Accounts Payable Specialist

Accounts Payable (AP) Specialist North York, Ontario

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Accounts Payable (AP) Specialist is responsible for ensuring vendor invoices are accurately verified, coded, approved and paid in a timely manner. The ideal candidate will also maintain positive supplier relationships, perform analytical analysis of payment patterns, reconcile vendor statements and complete usage variances. This role requires strong attention to detail, great organizational and communication skills and a good understanding of accounting principles.

SCOPE AND MAGNITUDE

Soul Restaurants Canada, part of the Soul Foods Group, comprises of over 230 Restaurants and Stores including KFC, Taco Bell, and Starbucks brands. Employing over 4,000 employees, the business continues to grow through acquisition and development. Soul Foods Group is committed to providing people with growth opportunities and making a difference in peoples’ lives and communities through great tasting food and coffee.

POSITION FUNCTIONS

Invoice Processing (75%)

• Receive, verify, and enter/upload vendor invoices into the accounting system, ensuring appropriate documentation, proper coding, and approvals in accordance with internal control policies.
• Three-Way Matching: Match invoices against purchase orders and receiving documents (packing slips). Identify discrepancies and proactively assist in troubleshooting.
• Review existing processes and continuously look for efficiencies/improvements.
• Manage vendor relationships and resolve any issues or disputes related to payments, invoices, and statements.
• Prepare and process electronic payments (ACH/wire) and cheques for vendor invoices.
• Assist with month-end closing, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and tax regulations.

Analysis (15%)

• Payment Processing analysis and reconciliation with bank transactions.Working with the banking team to resolve variances.
• Provide insights of utility usage analysis
• Vendor invoice analysis of monthly spend/billings.

Finance Business Partnership (10%)

• Assisting other teams as they develop strategies, establish objectives, and make decisions that could have a financial impact on the business.
• Provides general ledger reconciliation on capital projects.
• Other ad hoc support to cross functional team as needed.

POSITION IMPACT:

The AP Specialist should be analytical, detailed, and process oriented. The candidate should be a strong team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They will be working proactively with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues and determine process improvements initiatives.

Working Relationships

• Soul Foods Group Finance Leadership Team
• Key Functional Teams (Operations, Construction/Development, HR) and Finance Functions
• External partners and vendors as required.
• Restaurant and Store management teams
• Franchisor business leaders and partners

Specialised or Technical Knowledge/Skills

Education and Qualifications

• Post-Secondary Education in Finance, Accounting, or Business. MBA an asset
• QSR experience an asset.
• At least 3 years of progressive finance experience in accounts payable, fixed assets, and or general accounting capacity.

Experience and Skills

• Self-starter with ‘Can Do’ attitude who can work independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent people skills with the ability to relate and communicate with a diverse group of individuals, creating a collaborative environment of trust.
• Result driven, flexible, and able to embrace and respond to change effectively.
• Comfortable working in an environment of consistently competing priorities and driving the right agenda.