Accounts Payable Specialist (Level I, II, or Senior

Accounts Payable Specialist

The Accounts Payable Specialist provides accounting support to Bear Real Estate Group by ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timely processing of accounts payable transactions across multiple entities and systems. This role supports financial reporting, safeguards company assets, maintains internal controls, and contributes to the efficient operation of the accounts payable function.

Depending on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise, the position may be filled at the AP Specialist I, AP Specialist II, or Senior AP Specialist level. Responsibilities range from processing invoices and supporting vendor relationships to managing complex transactions, serving as a subject matter expert for AP systems and workflows, and leading process improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will help ensure accurate financial records, timely vendor payments, strong internal controls, and continuous improvement across the accounts payable function.

This role works with varying levels of independence based on position level and may serve as a resource to team members while partnering with property management, construction, accounting, and operational leadership to support business objectives.

• Accounts Payable Processing
• Process vendor invoices, review coding accuracy, and enter transactions into accounting systems
• Route invoices through approval workflows and follow up on outstanding approvals
• Maintain complete and accurate AP records and supporting documentation
• Identify and resolve invoice discrepancies, duplicate invoices, and coding issues
• Support multi-entity and property-level expense allocations

• Vendor Management & Relationships
• Respond to vendor inquiries regarding invoice status, payment processing, and account discrepancies.
• Review and reconcile vendor statements
• Assist with vendor onboarding, maintenance, and compliance documentation
• Build and maintain professional relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders

• Payment Processing & Disbursements
• Perform weekly accounts payable payment cycles.
• Process check runs, obtain required approvals and signatures, and distribute payments.
• Coordinate urgent and off-cycle payment requests
• Support 1099 reporting and vendor payment tracking

• Department Support
• Support property management and construction accounting teams with payment and coding issues
• Assist with security deposit processing and property-specific allocations
• Support month-end and year-end close activities, reconciliations, and audit requests
• Maintain strong internal controls and compliance with company policies and procedures

• Systems & Continuous Improvement
• Work within accounting and property management systems including App Folio, Real Page, and Jonas Premier
• Participate in system implementations, testing, and enhancement projects
• Recommend and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and productivity
• Support documentation, training, and best practices development

• Senior-Level Responsibilities (Based on Experience)
• Serve as a subject matter expert for AP systems and workflows
• Manage AP inbox operations and workflow prioritization
• Handle escalated vendor issues and complex transactions
• Assist with training and mentoring team members
• Lead process improvement initiatives and support leadership projects

AP Specialist I

• Associate degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related field preferred
• Three to five (3–5) years of accounts payable or general accounting experience
• Knowledge of accounts payable principles and accounting procedures
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel and Outlook skill
• Experience with App Folio, Real Page, Jonas Premier, or similar accounting and property management software preferred
• Familiarity with property management terminology and accounting practices

AP Specialist II

• Associate degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related field preferred
• Four to six (4–6) years of accounts payable or general accounting experience
• Experience in real estate, property management, or construction industries preferred
• Solid understanding of accounts payable principles, GL coding, and internal controls.
• Proficiency in…