Accounts Payable Manager in Charlotte, North Carolina at Barnhardt Manufacturing Company

Job Description

Job Class: Manager, Accounts Payable

Job Title: Accounts Payable Manager

Job Organization Level: Accounting & Finance Department

Reports To: Corporate Controller

FLSA Status: Exempt

Summary:

This job is responsible for leading the accounts payable function to ensure accurate, timely, and controlled processing of invoices, payments, vendor records, and related disbursements. This role coordinates daily accounts payable operations, strengthens internal controls, supports month-end and year-end close activities, and partners with internal stakeholders and vendors to resolve issues and improve processes. The Accounts Payable Manager also supports audit readiness, regulatory compliance, cash flow management, and continuous improvement across the procure-to-pay cycle.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Other duties may be assigned.

Abide by, enforce, and support all company safety standards and regulations.

Responsible for day-to-day accounts payable operations, including invoice intake, coding review, approval workflow, payment processing, employee reimbursements, and vendor maintenance.

Work closely with members of the Accounting team and other internal stakeholders to coordinate accounts payable activities, resolve issues, and ensure timely, accurate execution of department responsibilities.

Ensure invoices and disbursements are processed accurately, supported by appropriate documentation, and completed in accordance with company policy, delegated authority, and established payment terms.

Review and approve complex invoices, payment runs, wire requests, and exception items; escalate unusual, high-risk, or unresolved matters as appropriate.

Maintain strong internal controls over disbursements, vendor setup and changes, segregation of duties, and record retention to safeguard company assets and reduce fraud risk.

Manage vendor onboarding and vendor records, including tax documentation, banking information, statement review, and timely resolution of discrepancies or payment issues.

Partner with Purchasing, Operations, and Accounting to improve invoice flow, resolve match exceptions, support accurate coding, and strengthen procure-to-pay discipline.

Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities by preparing accruals, reconciliations, aging analysis, and other schedules related to accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

Monitor accounts payable aging, open liabilities, and payment timing; provide reporting and analysis to support cash flow planning and sound financial decision-making.

Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, company policies, audit requirements, and tax reporting requirements, including support for annual 1099 reporting.

Provide documentation and support for internal and external audits and respond timely to audit requests related to accounts payable transactions, controls, and balances.

Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements, standard work, and system enhancements that improve accuracy, efficiency, visibility, and service levels within the accounts payable function.

Maintain confidentiality of financial, vendor, employee, and company information processed, stored, or accessed in the course of work.

Competency:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Safety and Security - Follows safety and security procedures, reports potentially unsafe conditions, and uses equipment and materials properly.

Collaboration and Coordination - Works effectively across the Accounting team and with other functions, coordinates work efficiently, follows through on commitments, and helps drive consistent, reliable results.

Technical and Functional Expertise - Demonstrates strong knowledge of accounts payable processes, internal controls, GAAP, ERP systems, and financial close requirements; applies sound judgment to complex transactions and exceptions.

Analytical Thinking - Reviews data carefully, identifies trends and root causes, resolves discrepancies promptly, and uses information to improve decisions and results.

Planning and Organizing - Prioritizes work effectively, manages deadlines, allocates resources appropriately, and maintains accuracy in a high-volume environment.

Communication - Communicates clearly and professionally in verbal and written form, presents financial information effectively, and works constructively with vendors and internal stakeholders.

Customer Focus - Responds promptly to questions and issues, maintains productive working relationships, and delivers reliable support to internal customers and external vendors.

Problem Solving - Addresses issues in a timely manner, evaluates alternatives, escalates when appropriate, and drives practical, well-controlled solutions.

Integrity and Confidentiality - Handles sensitive information appropriately, follows policy and procedure, and upholds the highest standards of ethics and stewardship.

Continuous Improvement - Looks for ways to simplify work, strengthen controls, increase efficiency, and improve service, accuracy, and visibility across the accounts payable process.

Dependability and Professionalism - Meets commitments, follows through on responsibilities, remains composed under pressure, and represents the company with professionalism.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor's degree (B.A.) in Accounting, Finance, or a related field from a four-year college or university with 4+ years of progressive accounting experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Supervisory or leadership experience is preferred.

