Accounts Payable Specialist - Shared Services

About the role

You will own the complete lifecycle of invoice processing from initial receipt through three-way match verification and final payment execution. You will manage vendor master data entries and maintain accurate records for all assigned supplier accounts within the shared services environment. You will serve as the primary point of contact for vendor inquiries regarding invoice discrepancies, payment status, and account information. You will perform rigorous quality checks to ensure all documentation aligns with finance policies and regulatory requirements before payment runs. You will actively identify bottlenecks in the accounts payable workflow and propose actionable improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to resolve issues related to procurement, contracts, and service delivery. You will support the monthly close activities by ensuring all vendor transactions are correctly coded and posted in a timely manner. You will uphold the integrity of financial records by adhering to strict internal controls and audit preparation standards.

Key facts

What you'll do

Process incoming vendor invoices using shared services procedures to ensure accurate and timely payment cycles.

Perform detailed three-way match reviews comparing purchase orders, goods receipts, and vendor invoices for compliance.

Execute vendor maintenance tasks including updating account details and verifying payment terms within the system.

Conduct independent investigations into invoice exceptions and payment holds to resolve issues efficiently.

Coordinate with procurement and project teams to clarify purchase details and support dispute resolution activities.

Monitor aging reports and payment schedules to prioritize critical vendor obligations and avoid service disruptions.

Apply organizational controls to safeguard against duplicate payments and ensure adherence to approval hierarchies.

Utilize problem-solving skills to streamline manual processes and reduce errors in high-volume invoice processing.

Execute data validation checks to confirm that financial transactions are coded to the correct cost centers and projects.

Support ad hoc reporting requests related to vendor activity, payment trends, and process performance metrics.

Implement procedural enhancements to improve the accuracy and speed of accounts payable operations.

Assist in the preparation of documentation for internal audits and external regulatory reviews as required.

Maintain strict confidentiality regarding financial data, vendor information, and company policies at all times.

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation and compliance in shared services functions.

Requirements

Eligibility for U.S. employment is required for this position.

You must possess a High School diploma or equivalent educational credential.

A minimum of two years of prior accounts payable experience is mandatory for consideration.

You must demonstrate advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the use of formulas and data validation.

Strong attention to detail is required to ensure accuracy in processing high volumes of financial transactions.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary for interacting with internal and external stakeholders.

You must be able to perform duties with a high degree of integrity and confidentiality in all financial matters.

The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment is essential.

You must comply with all company policies, internal controls, and regulatory guidelines governing financial operations.

Nice to have

Previous experience in a shared services or centralized finance environment is preferred.

Familiarity with enterprise resource planning systems and automated invoice scanning tools is advantageous.

Knowledge of construction, engineering, or environmental industry billing practices is considered a plus.

Experience with payment runs and reconciliation activities is viewed as beneficial for this role.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position based in Guilford, Connecticut.

Standard office hours apply as determined by the shared services operational schedule.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship for this role.

The position is exempt from union representation under current company agreements.

Travel is not required for this position as it is fully localized to the Guilford office.

This role is part of a centralized support function serving multiple business lines across the organization.