Accounts Payable Lead

Company: UL Standards & Engagement
Location: Evanston
Posted on: November 20, 2023

Job Description:

At UL, we know why we come to work.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Accounts Payable Lead at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement based in our Evanston, IL office.
The Accounts Payable Lead leads and oversees the accounts payable function within the finance department. The Accounts Payable Lead is part of the financial team, ensuring accurate and timely processing of invoices, payments, and maintaining vendor relationships. The Accounts Payable Lead works closely with the finance leadership team to streamline processes, implement best practices, and provide guidance to junior accounts payable staff.
What you'll learn & achieve:
As the Accounts Payable Lead you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL -as you:

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• Lead and oversee the accounts payable function process and monitor accounts payable transactions; review and verify invoices, expense reports, and payment requests. Ensure adherence to company policies and accounting principles.
  
• Collaborate with suppliers and procurement team to resolve supplier invoice, purchase order, receipt, and pricing match exceptions.
  
• Prepare and process payments (checks, ACH transfers, wire transfers) to suppliers, employees, and other stakeholders in a timely manner. Ensure compliance with payment terms and manage cash flow efficiently.
  
• Liaise with suppliers to resolve billing or payment inquiries. Negotiate favorable terms and conditions with vendors and monitor vendor performance and address any concerns or issues.
  
• Collaborate with procurement and other teams to optimize vendor relationships.
  
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with vendors. Address inquiries, resolve payment issues, and negotiate payment terms when necessary.
  
• Review and reconcile employee expense reports, ensuring compliance with company policies and expense guidelines.
  
• Reconcile accounts payable sub-ledger with general ledger accounts. Identify and resolve discrepancies and maintain accurate financial records.
  
• Month-end Closing: Assist in the month-end closing process by preparing relevant reports, accruals, and journal entries related to accounts payable.
  
• Evaluate the accounts payable process and identify opportunities for streamlining and automation. Propose and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
  
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and internal controls related to accounts payable. Support internal and external audits as required.
  
• Prepare accounts payable reports and metrics for management review. Conduct data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and areas for improvement.
  
• Provide training and guidance to junior accounts payable staff. Assist in their professional development and act as a resource for problem-solving and technical issues.
  
• Assist in the setup and maintenance of vendor records in the accounting system, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.
  
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  What makes you a great fit:
  While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:
  
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  • Experience with accounting software and ERP systems, such as Workday, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, etc.
    
  • Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and internal controls.
    
  • Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
    
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other Office applications.
    
  • Advanced skills in Excel with knowledge of how to use VLOOKUP, SUMIF and pivot tables.
    
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
    
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with vendors, colleagues, and team members.
    
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
    
  • Knowledge of tax regulations related to accounts payable (sales tax, 1099 reporting, etc.) is a plus.
    
    Experience and Education Requirements
    
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    • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
      
    • Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Accounts Payable Professional - CAPP) are a plus.
      
    • Minimum 6 years of experience in accounts payable roles, demonstrating a solid understanding of accounts payable principles and processes.
      
    • Experience with Workday is preferred.
      
      What you'll experience working at UL:
      
      • 
        
      • Mission: For UL, corporate and social responsibility isn't new. Making the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place has been our business model for the last 128 years and is deeply ingrained in everything we do.
        
      • People: Ask any -UL -employee what they love most about working here, and you'll almost always hear, "the people." Going beyond what is possible is the standard at -UL. We're able to deliver the best because we employ the best.
        
      • Interesting work: Every day is different for us here as we eagerly anticipate the next innovation that our customers' create. We're inspired to take on the challenge that will transform how people live, work and play. And as a global company, in many roles, you will get international experience working with colleagues around the world.
        
      • Grow & achieve: We learn, work and grow together with targeted development, reward and recognition programs as well as our very own UL University that offers extensive training programs for employees at all stages, including a technical training track for applicable roles.
        
      • Total Rewards: All employees at -UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagementare eligible for bonus compensation. -We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Additionally, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you can work with your manager on flexible working arrangements. We also provide employees with paid time off including vacation, holiday, sick and volunteer time off.
        
        Learn More:
        About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement
        UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement -are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.
        Our wholly owned subsidiary, UL Solutions, advances our shared public safety mission. We fund our work through grants, the licensing of standards documents and the business activities of UL Solutions, which conducts testing, verification and certification, and provides training and advisory services, along with data-driven reporting and decision-making tools for customers around the world.
        To learn more, visit -https://ulse.org
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Keywords: UL Standards & Engagement, Evanston , Accounts Payable Lead, Accounting, Auditing , Evanston, Illinois