Accounting Manager
Accounting & Finance, Sales & Business Development
arden hills, mn, usa
The Accounting Manager, Accounts Payable is a hands-on leadership role responsible for the application and reinforcement of accounting policies and standards, resolving complex issues, and developing team capabilities on the Accounts Payable (AP) Team. This role will lead Accounts Payable and operational accounting functions, partnering across departments to ensure accurate financial reporting, effective cash disbursement management, strong internal controls, and scalable accounting processes.
Competencies:
Nimble Learning | Collaboration | Customer Focus | Instills Trust | Action Oriented |
Demonstrates Courage | Persuasion | Decision Quality | Manages Conflict | Optimizes Work Processes |
Business Insights | Builds Effective Teams | Drives Engagement | Ensures Accountability | Communication |
Strategic Mindset | Financial Acumen | Balance Stakeholders | Manages Complexity |
Essential Responsibilities:
The following essential functions represent the primary work performed; however, other responsibilities could be expected that are not detailed here but fall within the scope of this role.
- Build authentic, trusted relationships that promote collaboration, inclusion, and a culture that lives our values every day (Integrity, Dependability, Connection, Action, Growth).
- Lead, manage, and develop the Accounts Payable team:
- Maintain an active and visible presence with the team, providing day‑to‑day support and clear communication to build strong, cohesive teams and effective reporting relationships.
- Develop, implement, and consistently apply standard policies and processes to drive efficiency, clarity, and operational excellence across the team.
- Model a continuous improvement mindset and actively empower team members to identify opportunities, implement improvements, and drive positive change.
- Establish clear expectations and measurable goals aligned with strategic plans, and ensure accountability for meeting quality, performance, and delivery standards.
- Manage performance and support career development, including providing timely feedback, coaching, and taking corrective action when necessary.
- Maintain professional competence and role‑related expertise, staying current on best practices, skills, and knowledge required for effective leadership.
- Ensure effective staffing levels by proactively planning for current and future needs, developing succession plans, and actively participating in recruiting and talent selection efforts.
- Lead all Accounts Payable (AP) activities, including vendor onboarding, payment processing, vendor statement review, account reconciliations, expense management, and payment controls.
- Own the weekly payment proposal process, including cash flow review, vendor payment prioritization, and coordination with Finance leadership.
- Manage corporate expense systems and programs, including Concur administration, company credit card programs, employee onboarding/offboarding activities, and policy compliance.
- Oversee sales and use tax processes, including transaction review, taxability assessment, filing oversight, and coordination with third-party tax systems.
- Partner cross-functionally with Purchasing, Operations, IT, FP&A, and HR to drive process improvements, resolve vendor issues, and strengthen expense management controls.
- Ensure accuracy and integrity of AP subledger through account reconciliations and reviews.
- Lead efforts to improve AP processes, strengthen controls, enhance reporting, and drive adoption of systems and automation tools.
- Own assigned month-end close responsibilities, including account reconciliations, accruals, prepaid expenses, lease accounting, sales tax liabilities, and other balance sheet activities.
- Assist with audit requests and provide supporting documentation for AP-related items.
Minimum Skills, Abilities, and Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with 6+ years of progressive hands-on accounting experience.
- Proven ability to lead, influence cross-functional partners, or serve as a subject matter expert or project owner for key projects or initiatives.
- Public accounting, audit experience, and CPA preferred, with experience driving adoption of accounting best practices.
- Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
- Proven track record of implementing and executing continuous improvement projects and leading organizational transformation.
- Strong business acumen and ability to think strategically to contribute toward organizational planning.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly, professionally, and persuasively to customers and/or internal partners.
- Creative and results oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate with others to identify and solve issues, make proactive recommendations, and lead through influence.
- Detail-oriented with strong process discipline.
Technology and Systems:
- ERP (Info CSI preferred)
- Microsoft 365