WLA Manager, Accounts Payable (Store Support Center, Lenexa, KS)

About Ace Retail Holdings

Ace Retail Holdings (ARH), the division of Ace Hardware Corporation that owns and operates the Great Lakes and Westlake Ace Hardware chains, is one of the largest hardware retailers in the United States.  ARH has been in operation for over a century and operates over 220 neighborhood stores located throughout the United States.  Great people make ARH stand out in our industry, and we are looking for individuals who strive for personal and professional growth, and who want to work with a company dedicated to serving our customers and communities.

Service, Passion, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence

Job Title:          Manager, Accounts Payable         
Department:            Accounting/Finance 
Reports To:               Senior Director, Controller
Exemption Status:   Exempt
Location:                    Store Support Center

About Ace Retail Holdings
Ace Retail Holdings (ARH), the division of Ace Hardware Corporation that owns and operates the Great Lakes and Westlake Ace Hardware chains, is one of the largest hardware retailers in the United States.  ARH has been in operation for over a century and operates over 220 neighborhood stores located throughout the United States.  Great people make ARH stand out in our industry, and we are looking for individuals who strive for personal and professional growth, and who want to work with a company dedicated to serving our customers and communities.

General Summary
The Accounts Payable Manager will provide leadership to a team of associates who will process and pay invoices utilizing JDA inventory management software integrated into JDA accounts payable and JD Edwards general ledger. Responsibilities include reconciliation of all A/P related accounts, vendor issue resolution and communication, store management support, manage process improvements and partnership with business groups such as merchandising, inventory, commercial sales, and information services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
•    Manage Accounts Payable team’s workflow, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and execution.
•    Manage key vendor relationships.
•    Maintains and develops systems, procedures, and policies for all accounts payable functions.
•    Manage, train, and develop associates to enhance their performance, development, and work product - ensuring the accurate and timely processing and efficiency of the Accounts Payable team.
•    Provides accounting assistance to the organization; responds to financial questions/concerns to meet business needs related to the accounts payable department.
•    Audits weekly check and ACH run. 
•    Manage and assist in the monthly close process comprised of preparing, reviewing, and recording journal entries related to accounts payable, inventory and freight.
•    Manage monthly reconciliation of all accounts payable related general ledger accounts including, accounts payable, product and freight clearing, purchase card liability and prepaid inventory.
•    Prepare financial schedules related to the accounts payable department for distribution to leadership.
•    Lead communication and support of store managers, corporate associates and vendors concerning all accounts payable related issues and questions.
•    Analyze and communicate accounts payable vendor debit balances, including collection in partnership with the Merchandising department.
•    Manage projects to increase efficiency, reduce paper processing, and improve overall effectiveness of the accounts payable process.
•    Partner with Information Technology, Inventory Management, Merchandising and Commercial Business Sales departments for continuous improvement of purchasing, inventory, accounts payable and general ledger integration processes.
•    Partner with Inventory and Accounting to ensure credits are received and applied from vendors for inventory returns such as vendor buybacks and defectives.
•    Assist in internal and external audits. 

Other Essential Requirements
Ability to exhibit and incorporate our Core Values into daily decisions and interactions with others:
o    WINNING – In business, money is the score. To win, we must perform, compete, and have fun. At Ace, we win through people- our strength is being helpful.
o    EXCELLENCE – Excellence honors God and inspires people. We aspire to be the best, to continuously improve and to inspire others by giving the team our very best.
o    LOVE – Love the people, love the work and love the results.
o    INTEGRITY – For Ace to win, we need to be able to trust each other. And trust will req