Accounting Clerk

Position Summary

The AP/Payroll Clerk provides accounting and administrative support for accounts payable and payroll functions, ensuring accurate financial processing, timely vendor payments, payroll accuracy, and proper documentation. This role supports daily accounting operations by maintaining organized records, resolving discrepancies, supporting month-end activities, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and company procedures.

Level Differentiation (Additional Skills)

Level I

• Performs routine AP and payroll tasks under guidance
• Builds accuracy, consistency, and documentation habits
• Learns company procedures and approval workflows

Level II

• Independently manages AP and payroll cycles
• Identifies opportunities to improve workflow efficiency
• Supports issue resolution and process consistency

Level III

• Leads process standardization efforts
• Assists with system improvements and documentation updates
• Mentors junior clerical staff and supports training initiatives

Essential Functions

Accounts Payable Administration

• Process accounts payable invoices including coding review, approval verification, and documentation checks
• Maintain vendor records, W-9 documentation, and payment history
• Reconcile vendor statements and research discrepancies
• Coordinate credits, returns, and payment corrections as needed
• Prepare weekly AP payment runs and support approval workflows

Payroll Processing Support

• Assist with payroll processing including timecard verification and payroll data entry
• Maintain payroll records and employee documentation
• Support benefit, deduction, and withholding updates
• Respond professionally to employee payroll inquiries and escalate issues when appropriate

Controls, Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain confidentiality of financial and personal information
• Ensure compliance with approvals, documentation retention, and internal controls
• Support audits by preparing requested documentation and transaction records
• Maintain AP and payroll process documentation, checklists, and forms

Cross-Functional Support & Month-End Activities

• Assist with month-end close activities including AP accruals and reconciliations
• Coordinate with operations leaders regarding approvals and timekeeping issues
• Respond promptly to vendor and employee inquiries
• Support accounting and administrative projects as assigned

Job Requirements & Qualifications

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of financial and employee information
• Strong data-entry accuracy and documentation discipline
• Professional communication skills with vendors and employees
• Ability to troubleshoot discrepancies and support issue resolution
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work within structured workflows
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet internal deadlines

Education, Experience & Technical Skills

• Two or more years of accounts payable and/or payroll experience preferred
• Manufacturing or operations-based experience is a plus
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, accounting systems, and payroll software
• ERP system experience preferred
• Strong attention to detail and numerical accuracy

Working Environment

• Office-based role within a manufacturing environment
• Regular interaction with operations leadership regarding approvals and payroll coordination
• Occasional extended hours during payroll processing or month-end close

Physical Demands

• Frequent sitting, standing, and computer use
• Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs. of files or office materials

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Invoice processing cycle time
• Invoice/PO match accuracy rate
• On-time vendor payment rate
• Payroll processing accuracy
• Timecard issue resolution cycle time
• AP aging and past-due balances
• Vendor inquiry response time
• Audit request turnaround time
• Data-entry accuracy and documentation quality
• Internal control compliance and approval accuracy

SMART Goals

• Improve invoice processing efficiency through standardized workflows and documentation practices
• Strengthen invoice and PO match accuracy through validation and review processes
• Maintain reliable vendor payment processes through improved tracking and communication
• Improve payroll accuracy through enhanced timecard verification practices
• Reduce AP aging by improving follow-up on approvals and discrepancy resolution
• Enhance vendor and employee response times through organized workflow management
• Support audit readiness with accurate, timely, and complete documentation
• Reinforce internal control compliance related to approvals, documentation, and record retention

Benefits & Perks – Supporting You and Your Family

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Career growth opportunities
• Stable, team-oriented work environment