Accounts Payable Manager

We’re hiring an Accounts Payable Manager to join County Materials in Marathon Wisconsin.

Job Summary:The Accounts Payable Manager is responsible for leading the organization's Accounts Payable function across multiple entities and operating locations, ensuring accurate, efficient, and well-controlled invoice processing and payment operations. This role oversees day-to-day AP activities while driving process improvement, standardization, automation, and scalability to support business growth and operational excellence.

The position plays a key role in transforming AP into a technology-enabled, data-driven function by enhancing purchase-to-pay processes, strengthening internal controls, advancing automation and three-way matching capabilities, improving reporting and performance metrics, and optimizing the use of internal resources and third-party service providers.

The Accounts Payable Manager partners closely with Accounting, Treasury, Procurement, Operations, IT, and business leaders to ensure timely vendor payments, reliable financial reporting, effective risk management, and continuous improvement of Accounts Payable processes in support of organizational objectives.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:
Accounts Payable Leadership & Operations

Lead and oversee all Accounts Payable operations, ensuring the accurate, timely, and controlled processing of invoices and payments across multiple entities.
Manage, develop, and hold accountable AP staff and third-party service providers through clear expectations, coaching, performance management, and cross-training.
Foster a culture of accountability, customer service, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Serve as the escalation point for complex AP issues and ensure appropriate business continuity, documentation, and process coverage.

Process Improvement & Transformation

Lead the modernization and continuous improvement of AP processes, leveraging automation, workflow tools, and technology solutions to improve efficiency, scalability, accuracy, and controls.
Expand and optimize purchase order utilization, three-way matching, and standardized AP processes across all business units.
Develop and maintain AP policies, procedures, approval matrices, and internal controls while identifying opportunities to reduce exceptions, delays, and manual intervention.
Partner with Finance and IT on ERP enhancements, system integrations, upgrades, and future-state AP initiatives.

Vendor & Third-Party Provider Management

Manage outsourced AP service providers through established service-level agreements, KPIs, controls, and performance expectations.
Evaluate provider performance, service quality, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and overall business value.
Participate in vendor/provider selection, implementation, contract administration, and ongoing relationship management.
Ensure external partners maintain the same standards for accuracy, controls, confidentiality, and customer service as internal operations.

Internal Controls & Compliance

Establish and maintain strong AP controls, including segregation of duties, approval workflows, vendor master governance, and payment authorization procedures.
Ensure compliance with company policies and support controls that prevent duplicate payments, fraud, unauthorized transactions, and other financial risks.
Partner with Accounting and Treasury to maintain secure payment processes and support internal and external audits.
Regularly review AP procedures and controls to identify and mitigate risk while improving operational effectiveness.

Vendor Management

Oversee vendor onboarding, maintenance, validation, and master data governance within ERP and AP systems.
Develop effective vendor communication and issue-resolution processes while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
Monitor aging, exceptions, duplicate vendors, credit balances, and payment performance metrics.
Partner with Procurement and Operations to improve payment terms and maximize available discounts.

Financial Close & Reporting

Ensure AP transactions are accurately recorded, reconciled, and reported to support timely month-end and year-end financial close processes.
Partner with Accounting to identify liabilities, accruals, reconciliations, and AP-related balance sheet items.
Review AP aging, invoice exceptions, open purchase orders, and other indicators of financial obligations.
Ensure accurate and timely completion of regulatory reporting requirements, including Form 1099 reporting.

Performance Management & Analytics

Develop and maintain AP dashboards, KPIs, and management reporting to measure operational efficiency, accuracy, service levels, automation effectiveness, exception management, productivity, and payment performance.
Analyze performance data to identify trends, bottlenecks, staffing needs, training opportunities, and process improvements.

Cross-Functional Responsibilities

Partner closely with Accounting, Treasury, Procurement, IT, Operations, and business leaders to improve the overall AP process.
Provide training and guidance to employees regarding AP procedures, invoice approvals, purchasing requirements, and payment policies.
Serve as a subject-matter expert for Accounts Payable processes, systems, controls, and best practices.
Participate in Finance transformation and other strategic initiatives as assigned.

COUNTY Core Competencies: The expected behaviors of all COUNTY team members that align with Our Values and Our Commitments:

Integrity & Organizational Awareness
Customer First Focus
Results Driven Orientation
Teamwork, Safety & Collaboration
Problem Solving & Decision Making
Creativity & Innovation

Job-Based Competencies:

Financial Technical Ability
Analytical & Strategic Skills
Technology & Systems
Financial Management
Professional Skills

Experience & Qualifications: (Required or Preferred)
Education:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Experience:

5+ years of progressive Accounts Payable, accounting, finance operations, or shared services experience, including prior leadership responsibility.
Experience in high-volume, multi-entity environments and demonstrated success improving AP processes through automation and technology.
Strong knowledge of ERP systems, procure-to-pay processes, three-way matching, vendor management, internal controls, and month-end close activities.
Experience managing outsourced service providers and developing operational metrics and reporting preferred.
Manufacturing, construction, distribution, or similar operational industry experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Strong leadership, coaching, change management, and employee development skills.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency and strong aptitude for learning and implementing new technologies.
High level of integrity, professionalism, and sound business judgment.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in an Office environment.
Travel Required: None
Typical work hours/shifts: Standard business hours

Physical & Work Expectations:
An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, or handling materials/equipment.
Occasional climbing, kneeling, crawling, or lifting/moving up to 25 pounds.
Ability to concentrate, follow detailed instructions, communicate effectively, and safely perform job duties.
May require the operation of specific tools, equipment, or vehicles associated with the position.