AP Accountant

The Accounts Payable (AP) team is part of the Accounting & Finance function and plays a critical role in maintaining compliance and operational excellence for H2O America. This team is responsible for ensuring vendors, suppliers, and service providers are paid accurately and on time. They serve as a business partner to the organization to support and train on the self-service features such as the AP invoice payment software and company credit card program. This team regularly troubleshoots issues and works with various stakeholders, including Accounting leadership and ITS, to improve the AP function.

Position Overview:

This role is responsible for executing accounts payable operations for H2O America to ensure financial integrity and regulatory compliance. This role manages invoice processing, payment runs, reconciliations, journal entries, and vendor communications, while maintaining thorough documentation for the development of financial reports and support of audit processes. They assist with month-end, and year-end close activities and perform routine and some complex reconciliations. This role provides guidance to junior staff and collaborates with stakeholders to maintain efficient and compliant operations. Success in the role requires technical proficiency in accounts payable  systems, analytical skills, and stakeholder engagement skills to ensure department compliance and efficiency.

Occasional domestic travel may be required for this role.

Accounts Payable Responsibilities: 

• Executes routine and non-routine accounts payable processes (incl. invoice processing, payment disbursement, vendor communications).
• Performs reconciliations of vendor statements and resolves routine and some complex discrepancies. Escalates as needed. Maintains vendor files (incl. vendor statements, aging reports). 
• Prepares and executes payment runs (incl. check, ACH, P-Card disbursements) while ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Carries out and verifies P-Card expense reconciliations. Executes timely reporting and resolves routine and some complex discrepancies.
• Supports the onboarding process by issuing P-Cards and setting up new hire accounts. 
• Files 1099 tax forms and ensures that required tax documentation is collected and submitted in regulatory compliance.
• Builds and maintains relationships with vendors, internal teams, and external stakeholders.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Performs complex monthly reconciliations and preparations for the AP ledger to the general ledger; researches and resolves complex discrepancies. Acts as an escalation point for routine discrepancies and will escalate further if needed.
• Executes AP month-end/year-end closes including trial balances, adjusting entries, and basic schedules. 
• Prepares accurate financial reports, statements, and summaries for submission to stakeholders and regulatory bodies. Conducts preliminary analysis to identify trends for senior staff.
• Executes auditing and SOX procedures by maintaining accurate financial documentation and responds to auditor/SOX inquiries.
• Executes complex and routine compliance tasks. Ensures adherence to related policies and procedures.
• Mentors junior staff members.
• Required to complete occasional evening and weekend work to meet deadlines or address emergencies as needed.
• Performs other duties or special projects as required or assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Holds relevant certifications required for the team’s need or directed by management.
• Holds valid Driver’s License.
• Expertise in GAAP, accounts payable, and bookkeeping best practices. 
• Proficiency in general ledger, journal entries, and account reconciliations. 
• Proficiency in accounts payable software (e.g. Bottomline, TAP).
• Experience supporting audit processes and preparing relevant documentation.
• Proficiency in general ledger, journal entries, and account reconciliations.
• Experience with financial data analysis and providing actionable insights into routine anomalies.
• Knowledge of sales and use tax, as well as unclaimed property filings. 
• Knowledge of SOX compliance and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g. Excel). 
• Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems (e.g. JD Edwards Enterprise One, Bottomline Technologies, Insight, QuickBooks, Oracle).
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent research and analytical skills. 
• Strong communication and organization skills.