AP Accountant

AP Accountant POSITION STATUS: Full Time LOCATION: Whitehall Ohio DEPARTMENT: Finance REPORT TO: Director of Finance EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/22/2025 Position Summary The Accounts Payable (AP) Accountant is responsible for managing the end-to-end accounts payable process to ensure accurate and timely payment of vendor invoices. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The AP Accountant will oversee invoice verification, coding, and data entry while ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations. Additionally, the position involves reconciling vendor accounts, addressing discrepancies, and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers to support smooth procurement operations. This role requires effective collaboration with internal teams such as procurement, operations, and finance to resolve payment issues and provide reporting insights. An AP Accountant in this setting must be adept at utilizing ERP systems and possess a solid understanding of accounting principles. A proactive approach to identifying process improvements and a commitment to accuracy are critical to ensure the financial integrity of the organization and support the facility's production goals. Primary Responsibilities Invoice Processing: Perform all aspects of the accounts payable duties including verifying , coding, and processing invoices Vendor Management: Inputting and maintaining data for accurate vendor records Resolve discrepancies and communicate effectively with vendors regarding payment issues, credits, and statements Monitor all vendor payment agreements to find discounts that can be used to reduce invoice amounts Payment Execution: Monitor aging payable report, prepare and process weekly payment runs in accordance with payment terms Keep track of credits owed to the company and ensure all credits are properly applied to vendor payments Responsible for paying all sales tax on appropriate invoices and making a note of each tax payment made Month-End Closing Support: Prepare accruals for unbilled goods/services received to ensure cut-off accuracy Reconcile AP subledger to the general ledger Reconcile payable reports each month to confirm that all amounts paid were accurate Other tasks as assigned Entrance Qualifications Must have Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field Minimum 2 years of relevant Accounts Payable experience Strong computer skills with MS Office and ERP systems Solid understanding of GAAP Shows aptitude for quickly acquiring knowledge in additional accounting functions and adapting to new processes as needed. Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy, excellent product quality and strong attention to details Excellent time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills Must be comfortable working in an entrepreneurial spirited, fast-paced and changing workplace environment with a desire to make a strong impact on the business; ability to manage multiple priorities Proactive, adaptable, and able to work both independently and collaboratively Excellent written and verbal communication skills Preferred Experience in a manufacturing environment (food manufacturer preferred), with familiarity in handling inventory-related AP processes and freight invoices Working knowledge of accrual accounting, cost center allocations, and intercompany transactions Exposure to month-end closing activities, including AP accruals and account reconciliations Exposure to process improvement or automation within the AP function Core Competencies Accountability & Initiative : Takes full ownership of responsibilities and outcomes with minimal supervision. Proactively identifies actions to improve performance and follows through without needing reminders. Reviews work thoroughly, ensures accuracy with high attention to detail, and flags risks or issues early. Demonstrates persistence in resolving problems and communicates status updates clearly and on time. Learning Agility & Knowledge Retention : Demonstrates the ability to absorb and retain new information effectively. Documents key processes and applies prior training. Takes ownership of personal learning and builds independence over time. Results Orientation: Sets high standards for quality and accuracy. Strives to beat or meet project deadlines; seeks ways to use time and resources more cost effectively; highly organized with the ability to set priorities and multi-task. Information Seeking: Actively researches and verifies information to ensure accuracy and completeness. Digs to resolve discrepancies; seeks out relevant perspectives from internal and external sources to make well-informed, data-driven decisions. Listening, Understanding & Responding: Demonstrates active listening and effective communication skills with colleagues, leadership, and external partners. Builds trust and rapport by understanding concerns before responding. Communicates clearly and timely to support alignment and reduce ambiguity. Flexibility: Adapts efficiently to changing priorities, environments, and stakeholders. Maintains effectiveness when working with various teams, personalities, or shifting demands. Adjusts communication and working style to fit the context while staying focused on objectives. Self-confidence: Willing to take on a new challenge or assignment displaying confidence and enthusiasm; emphasizes the positive and upside aspects of difficult situations - every situation provides an opportunity for learning. Team Work: Works cooperatively with others promoting team participation as a means to generate more ideas, greater consensus & engagement and a higher level of commitment to delivering results.