Accounting Specialist; AR​/AP

Accounting Specialist (AR/AP)

Madison, WI, US

Salary Range: $22.00 To $28.00 Hourly

AR/AP Specialist – Keep It REAL Foods

Location: Madison, WI (On-site)
Reports To: Controller

Position Summary

Keep It REAL Foods (REAL) is seeking an AR/AP Accountant who will manage day‑to‑day accounts payable and accounts receivable activities across multiple business entities. This role is ideal for someone with strong AP experience, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast‑moving, multi‑division environment.

Experience with is highly preferred, though not required.

The AR/AP Accountant will ensure accurate and timely vendor payments, support clean and complete financial data, and play a key role in customer cash application and collections follow‑up.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable

• Manage the full AP cycle for multiple entities, including:
  • Receiving invoices and verifying required approvals
  • Matching invoices to purchase orders, packing slips, and other support
  • Ensuring coding accuracy across departments and entities
  • Entering invoices into the accounting system in a timely manner
• Prepare weekly payment runs and confirm all approvals and documentation are complete
• Maintain vendor records and support vendor inquiries
• Assist with AP process improvements and automation initiatives
• Leverage for invoice routing and payment workflows

Accounts Receivable

• Process daily cash application across multiple entities
• Work with accountant and operations team to ensure full and complete customer invoicing
• Communicate with customers regarding remittances, short‑pays, and missing information
• Review the AR aging report weekly and elevate or act on overdue balances
• Support customer account reconciliations and research discrepancies
• Assist with credit memos, adjustments, and month‑end AR close as needed

Cross-Functional & General Responsibilities

• Collaborate with operations, supply chain, and sales to resolve invoice and payment issues
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all financial inputs
• Assist the Controller and Senior Accountant with month‑end close as needed
• Contribute to a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement within the finance team

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of Accounts Payable experience required
• Experience with preferred, not required
• Experience with Accounts Receivable processes required (customer billing, cash application, customer communication)
• Background in manufacturing
  , multi‑entity
  , or inventory‑driven environments strongly preferred
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate financial data
• Excellent communication and customer service skills with both vendors and customers
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently
• Proficiency with Excel and accounting systems (ERP experience a plus)

Why Join Keep It REAL Foods?

• Opportunity to work across a diverse, multi‑entity food manufacturing platform
• A growing business with room for role expansion and professional development
• Mission‑driven culture focused on transparency, health, and real ingredients
• Collaborative finance team with strong leadership and clear processes