Language Ability:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business documents, accounting guidance, policies, and governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures. Ability to present information clearly and respond effectively to questions from managers, vendors, auditors, and other stakeholders.

Math Ability:

Ability to apply accounting and business math concepts accurately, including percentages, ratios, reconciliations, and variance analysis, in practical situations.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to define problems, evaluate alternatives, and resolve issues involving multiple variables in a timely and well-controlled manner. Ability to interpret written, oral, and system-based instructions and apply sound judgment in day-to-day decision-making.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have strong working knowledge of ERP and accounting systems, accounts payable workflow tools, and Microsoft Office applications, with advanced proficiency in Excel.

Certificates and Licenses:

None required; relevant professional certification is a plus.

Other Qualifications:

This position requires the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Strong knowledge of accounts payable processes, disbursement controls, vendor management, reconciliations, and financial close activities.
• Working knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, audit support requirements, and applicable tax reporting requirements, including 1099 reporting.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across functions and communicate clearly with internal stakeholders, vendors, and auditors.
• Commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. The role works closely with members of the Accounting team to coordinate accounts payable activities and support department objectives.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the associate will be engaging in these physical activities:

Physical Activity, Amount of Time

Stand: Under 1/3

Walk: Under 1/3

Sit: Over 2/3

Use hands to finger(s), handle, or feel: Over 2/3

Reach with hands and arms: 1/3 to 2/3

Climb or balance: None

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl: None

Talk or hear: Over 2/3

Taste or smell: None

This job requires that the person be able to independently lift or exert the amount of force or weight within the frequency specified below:

Lifting or Force Requirements, Amount of Time

Up to 10 pounds: Over 2/3

Up to 25 pounds: 1/3 to 2/3

Up to 50 pounds: Under 1/3

Up to 100 pounds: None

More than 100 pounds: None

Work activities involved in this job do not require significant levels of physical exertion and are predominantly sedentary. Work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time (less than 1/3 of the time). Activities involve the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

This job requires the ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer) to be successful. It involves working with numerical information in written and electronic form using a computer; as well as interaction with internal and external parties by telephone, in-person and electronic mail.

This job may require occasional travel to other company locations to support process alignment, training, or issue resolution.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of what an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate, which is typical of a shared office environment.

This job will be performed under the environmental factors given below:

Environment Conditions, Amount of Time

Wet or humid conditions (non-weather): None

Work near moving mechanical parts: None

Work in high, precarious places: None

Fumes or airborne particles: None

Toxic or caustic chemicals: None

Outdoor weather conditions: None

Extreme cold (non-weather): None

Extreme heat (non-weather): None

Risk of electrical shock: None

Work with explosives: None

Risk of radiation: None

Vibration: None

The primary work location for this job is an office setting.

This job does not regularly require the use of personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The associate is required to wear PPE when in manufacturing and warehouse areas, restricted areas, or areas designated with specific PPE requirements, and when handling equipment or materials with designated PPE requirements.

Additional and/or Department Specific Responsibilities:

N/A

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree (B.A.) in Accounting, Finance, or a related field from a four-year college or university with 4+ years of progressive accounting experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Supervisory or leadership experience is preferred. Language Ability: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business documents, accounting guidance, policies, and governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures. Ability to present information clearly and respond effectively to questions from managers, vendors, auditors, and other stakeholders. Math Ability: Ability to apply accounting and business math concepts accurately, including percentages, ratios, reconciliations, and variance analysis, in practical situations. Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, evaluate alternatives, and resolve issues involving multiple variables in a timely and well-controlled manner. Ability to interpret written, oral, and system-based instructions and apply sound judgment in day-to-day decision-making. Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have strong working knowledge of ERP and accounting systems, accounts payable workflow tools, and Microsoft Office applications, with advanced proficiency in Excel. Certificates and Licenses: None required; relevant professional certification is a plus. Other Qualifications: This position requires the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Strong knowledge of accounts payable processes, disbursement controls, vendor management, reconciliations, and financial close activities. Working knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, audit support requirements, and applicable tax reporting requirements, including 1099 reporting. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines. Ability to build effective working relationships across functions and communicate clearly with internal stakeholders, vendors, and auditors. Commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, accountability, and continuous improvement.