Manager, Accounting

Department: Finance
Reports To: Director, Finance
Location: Hybrid – Saint Louis Zoo campus with option for some remote

Position Overview:

The Manager of Accounting will report to the Director of Finance and oversee the full cycle of accounts payable processes, focusing on automation to increase efficiency, team leadership to ensure high performance, risk management, and collaboration with departments across the organization.  This role will also be responsible for managing related reconciliations, assisting with budget development, enforcing strong internal controls, and proactively handling grant-related payables and reporting to ensure compliance with funding guidelines. The ideal candidate will have experience in leading teams, optimizing automated systems, and being a proactive partner to managers involved in the purchasing process across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Accounts Payable Automation & Process Improvement:

• Lead the implementation, maintenance, and optimization of automated accounts payable systems to streamline invoice processing, approvals, payments, and purchasing cards.
• Monitor and assess automated workflows to ensure operational efficiency, reduce errors, and eliminate manual processing where possible.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies or software tools to continuously improve the accounts payable process and reduce administrative overhead.
• Work closely with the Technology Services and Finance teams to ensure integration of automated systems with other financial platforms (ERP, CRM, etc.).

1. Team Leadership & Development:

• Manage and mentor a team of accounts payable professionals, ensuring alignment with company goals and financial policies.
• Foster a collaborative, results-driven environment through effective communication, training, and professional development.
• Set clear goals and targets for the accounts payable team, ensuring that operational targets are met consistently.

1. Reconciliations & Financial Reporting:

• Oversee and execute the reconciliation of accounts payable to the general ledger, ensuring that all discrepancies are identified and resolved in a timely manner.
• Review aging reports, and proactively manage outstanding liabilities to ensure that payments are made in accordance with vendor terms.
• Ensure that all payment-related entries are accurately recorded, and resolve any issues related to missing or inaccurate invoices.
• Prepare reports on accounts payable performance, cash flow projections, and other financial data as needed for management.
• Manage reporting and required filings to federal, state, and local governments (e.g., annual 1099 filing and unclaimed property reporting to state governments)

1. Internal Control, Compliance, and Risk Management:

• Establish, enforce, and monitor internal controls, identifying areas for improvement to strengthen the accounts payable process and the integrity of financial reporting.
• Ensure that all accounts payable functions follow best practices in terms of approval workflows, segregation of duties, and audit trails to reduce the risk of fraud.
• Identify risks within the payable process and take proactive steps to mitigate those risks.
• Collaborate with audit team to prepare audit work papers and ensure that accounts payable processes comply with internal control policies and industry regulations.

1. Proactive Grant Management:

• Manage accounts payable related to grant-funded projects, ensuring all expenses are within the allocated budget and comply with grant terms and conditions.
• Work closely with program managers and grant administrators to ensure timely and accurate reporting of grant expenditures.
• Monitor and reconcile grant-related accounts, ensuring all transactions are properly allocated and supported with necessary documentation.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5 years of experience in accounts payable, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Strong experience in AP automation tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Coupa).
• Experience in grant management and compliance in a nonprofit or government setting.
• Proven track record of overseeing internal controls and assisting with internal audits.
• Solid experience with financial reconciliations and reporting.

Skills & Competencies:

• Expertise in accounts payable systems, automated tools, and best practices.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Experience leading and managing teams, with a focus on high performance and professional development.
• Proactive approach to managing grant compliance, ensuring all payments align with the grantor’s conditions.
• Strong knowledge of financial regulations, accounting principles, and audit processes.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial software.

Key Attributes for Success:

• Detail-oriented and highly organized, with a strong focus on accuracy and compliance.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive mindset in identifying and addressing financial issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to effectively collaborate across multiple departments and teams.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment while ensuring the quality and integrity of accounts payable functions.
• Strong ethical standards with a commitment to transparency and accountability.