Accounts Payable Manager

Join our team as an Accounts Payable Manager and play a key role in supporting the district's financial operations through accurate, efficient, and service-oriented accounts payable management. This position leads all accounts payable functions, oversees daily processing activities, and provides guidance and support to a team of Accounts Payable Administrators. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and detail-oriented professional who enjoys improving processes, mentoring staff, and ensuring high standards of accuracy and accountability.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by strengthening financial operations, building strong internal relationships, and helping create an efficient and customer-focused payment process across the organization.

Essential Job Duties

• Oversee and manage all accounts payable functions to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant processing of invoices, payments, reimbursements, and vendor transactions. Monitor workflow and department operations to maintain strong internal controls and effective financial practices.
• Lead and manage the accounts payable team within the shared services department, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to team members.
• Assign, prioritize, and review work completed by accounts payable staff to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to established procedures and deadlines.
• Review and approve invoices, payment requests, check runs, electronic payments, and supporting documentation for accuracy and proper authorization.
• Oversee the management of vendor relationships, in coordination with the Director of Finance, including invoice approval workflows, resolution of payment discrepancies and disputes and communication with vendors.
• Ensure all vendor payments are processed in accordance with District policies, contractual obligations, and applicable accounting standards; maintain vendor records, including W-9 documentation, tax reporting information, and payment terms.
• Develop, recommend, and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and customer service within accounts payable operations.
• Reconcile accounts payable records and assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing activities.
• Complete bi-weekly payroll data file transfers between payroll and accounting software and prepare journal entry; reconcile errors.
• Prepare reports, account analyses, and documentation related to accounts payable activity and outstanding liabilities.
• Administers the district's Purchase Card Program according to established policies; monitors and reconciles monthly transactions; provides training and procedural guides for purchases; administers the purchase card system.
• Manages the Park District's petty cash funds.
• Assist with annual audits by providing requested records, reconciliations, and supporting financial documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial records, employee information, and sensitive organizational data.
• Ensure postage machine always has adequate postage.
• Prepare and file annual Treasurer's Report with Lake County in conjunction with Human Resources.
• Process and approve bank drafts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred; an Associate's degree is required imum of four (4) years of responsible account payable or accounting experience and progressive responsibility with staff supervision. A thorough knowledge of accounts payable principles, practices, and procedures required. A strong understanding of accounting systems, financial controls, and general ledger processes is required.

Understanding of governmental accounting principles is desired but not required.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information.
• Effective interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Act with integrity, professionalism and confidentiality
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn…