Senior Accounts Payable Specialist

Location: Kelso, WA
Compensation: $28-$41/hour DOE
Employment Type: Full-Time, Temp-to-Hire

About the Opportunity

Our client is seeking a Senior Accounts Payable Specialist to join their accounting team. This role is ideal for an experienced A/P professional who thrives in a high-volume environment, enjoys solving complex problems, and is passionate about improving processes through technology, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The Senior Accounts Payable Specialist will manage full-cycle accounts payable responsibilities while serving as a key resource for troubleshooting, training, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable Operations

• Process high-volume accounts payable transactions, including PO and non-PO invoices.
• Review invoice coding, approvals, discrepancies, and exception items.
• Reconcile vendor statements and company credit card transactions.
• Support subcontractor compliance requirements and vendor documentation review.
• Assist with month-end close activities, accruals, and reconciliation processes.
• Prepare payment runs and ensure accuracy prior to final approval.
• Provide backup support to team members during peak periods and absences.

Problem Solving & Issue Resolution

• Serve as a resource for complex accounts payable issues, including invoice discrepancies, payment disputes, retainage, and aging balances.
• Identify root causes of recurring issues and implement long-term solutions.
• Collaborate with operations, purchasing, project teams, and vendors to resolve payment and cost-related concerns.
• Manage compliance-related payment holds and documentation requirements.

Process Improvement & Technology

• Recommend and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Support and optimize accounts payable systems and workflow automation tools.
• Leverage reporting, automation, AI, and technology solutions to improve operational performance.
• Develop reports and dashboards to track key accounts payable metrics.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects and process enhancement initiatives.

Training & Documentation

• Create and maintain standard operating procedures and process documentation.
• Train and mentor team members on systems, workflows, and best practices.
• Support cross-training initiatives across the accounting department.
• Assist internal stakeholders with accounts payable policies and approval processes.

Controls & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to internal controls and accounting policies.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen controls and reduce risk.
• Support internal and external audit requests.
• Perform additional accounting and administrative duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of full-cycle accounts payable experience.
• Experience working in a high-volume accounts payable environment.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and A/P best practices.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis.
• Experience improving processes and implementing workflow efficiencies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience with ERP systems and accounts payable automation platforms.
• Construction, manufacturing, engineering, or project-based industry experience.
• Experience developing SOPs, training materials, and mentoring team members.
• Exposure to reporting tools, automation technologies, or AI-powered business applications.

Ideal Candidate

• Solutions-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Comfortable challenging existing processes and recommending better approaches.
• Technologically savvy and eager to leverage automation tools.
• Collaborative team player with strong attention to detail.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and committed to delivering high-quality results.

Compensation: $28-$41/hour DOE
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, paid time off