Accounts Payable Manager

Position Description

Title: Accounts Payable Manager
Department: Finance
Reports To: Assistant Controller
Supervisory Role: Yes
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Washington, DC (hybrid)

Company

SoundExchange is the premier music tech organization on a mission to power the future of music. It was independently formed in 2003 to build a fairer, simpler, and more efficient music industry through technology, data, and advocacy. The only organization designated by the U.S. government to administer the Section 114 sound recording license, SoundExchange collects and distributes digital performance royalties on behalf of 600,000 music creators and growing. Through proprietary music tech solutions that turn data into accurate revenue, SoundExchange has paid more than $9 billion in distributions to date.

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Controller, this position will be responsible for leading the daily accounts payable (AP) operations and for developing and maintaining AP best practices and procedures. The AP Manager will ensure timely processing and payment of invoices for the organization, timely processing of employee expense reports, maintain accurate records, and review AP and other applicable reports to ensure accuracy and a timely month-end close. The ideal candidate will have proven success in high volume full AP processing, working knowledge of AP best practices and procedures, and the ability to combine management responsibilities with doing hands-on AP work.

Essential Functions

  • Lead all areas of the day-to-day full AP cycle, driving process excellence across the end-to-end process and supporting a strong team dynamic
  • Supervise, manage, and direct a team of one or more employees as well as review work of their direct report(s) for timeliness, completeness, and accuracy
  • Responsible for managing the daily invoice processing ensuring accurate and timely invoice payment in accordance with company policies and procedures. Specific sub-process includes but are not limited to approving invoices for proper GL account coding and overall accuracy of invoice information integrating in the Accounting ERP, verifying receipt of proper payment authorization, maintaining accurate and complete vendor records, ensuring compliance to internal controls in place and reviewing the AP aging report timely to ensure payments are up to date; resolve payment delays and issues as needed
  • Manage the employee expense reporting process, ensuring accurate coding of expense account and adherence to the T&E policy. Perform weekly review of unsubmitted expense reports to ensure reports are being submitted timely in accordance with the T&E policy
  • Demonstrate and apply sufficient accounting knowledge needed to determine and assess financial impacts of AP invoice e.g.: expense, prepaid, capitalized asset
  • Promote and facilitate positive relationships with vendors and serve as an escalated point of contact
  • Interface and collaborate with other departments to ensure quick turn-around time for invoice and expense report approvals
  • Manage weekly and off cycle check and ACH/Wire pay runs, ensuring payments are approved in accordance with company policies and internal controls. Manage requests for out of cycle royalty distribution payments
  • Manage the overall AP month-end close process, ensuring all weekly and monthly AP entries including intercompany transactions and invoice accruals are prepared timely and accurately. Ensure proper supporting documents are maintained and the subledger reconciliation is prepared timely with no variance
  • Manage the AP invoice and inquiries e-mail inboxes daily, ensuring internal and external inquiries are addressed in a timely manner and completeness of invoice integrations into the ERP system is performed timely
  • Responsible for researching, solving, and communicating issues and resolutions in all daily AP operations
  • Manage vendor maintenance in accordance with company policies and procedures, including approving new vendor creation and performing verbal ACH banking verification with vendors
  • Maintain accurate accounting files and record in accordance with organization business policies, GAAP, and internal controls
  • Drive continuous improvement efforts by implementing process improvements, technology driven solutions, and automation
  • Coach, mentor, and develop staff, including providing career development planning and opportunities
  • Manage the monthly and annual tax filings directly related to AP, working closely with the Tax Manager. Assist with sales and use tax and with necessary documentation for the preparation of the vendor 1099s. Ensure all reporting is accurate and filed in a timely manner
  • Assist with accounting department audit requests and other projects

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSAs)

  • Proficiency in Microsoft office and other MIS tools
  • Experience with Great Plains or large ERP system a plus
  • Experience with Concur Travel & Expense module a plus
  • Demonstrated ability for accuracy, timeliness, and thoroughness in all AP processing
  • Ability to meet internal and external deadlines in a fast-paced dynamic environment
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to understand issues, demonstrate resourcefulness, and pro-actively and creatively resolve problems
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented with strong analytical skills
  • Ability to work independently, multi-task, and prioritize
  • Strong work ethic and team player
  • Ability to handle and optimize multiple systems involved in the payment process
  • Be customer focused and have strong problem-solving skills
  • Self-motivated and self-directed, must have demonstrated ability to work well with people

Required Education, Certifications/ Licenses, Related Experience

  • BA/BS Finance or Accounting degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 7+ years of proven success in high volume AP processing
  • Strong end-to-end AP experience in a high volume, fast paced environment
  • Knowledge of basic accounting principles, use of Chart of Accounts and month-end close process
  • Exposure to annual budgeting and forecasting process a plus

ADA Specifications

  • This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position (standing and/or seated) more than half the time
  • The person in this position may need to move about the corporate office(s) less than half the time
  • This position requires the ability to spend more than half the time viewing computer monitors

Travel Requirements

  • This position has no travel requirements 

DEI Statement

At SoundExchange, we empower creators and help share the future of music. One way we do this is by respecting diverse voices, varied perspectives, and distinct backgrounds of all of our team members. We are intentional in creating an inclusive culture where we recognize that equity is greater than equality and all employees have the opportunities and support needed to thrive. We strive to create teams that reflect the music community we serve – every individual’s unique attributes and abilities are valued, and are part of how we innovate, create, and deliver experiences to the creators we champion.

COVID-19 Policy

Applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status prior to beginning employment. Employees who are not fully vaccinated will not be permitted to access SoundExchange offices until they are fully vaccinated. As a condition of employment, all SoundExchange employees will be required to be fully vaccinated. SoundExchange will provide reasonable accommodations for employees who cannot be vaccinated because of a disability or sincerely held religious belief. Accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Contact

To apply, please send a cover letter and résumé to [email protected].

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.