Ledgent is partnering with a well-established client in the distribution industry to identify an experienced Accounts Payable Specialist for a direct-hire opportunity in Clearwater. This position offers the chance to join a collaborative accounting team where you'll play an integral role in managing vendor payments, maintaining accurate financial records, supporting month-end close activities, and ensuring the efficient flow of accounts payable operations.

This role is ideal for an accounting professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced distribution environment, has strong attention to detail, and thrives in a position that combines transactional accounting responsibilities with cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Process and code vendor invoices, including corporate overhead expenses, recurring charges, prepaid expenses, and accrual-related transactions.
• Manage weekly payment runs through checks, ACH transactions, and domestic and international wire transfers.
• Perform vendor setup and maintenance, including collection and review of W-9 documentation, vendor verification, and compliance requirements.
• Reconcile corporate credit card activity and review employee expense reports for accuracy and policy compliance.
• Assist with month-end close activities, account reconciliations, accruals, and financial reporting support.
• Partner closely with the Controller on special projects, process improvements, and accounting analysis.
• Process inventory-related invoices utilizing three-way matching between purchase orders, receiving documentation, and vendor invoices.
• Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies, pricing variances, quantity differences, and receiving issues by partnering with Purchasing and Operations teams.
• Maintain accurate vendor master records and ensure timely posting of accounts payable transactions.
• Support internal controls and ensure compliance with company accounting policies and procedures.
• Provide backup support for Accounts Receivable and other accounting functions as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting required.
• 3+ years of Accounts Payable experience within a distribution, manufacturing, wholesale, or inventory-based environment.
• Strong understanding of three-way matching, purchase orders, inventory invoicing, and vendor management.
• Experience handling high-volume invoice processing and payment runs.
• Knowledge of month-end close procedures, account reconciliations, and accrual accounting.
• Experience processing ACH, wire transfers, and vendor payments.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• ERP system experience required.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively across multiple departments.
• Highly organized with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.