Accounting Payable Specalist in Vernon Hills, Illinois at Europa Eyewear
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Job Description
Role Description
The Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for processing vendor invoices and payments accurately and efficiently across multiple companies, while maintaining strong relationships with vendors and internal business partners. This role supports three companies operating in two different ERP systems and requires someone who enjoys learning new technology, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and takes ownership of their work.
Success in this role comes from attention to detail, curiosity, and the ability to recognize and communicate issues before they become larger problems. While Accounts Payable is the primary responsibility, this position will also provide support to other accounting functions as business needs evolve.
Key Responsibilities
Accounts Payable
- Process vendor invoices accurately and timely across multiple legal entities.
- Review invoices for appropriate approvals, coding, and supporting documentation.
- Prepare and process weekly payment runs.
- Maintain vendor records and banking information.
- Resolve invoice discrepancies by communicating with vendors and internal departments.
- Monitor vendor statements and research outstanding items.
- Ensure invoices are entered in accordance with company policies and payment terms.
- Assist with month-end AP close activities and accrual requests as needed.
Accounting Support
- Assist with accounts receivable outreach and customer payment follow-up when needed.
- Support accounting projects, reconciliations, and administrative tasks.
- Crosstrain in additional accounting functions to provide backup support.
- Participate in process improvement initiatives and system enhancements.
Process & Systems
- Work confidently within multiple ERP/accounting systems.
- Identify process inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
- Escalate unusual transactions, discrepancies, or recurring issues.
- Maintain organized electronic documentation and audit-ready records.
Competencies Needed for Success
Attention to Detail: Produces accurate work while maintaining a high level of quality in a fast-paced environment.
Technology Aptitude: Learns new software quickly and is comfortable working across multiple systems. Strong computer skills are valued more than previous ERP experience.
Problem Recognition: Identifies inconsistencies, asks questions, and surfaces issues rather than simply processing transactions.
Ownership: Works independently, manages priorities, and follows tasks through to completion with minimal supervision.
Communication: Communicates professionally with vendors and internal stakeholders while maintaining positive working relationships.
Adaptability: Adjusts comfortably as priorities shift, and willingly assists with responsibilities outside of traditional accounts payable.
Continuous Learning: Shows curiosity, accepts feedback, and actively seeks opportunities to improve knowledge and processes.
Organization & Time Management: Balances recurring deadlines while maintaining accuracy and responsiveness.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 1-3 years of administrative, bookkeeping, accounts payable, customer service, or related experience
- Strong computer proficiency including Microsoft Excel and Outlook
- Excellent organizational and data entry skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage confidential financial information
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while meeting deadlines
Preferred
- Experience with ERP or accounting software
- Previous Accounts Payable experience
- Associate degree in Accounting, Business, or related field (preferred but not required)
What we’re looking for
We are more interested in finding someone with the right mindset than someone with years of accounting experience. The ideal candidate is someone who:
- Enjoys working with technology and learning new systems.
- Notices when something doesn't look right and isn't afraid to ask questions.
- Can work independently while knowing when to escalate issues.
- Takes pride in accuracy and organization.
- Is dependable, adaptable, and willing to help wherever needed.
- Wants to grow within an accounting team.
Position Details
- Full-time onsite position based at our Vernon Hills, IL Headquarters, with potential to WFH one day per week.
Pay Transparency
The salary range for this position is $55,000 – 65,000 USD annually. This salary range is Europa Eyewear’s good faith estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, Europa Eyewear’s business or organizational needs and an individual’s relevant experience, education, qualifications, certifications, skills, seniority, geographic location, and/or performance. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus. The range listed is just one component of Europa Eyewear’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, paid time off, and region-specific benefits.
EEO Statement
Europa Eyewear is committed to developing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodation, please contact HR at 800-621-4108 and we’ll work with you to meet your accessibility needs. You must have legal authorization to work for Europa Eyewear on your date of hire with no further action required by Europa Eyewear. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and give consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or genetic information.
About the Europa Eyewear Platform
The Europa eyewear platform is committed to empowering independent-thinking eyecare professionals with unique, high-quality, independent eyewear brands and partner-first support. We are equally committed to empowering our own team, ensuring they have the support, freedom, and opportunities to grow. Through collaborative partnerships, we help our customers grow and succeed, fostering a community of shared vision.
Europa Eyewear, based in Vernon Hills, IL, is one of the largest independent designers and manufacturers of eyewear frames in the United States. Europa offers a diverse portfolio of 10 independent eyewear brands, including STATE Optical Co. and American Optical (AO Eyewear), which the company acquired in 2019. Europa also built and maintains the largest eyewear manufacturing facility in the United States.
In 2023, Europa partnered with Blue Point Capital Partners, a Cleveland-based mid-market Private Equity firm, to build an industry leading eyewear platform. In April of the same year, eyebobs, the Premium Reading Glass brand, was acquired adding new ecommerce capabilities, necessary to serve the omnichannel marketplace.