Lead Accounts Payable Specialist

About Our Opportunity

The Lead Accounts Payable Specialist provides accounting services and support in the areas of Accounts Payable, Patronage, Corporate Credit Card Program, Reconciliations, and Tax Reporting.  This position is expected to act as the subject matter expert; maintain effective accounting controls and resolve a variety of payables related issues; adhere to productivity standards, regularly review and reconcile accounts; maintain the integrity and confidentiality of information; provide accurate and timely response / reports as needed to Financial Planning Analysis Team, Director, Controller, CFO, etc. while also organizing and prioritizing work to meet processing deadlines.  This position will also be responsible for training and cross training within Accounts Payable and ensuring the accuracy around documentation of processes and procedures and the Corporate Business Expense and Travel Policy.

The Lead Accounts Payable Specialist does not directly supervise team members, but they are responsible for coaching others as part of the team environment.  The Lead Accounts Payable Specialist will coordinate and communicate with members of Agribank and other district associations; the Financial Operations team, senior management, retail leaders, board members, vendors, and Louisville office support leaders. 

This role will also be responsible for departmental project work and representing the Accounts Payable team on cross-functional teams and projects. 

How You Will Spend Your Time

• General Accounting: process monthly accruals, submit adjusting and reclassification journal entries, if necessary; assist with the day to day, monthly and year-end operations of the Corporate Accounting and Finance Team; assist with accounts payable transactions so that all invoices and staff reimbursements are paid accurately and in accordance with company policies and procedures; provide support to the Controller through collecting data to assess accuracy and integrity; analyze and interpret data to produce reports and provide feedback; provide support to Louisville office audits conducted by internal and external auditors and regulators as needed; assist with the recommendation and implementation of departmental systems and procedures; make recommendations on the implementation of departmental accounting system revisions to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Accounts Payable: maintain effective payable controls/ processes; process daily cash requirements/ ACH files; quality check processed work by verifying entries, verify appropriate approval/spend amounts to authorization; ledger accounts, costs centers and comparing system reports to balances; administer corporate card program through issuance, limit changes, cancellation and monitoring for potential fraudulent transactions.
• Tax Accounting Support: Analyze, interpret and enter data to support vendor and customer tax statements; ensure compliance with IRS reporting requirements; correspond with the IRS and other tax authorities to resolve notices.

Minimum Education & Experience

Associate's Degree in accounting, finance or a related field and four years of experience in accounting, banking, or financially related customer support. This experience should include proficiency in a variety of business software, particularly Word and Excel. (A bachelor's degree in a related field can substitute for two years of required work experience).

Mental & Physical Requirements

While engaged in this position, team members will routinely sit, use hands for tasks, and communicate orally. Standing or walking is frequently required, while occasional demands include reaching with hands and arms, and lifting or moving up to ten pounds. Vision requirements encompass close and distance vision. The work environment typically has a moderate noise level. This role may entail a blend of mental and physical capabilities, requiring strong mental acuity, problem-solving skills, and occasional physical tasks such as standing, lifting, or extended computer usage. Some roles may require physical or mental requirements related to driving, such as a valid driver's license, and the ability to drive a long-distance. Reasonable accommodations will be considered for individuals as requested.