Accounts Payable Associate

Location: Sacramento, CA

Schedule: Full-Time

Compensation: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour, depending on experience and education

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Accounts Payable Associate to join our growing finance team. This role is designed as a step above a traditional Accounts Payable Specialist and is ideal for a candidate who possesses comprehensive knowledge of the accounts payable function, including full-cycle invoice processing, three-way matching, vendor maintenance, process improvement, and policy development.

While our organization maintains appropriate segregation of duties, the ideal candidate will have hands-on experience across all aspects of the AP lifecycle and serve as a valuable resource in identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and support best practices. Candidates who have leveraged automation tools, AI, or intelligent workflow technologies within the accounts payable process are highly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable Operations

• Perform full-cycle accounts payable processing, including invoice review, coding, matching, approval routing, and payment processing.
• Execute accurate three-way matching between purchase orders, receiving documentation, and vendor invoices.
• Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies, pricing variances, and payment inquiries.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices in accordance with company policies and payment terms.
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve outstanding balances and discrepancies.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities related to accounts payable.

Vendor Management

• Support vendor onboarding, setup, and maintenance activities in accordance with internal controls and compliance requirements.
• Maintain accurate vendor master data and validate required documentation, including tax forms and banking information.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure vendor records remain current and compliant.
• Assist in monitoring vendor relationships and responding to inquiries in a professional and timely manner.

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Identify opportunities to enhance AP workflows, reduce manual processes, and improve overall efficiency.
• Assist in reviewing, updating, and documenting accounts payable policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Recommend and help implement best practices that improve accuracy, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with leadership on special projects related to process optimization and system enhancements.
• Support audits by preparing documentation and responding to auditor requests.

Technology & Innovation

• Utilize ERP systems and accounts payable technologies to improve processing accuracy and efficiency.
• Participate in automation initiatives and electronic workflow improvements.
• Leverage AI-enabled tools and technologies, where applicable, to assist with invoice processing, data extraction, workflow management, exception handling, reporting, and process optimization.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies and industry best practices within accounts payable and finance operations.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of progressive accounts payable experience.
• Experience processing full-cycle accounts payable in a high-volume environment.
• Strong understanding of three-way matching procedures.
• Experience with vendor onboarding, vendor maintenance, and vendor master file management.
• Working knowledge of internal controls and segregation of duties.
• Experience researching discrepancies and resolving complex AP issues.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service abilities.

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience contributing to the development or revision of accounting policies and procedures.
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements within accounts payable.
• Exposure to AP automation platforms, OCR technology, workflow tools, or AI-driven accounting solutions.
• Experience supporting system implementations, upgrades, or process transformation initiatives.

What Success Looks Like

• Maintains a high level of accuracy and timeliness in AP processing.
• Helps strengthen vendor management practices and data integrity.
• Contributes meaningful improvements to departmental workflows and procedures.
• Demonstrates a proactive approach to automation, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Serves as a knowledgeable resource within the accounts payable function while supporting compliance and internal control standards.

Pay Range: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour, depending on experience, education, and overall qualifications.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced AP professional who wants to move beyond transaction processing and play a meaningful role in process enhancement, operational excellence, and the future of digital finance operations.