Accounts Payable Team Leader

The Accounts Payable Team Leader at JBS Australia is responsible for overseeing the processing of high volumes of invoices related to ocean freight, domestic freight, storage, and exportation. Their duties include leading a small AP team, ensuring accuracy in payment approvals, posting invoices into SAP, providing customer service related to invoice inquiries, and reconciling accounts against statements. This role is crucial for maintaining a smooth operational workflow within the company.

For the Accounts Payable Team Leader position at JBS Australia, candidates are expected to have prior experience in a high-volume accounts payable or data processing environment. Previous leadership experience is advantageous but not mandatory. The ideal candidate should possess excellent attention to detail, strong multi-tasking abilities, and the capability to work effectively both autonomously and as part of a team. Additionally, an energetic and enthusiastic approach towards system improvement will set candidates apart.

JBS Australia is committed to fostering a culture of excellence and provides ongoing leadership development opportunities for the Accounts Payable Team Leader. This includes access to training programs, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth within the company. JBS Australia believes in building rewarding long-term careers, ensuring that employees have the resources to advance their skills and capabilities within the organization.

As an Accounts Payable Team Leader at JBS Australia, employees can enjoy numerous benefits including heavily discounted JBS products, access to retail discounts with national partners, and health insurance discounts with providers such as Bupa and Medibank Private. These benefits, along with a supportive workplace culture, contribute to an attractive employment package.

Success as an Accounts Payable Team Leader at JBS Australia demands a combination of skills including exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and effective communication skills. Leadership qualities, such as the ability to inspire a team to maintain a positive culture while handling stressful situations, are also critical. Moreover, a knack for identifying improvement opportunities within systems will contribute to the overall effectiveness of the role.

In your response, highlight specific roles where you've managed accounts payable, focusing on volume and complexity. Discuss your methods for ensuring accuracy, such as double-checking data entry and overseeing invoice approvals.

Explain that you would first gather all relevant documentation, such as the invoices and shipping records. Then, communicate clearly and calmly with the supplier, aiming to resolve the issue amicably while maintaining a professional relationship.

Discuss techniques like using to-do lists or software to track deadlines, as well as focusing on high-impact tasks first. Explain how you adjust your priorities based on urgent matters while ensuring that all invoices are processed on time.

Share your leadership style, whether it's collaborative or directive, and provide examples of how you've motivated teams in the past. Highlight the importance of fostering a positive culture and facilitating open communication.

Name the specific accounting software you've worked with, such as SAP, and give examples of your experience, such as posting invoices or reconciling accounts. Discuss what you learned and how it improved your team's efficiency.

Detail a specific instance when you identified a bottleneck or inefficiency in the accounts payable process and outline the steps you took to improve it. Share the results, such as reduced processing time or increased accuracy.

Discuss your approach to onboarding, including hands-on training, mentoring, and providing comprehensive resources. Explain how you ensure new team members are comfortable and confident in their roles.

Explain your understanding of financial regulations relevant to accounts payable and discuss methods for ensuring compliance, like regular audits and thorough documentation. Emphasize your commitment to ethical practices.

Describe your proactive approach to communication with internal stakeholders. Emphasize the importance of understanding their needs and providing timely updates to foster strong working relationships.

Discuss how you stay informed about industry trends and changes in accounting standards, such as attending workshops, following relevant publications, and participating in professional networks.