internal Controls, Compliance & Accuracy:
  • Enforce internal controls over cash disbursements, including segregation of duties, approval authority limits, and documentation standards.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and accounting principles (e.g., GAAP) and federal procurement regulations.
  • Analyze data for accuracy, identify discrepancies and exceptions, and initiate corrective actions as necessary.
• Act as the primary liaison for external vendors concerning payment inquiries, statement reconciliations, and disputes.
• Maintain positive relationships with GTI employees and vendors to ensure smooth operations.
• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders to balance competing.
• Negotiate favorable pricing, payment terms, and early-payment discounts with vendors.
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Systems, Automation & Process Improvement:
  • Leverage technology, including AI-based invoice capture and duplicate/fraud detection, to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and control environment of the AP function.
  • Identify opportunities for AP process improvement and lead implementation of automation, workflow, and system enhancements.
  • Participate in testing and process validation and serve on teams responsible for system upgrades and enhancements.
  • Manage the payment cycle and ensure payments are successfully issued.
• Month-End Close, Accruals & General Ledger Support:
  • Prepare and/or review monthly accounts payable and expense accruals, and prepaid expense reclassifications, in support of month-end and year-end close.
  • Prepare and/or review monthly balance sheet account reconciliations for accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and other assigned general ledger accounts.
  • Reconcile the accounts payable sub-ledger to the general ledger and analyze accounts for trends to resolve identified issues.
  • Assist the Controller with documentation for internal and external audits, including the annual financial statement audit and benefit plan audits.
• Policies, Processes, Onboarding, and Training:
  • Create and maintain accounts payable and disbursement cycle policies and procedures.
  • Develop and maintain process for managing vendor vetting, W-9 collection, required certificates of insurance, and other documentation related to subcontractor services.
  • Onboard new staff throughout GTI and…