Accounts Payable Manager, Atlanta Journal Constitution

Summary:
This position, located in Atlanta, Georgia, will be responsible for managing all aspects and activities of various accounts payable work streams to ensure processing of vendor invoices, T&E, procurement and payments in accordance with prescribed policies, procedures and timelines. The successful candidate will also be responsible for responding to internal and external inquiries, serving as the first level of problem resolution, as well as researching and resolving any issues that may cause delays in invoice/payment processing. The position will set day-to-day duties and ensure interface with supporting departments for completion. This position will both train and give direction to others for all AP work streams and activities.
He or she will contribute to the organization's profitability by processing invoices in a manner that will maximize prompt payment discounts, minimize late payment charges, minimize returned checks, and prevent duplicate payments. He/she will be able to work independently with general guidance. This position requires the use of initiative and independent judgment
Key Responsibilities:
The Manager should have knowledge/experience and be able to independently manage the full lifecycle Accounts Payable process to include:

• Optical Character Recognition/Advanced Data Capture
• Upload and manual invoice processing
• Customer Service/Vendor Setup and Maintenance
• Payments/Returned Check Processing/1099 & 1042 reporting/Special Projects
• Manage the full lifecycle AP Process for AJC, Cox First Media
• Responsible for training - Concur T&E, Purchase Card and Oracle Accounts Payable modules
• The manager will be responsible for training a backup support person during absences and vacations

General Responsibilities:

• Independently enter/process invoices and credit memos in accordance with established policies, procedures, and timeframes.
• Review purchase orders and receiving documents to verify receipt of goods or services for PO invoices. Follow up in a timely manner with requisitioners to request receipt. Work with vendors and/or Procurement to resolve errors that may result in payment delays.
• Review invoices for correct general ledger account codes, discounts, payment terms, descriptions, taxes and accuracy.
• Use the AJC/CEI Tax Matrix to ensure that tax is only paid or accrued when appropriate. Minimize the need for tax accruals and short pay by working with vendors to ensure that taxes are charged at the appropriate rates.
• Flag 1099 transactions to ensure accurate 1099 reporting at year-end.
• Scan Invoices that are received through US postal mail.
• Resolve invoices that have been rejected in the Interface and by an approver.
• Reconcile monthly vendor statements and follow up on all open issues. Work with vendors and colleagues to resolve payment discrepancies.
• Research, resolve and respond to internal and external information requests regarding payment status in a prompt and accurate manner.
• Prepare department for Month End close by running/reviewing for Open and Rejected Invoices.
• Manage month-end Accounts Payable Close Process.
• Compiling, analyzing, and reporting financial information to management and government agencies.
• Record payments in Oracle that are initiated outside of our financial system.
• Complete Series Post for invoice, expense report and PO receipt batches.
• Audit employee T&E submissions based on audit criteria.
• Prepare wire payment requests in a timely manner.
• Research returned checks and EFT's. Take appropriate action to void/reissue payments. Place stop payments as needed.
• Review accounts payable aging report to clear aged invoices and request vendor credits/refunds for amounts over 90 days.
• Assist with the issuance of accurate 1099's to independent contractors and prizewinners and submission of information returns with the IRS according to published IRS guidelines.
• Provide training to "AP" back-up support to fill in during absences and vacations.
• Identify and participate in process improvement projects.
• Lead/participate in periodic service review calls with internal customers to ensure that services issues are identified and resolved. Escalate issues to department management as appropriate.
• Be the primary liaison for any procurement activities including requests, research, and requisitions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or similar with 6+ years' experience in all AP functions and 1 year in management or leadership. Person can also have MS degree and 4+ years of experience, Ph.D. and 1+ year of experience, or 10+ years of experience in lieu of a degree.
• Accounts Payable Subject Matter Expert on system enhancements and upgrades.
• Oracle Accounts Payable module experience.
• OCR/Advanced Data Capture and automated workflow experience preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and Word skills.
• Ability to maintain productive and professional relationships with vendors and internal customers.
• Ability to analyze, solve problems, and have excellent decision-making skills.
• Ability to convey ideas and information clearly and effectively both verbally and in written form.
• Self-motivated with high energy level.
• Multi-tasking, organizational and time management skills.
• Comfortable with complex ERP system transactions.
• Demonstrates a commitment to accuracy while meeting departmental goals and deadlines.
• Thorough understanding of the P2P process and the roles of other departments in the process.
• Knowledge of 1099 and Sales/Use tax requirements.
• Ability to work independently.
• Manage work processes.
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency and ability to meet deadlines.
• Knowledgeable, analytical and decisive with excellent leadership and communication skills.

USD 77,800.00 - 116,800.00 per year
Compensation:
Compensation includes a base salary of $77,800.00 - $116,800.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.
Benefits:
The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company's needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, parental leave, and COVID-19 vaccination leave.
About Cox
Cox empowers employees to build a better future and has been doing so for over 120 years. With exciting investments and innovations across transportation, communications, cleantech and healthcare, our family of businesses - which includes Cox Automotive and Cox Communications - is forging a better future for us all. Ready to make your mark? Join us today!
Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page .
Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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