Accounts Payable Manager

Discover the role that truly makes a difference! We are searching for an Accounts Payable (AP) Manager who will lead a team of eight Associates, all working to ensure invoices, expense reports, and payments are processed accurately and timely. This position dives into strategic priorities and special projects, driving innovation and efficiency across the board. The AP Manager will establish strong vendor relationships and uphold strict policies while collaborating with Finance and other departments. Are you ready to be at the heart of crucial operations? Join us now and elevate your career!

This role involves a hybrid working arrangement, with a mix of in-office (at least 3 days per week) at our headquarters in Milwaukee, WI and remote work. This is important to foster relationships and build consensus across leaders and teams. We also invite you to check our freshly launched Finance Landing Page to learn more about our Associates and teams!

Baird is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status.

• Team Leadership: Providing strategic direction, issue management and driving continuous improvement for the Accounts Payable Team. Responsible for the management and development of associates including activities such as recruitment, retention, performance management, training and career guidance.

• General Operations: Overseeing day-to-day AP operations including invoice and expense report processing and payment runs. Managing market data subscription services system and workstreams. Overseeing our corporate credit card program. Communicating policy and process changes to impacted departments and business units within Baird.

• Client Service: Promoting a culture of service excellence within the AP team, ensuring a client-focused and solutions-driven approach.

• Coordinating: Supporting work of external auditors, Internal Audit and industry regulators when audits are conducted, supplying necessary information and implementing recommended changes. Works closely with the Legal Department on highly confidential matters. Serving as subject matter expert for various projects.

• Controls: Developing AP policies and procedures for the firm, including identification of potential risks and process efficiencies. Responsible for reconciliation and analysis of AP balance sheet accounts monthly. Develops and monitors metrics reporting to monitor productivity and trends. Reviews and approves vendor profile changes prior to payment.

• System Management: Serving as main AP contact for Finance Systems and Information Technology Teams. Coordinating and working to resolve AP system issues. Leading AP system implementations and improvements. Oversees PeopleSoft AP, Concur Expense and Optimize Spend systems. Managing vendor relationships and coordination of contract renewals.

• Reporting: Coordinating, testing, verifying, and reconciling the Form 1099 process to ensure applicable federal and state filings and mailings occur timely. Monitoring of outstanding checks and timely resolution and compliance with unclaimed property laws. Creating and distributing reports to internal clients as needed.

This description outlines the tasks and work difficulty for this position but is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities.

• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (preferred).
• 7 years of accounts payable or other finance operations experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role (preferred).
• Series 7 or 99 license required within 180 days of employment.
• Strong understanding of AP or other finance operations processes, GAAP and internal controls.
• Experience with accounting software applications and expense reimbursement systems.
• Experience with AP automation tools or workflow systems.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Drive and ability to identify and implement process improvements.
• Ability to effectively lead, develop and influence talent.
• Team player with ability to work well with various styles.
• High quality client service delivery with a forward-thinking, solutions-oriented approach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including demonstrated ability to communicate with all levels of management.

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Baird is committed to inclusion & diversity for our clients, our associates and the communities where we live and work. This commitment stems from our culture of integrity, genuine concern for others and respect for the individual. We view inclusion & diversity as an ongoing journey – one of shared responsibility, continuous improvement and a focus on progress. We invite you to join us as we work together to foster an environment where diversity unites rather than divides us.