Senior Manager, Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable

Position Summary:

The US Shared Service Center AR and AP Senior Manager will report directly to the Chief Accounting Officer and will be responsible for leading the organization’s US accounts receivable and accounts payable functions. This role will require collaboration with business partners and manufacturing operations leaders to find solutions to ensure timely collections and payments, maintain accurate records, and improve key performance indicators. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and a strong communicator with a proactive approach to resolving issues. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives in complexity and motivated to be part of an accounting team at a company undergoing meaningful transformation and growth located in Southfield, Michigan.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day US accounting operations for the accounts receivable and accounts payable functions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with U.S. GAAP within the company’s close timeline.
• Responsibilities include but are not limited to customer billing and collections, invoicing and payment, contacting customers with past due accounts, processing of invoices and payments, accuracy of data entry, and timely payment of vendors.
• Lead the accounts receivable and accounts payable teams, including assigning work tasks and monitoring performance.
• Ensure accuracy of all accounts receivable and accounts payable activities.
• Develop, implement, and maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting and ensure compliance with SOX 404 requirements.
• Partner with the business unit finance teams to provide information and find solutions to facilitate business decisions and ensure appropriate accounting treatment.
• Partner cross-functionally with FP&A, tax, treasury, and operational finance teams to support financial reporting and business initiatives.
• Researching and resolving accounts payable or accounts receivable issues with customers or vendors.
• Preparing, reviewing, and analyzing aging reports to identify trends and recommend solutions.
• Monitor and review customer accounts to ensure payment terms are followed and overdue accounts are pursued.
• Investigating and resolving customer queries and disputes.
• Developing strategies and goals to reduce exposure to write-offs.
• Reviewing invoices for appropriate documentation and approval prior to processing.
• Communicating with vendors regarding payment status, invoice requests and inquiries as needed.
• Assisting leadership in the preparation of the annual budget and long-term financial objectives.
• Ensure accounts receivable and accounts payable reconciliations are completed timely, and action plans are created and implemented.
• Coordinate with external auditors and manage audit requests to ensure timely completion of quarterly reviews and the annual audit.
• Support the development, implementation, and governance of global accounting policies aligned with U.S. GAAP and SEC regulatory requirements.
• Assesses current practices and procedures, and make recommendations for improvements, including standardization and automation of processes, to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Propose changes to the system structure to facilitate more efficient close process.
• Support the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end variance analysis, ensuring that all required periods are compared and that detailed explanations for the fluxes that meet internal thresholds are provided by agreed upon deadlines including following up as necessary for any late items.
• Manage and develop staff by monitoring performance, setting goals, providing ongoing training, and maintaining strong employee relationships.
• Ensure consistent standards and operational excellence in the US accounting operations.
• Foster a collaborative team environment and ensure strong communication across the accounting team and other departments.
• Participate in special projects and initiatives, such as system implementations, process improvements, and implementation of new accounting standards.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience with a portion of it being in a supervisory role.
• Big 4 Public Accounting Firm experience (3 years minimum) working with multinational publicly traded companies, strongly preferred. 
• Thorough knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SOX/internal controls, and financial close processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities across all levels of an organization.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Strong leadership skills with dedication to driving and achieving results.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills an