Executive, Accounts Payable

As an Executive, Accounts Payable with us, you'll be tasked with overseeing financial transactions, validating invoice processes, and improving our PAYABLE and RECEIVABLE operations. Your key responsibilities will include analyzing data, facilitating effective communication with vendors, and ensuring compliance with financial controls. You'll also support senior management by providing insights through weekly and monthly reports and dashboards.

To be successful as an Executive, Accounts Payable at our company, you should hold a degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. Proficiency in financial operations, invoice validation, and strong analytical skills are essential. Experience with process improvement and tools like Excel, Google Sheets, and possibly Oracle or SAP will give you an edge. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently are also important.

In the role of Executive, Accounts Payable, you’ll collaborate closely with various departments to resolve data quality issues and operational challenges. Your insights will be crucial in identifying internal control deficiencies and implementing necessary changes. By fostering strong communication among teams, you will contribute to efficient operations and support the overall financial health of the organization.

Key skills for an Executive, Accounts Payable include strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, a deep understanding of financial operations, and expertise in invoice validation and vendor communication. Proficiency in Excel and data modeling is critical, along with experience in process improvement and workflow design. Moreover, maintaining effective communication and having a proactive approach will help you excel in this role.

As an Executive, Accounts Payable, you will be involved in various ad hoc projects that support both payable and receivable functions. This can range from generating detailed reports and dashboards to participating in month-end closing and leading year-end auditing activities. You'll also play a role in budget submissions and other special projects, ensuring you are always contributing to the financial insights and operational efficiency of the company.

When answering this question, highlight your specific experiences with validating invoices in previous roles. Discuss your methods for ensuring accuracy, your familiarity with financial controls, and any software tools you've used. It's also valuable to mention how you resolved any discrepancies you encountered.

In your response, emphasize your organizational skills and methods for prioritizing tasks. Discuss the importance of deadlines and payment terms in accounts payable and how you manage to fulfill these while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.

Communicate your understanding of process improvement by sharing specific examples from your experience. Discuss methods you’ve employed, such as analyzing workflows, collaborating with teams, and implementing new best practices to enhance operational efficiency.

Sharing a structured approach is key. Discuss how you would verify the discrepancies by reviewing documentation, communicating with the vendor for clarification, and collaborating with internal teams to resolve the issue while keeping accurate records.

Focus on your analytical skills and experience with generating financial reports. Talk about the types of reports you’ve created, the metrics you’ve analyzed, and how your insights supported decision-making within your team or organization.

Mention specific software you've worked with, such as ERP systems like Oracle or SAP, and how they facilitated your work in accounts payable. Highlight your proficiency with Excel and any other relevant tools, showcasing how you've used technology to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Be prepared to outline your experience with month-end closing processes. Describe your responsibilities, including reconciliations, reporting, and any specific challenges you faced, along with how you overcame them to ensure accuracy in the financial statements.

It's important to convey the methods you've implemented to ensure data accuracy. Discuss the importance of double-checking information, using established procedures, and collaborating with other departments to resolve discrepancies and maintain high data integrity.

Share your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing effective communication and negotiation skills. Discuss how you would listen to the vendor’s concerns, seek to understand their perspective, and work together to find a solution that honors company policies while maintaining a good relationship.

In your answer, convey your passion for financial operations and how they contribute to the overall success of a business. Talk about the satisfaction of maintaining accurate records, supporting other departments, and the thrill of continuous improvement in processes.