Accounts Payable Process Automation Lead

Caplugs has been a leader in product protection, masking solutions, and custom molded components for over 70 years. The company is dedicated to delivering the highest quality and service, offering a broad range of products and capabilities to meet diverse customer needs.Position Summary: Responsible for transforming the current manual accounts payable process into a streamlined, automated, and controlled workflow. This role partners with Accounting, Purchasing, IT, and external vendors to reduce manual intervention, improve accuracy, shorten invoice cycle times, and strengthen internal controls.Key Responsibilities:Accounts Payable Operations & Automation· Lead the transition from manual AP processes to automated invoice capture, workflow routing, and approvals.· Serve as the AP subject-matter expert for automation tools such as invoice scanning/OCR, Zetadocs, and Business Central/Navision workflows.· Design, document, and maintain standardized AP procedures that reduce manual entry and processing errors.· Identify root causes of delays, errors, or exceptions and implement automation or process improvements.· Maintain accurate vendor master data to support straight-through invoice processing.Invoice Processing & Controls· Oversee processing of non-purchase-order invoices while reducing exception handling through improved automation.· Partner with Purchasing to strengthen three-way match compliance and upstream data quality.· Monitor invoice exception queues and approval backlogs, driving timely resolution.· Ensure automated AP processes comply with internal controls, audit standards, and approval authority matrices.Vendor & Internal Stakeholder Partnership· Act as the primary contact for vendors regarding electronic invoicing requirements and payment inquiries.· Train and support internal stakeholders on new AP workflows and approval processes.· Support vendors and employees during system enhancements and automation rollouts.Month-End & Financial Close Support· Support month-end close activities including accruals, unvouchered liabilities, and AP reconciliations.· Automate accrual identification for freight, temporary labor, and service-based expenses.· Prepare supporting schedules and reconciliations related to accounts payable balances.Continuous Improvement & Project Support· Partner with IT and Finance leadership on ERP and AP system enhancements.· Track and report AP performance metrics such as invoice cycle time, exception rate, and automation percentage.· Participate in finance transformation and shared services initiatives.Qualifications & ExperienceAssociate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business required.One to three years of accounts payable experience with demonstrated process improvement or automation involvement preferred.Experience with ERP systems; Microsoft Dynamics Navision / Business Central preferred.Experience with invoice workflow or document management systems strongly preferred.Skills & Competencies· Strong understanding of end-to-end AP processes and internal controls.· Process improvement mindset with ability to translate manual tasks into automated solutions.· Intermediate to advanced Excel and data analysis skills.· Strong communication and documentation skills.· Ability to influence change across cross-functional teams.