Accounts Payable Specialist

Description

WHO WE ARE

We are a restaurant group that thrives on creating authentic and inspiring experiences for the communities we serve. Through the contributions of countless incredible people, past and present, we're headed to the moon with a simple mission - to make people feel good. While no one on the team is quite like the other, it's our common values that keep us united.

• Be Authentic and Humble
• Act with Integrity
• Bring Good Energy
• Achieve as a Team
• Get Extraordinary Results
• Inspire with Hospitality

ABOUT THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE SPECIALIST

This Accounts Payable Specialist is primarily responsible for full cycle Account Payable processes. This includes routing vendor invoices through approval, verification, expense coding, data entry, reconciliation, payment processing, supports month-end closing and customer service for our restaurants, department heads and vendors.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL YOU MUST

• Ensure invoices and/or expense reports are approved by department heads or restaurant leaders
• Route any unapproved invoices to the authorizer of the services/goods
• Ensure AP cut off deadlines are being compiled by all team members authorized to submit invoices for processing
• Assist with improving the current approval processes for invoices
• Ensure all invoices received are scanned, approved, coded and posted in a timely manner to the accounting system on a weekly basis
• Ensure invoices are posted to the correct period or account based on invoice date, prior coding, and timing of services performed
• Assist with document retention and maintenance, including help with streamlining a system for filing processing invoices for easy access by the accountants and/or department heads
• Support check printing process on a weekly basis based on terms with vendors
• Prepare checks for mailing and filing
• Apply EFT payments for Fintech alcohol vendors, utilities, and any vendors have been authorized as EFT
• Ensure posted credits are taken timely or refund checks are requested on any open credits
• Process monthly rent
• Ensure that all checks printed are entered into the banking system for positive pay
• Provide week over week flux in check printing totals and provide explanations for any unusual variances
• Assist with improving system to manage vendor contacts and payment methods by vendor (e.g. check vs. EFT vs. credit card)
• Complete credit applications for new vendors for Controller approval
• Ensure any new vendors set up are approved and have W9 and appropriate insurance documentation on file
• Create new users in Concur for employees receiving company credit cards
• Inactivate infrequently used vendors
• Monitor Accounts Payable email and researches and resolves vendor invoice and payment inquiries in a timely manner
• Ensure interactions with vendors, stores, department heads, and team members on invoice inquiries are handled professionally, timely, and compliance with company policies and procedures
• Coach restaurant leaders and department heads on proper coding and approval of invoices
• Assist with 1099 compliance at year-end
• Prepare ad hoc reports for financial controller and CFO as needed
• Provide temporary back up on payroll processing function when Payroll Accountant is out of office

WHY YOU'LL LOVE UPWARD PROJECTS

• Excellent benefit and compensation package
• Paid time off and earned paid sick time
• Fitness discount programs
• Access to retirement planning
• A people focused culture united by our shared values
• Unlimited growth opportunities, with several new restaurant openings
• Having a voice. We provide empowerment and influence to all our team members
• Opportunity to build deep, meaningful, and lasting relationships with colleagues
• Recognition and rewards for your hard work and tenure
• Generous meal benefit program

Requirements

• Associates Degree Required (Bachelor’s Degree preferred)
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in Accounts Payable (or Banking) is strongly preferred (systems and full-cycle month-end close process)
• Experience with accounting and invoicing system highly preferred
• Strong computer, data entry and 10-key skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite software and eager to improve Excel skills to support automating processes
• Ability to work under high pressure, meet deadlines, and maintain a positive attitude
• Must have high attention to detail and be able to detect/prevent errors
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve invoicing system issues
• Exposure to high volume or multi-unit payables processing is preferred
• Ability to provide inspired hospitality when responding inquiries from vendors
• Ability to work efficiently and cooperatively as a part of the accounting and finance teams
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written manner
• Must maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality
• Must have adaptability and high level of organization in a fast-paced environment
• Must have a high level of skepticism and be able to communicate accordingly any suspicious approvals and phishing scams attempting to solicit fraudulent payments
• Must have high level of curiosity, critical thinking, and eagerness to improve on existing accounts payable systems to ensure maximum efficiency & scalability for high growth