Accounts Payable Specialist

Company Overview We are a Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) company. Our culture is collaborative, fast-paced, and entrepreneurial, with a strong focus on building scalable processes to support continued growth. Position Summary The Accounts Payable Specialist will play a critical role in managing the company's end-to-end AP function. This individual will ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices, maintain strong vendor relationships, and support the finance team in building efficient, scalable processes. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable operating in a dynamic, growth-focused environment. Key Responsibilities Invoice Processing & 3-Way Matching Process high-volume invoices across inventory, freight, co-manufacturing, and overhead vendors Perform 2-way and 3-way matching (PO, receipt, invoice), particularly for raw materials, finished goods, and co-packers Validate pricing, quantities, freight terms, and promotional allowances against contracts and purchase orders Flag and resolve discrepancies with procurement, operations, and vendors Vendor Management & Onboarding Manage end-to-end vendor onboarding, including W-9 collection, tax classification, and system setup Maintain accurate vendor master data and ensure compliance with internal controls Serve as primary point of contact for vendor inquiries, maintaining strong and professional relationships Coordinate with supply chain teams on new supplier set-ups and changes Payment Processing & Cash Management Prepare and execute weekly payment runs (ACH, wire, check), ensuring accuracy and proper approvals Prioritize payments based on terms, cash flow considerations, and vendor relationships Monitor early payment discounts and optimize working capital where appropriate Support ad hoc payments, including urgent supply chain or logistics-related disbursements Trade Spend, Deductions & CPG-Specific Support Partner with AR and Sales to understand trade spend flows that may impact AP (e.g., billbacks, accruals) Process and track marketing, broker, and promotional invoices in coordination with commercial teams Assist in reconciling vendor rebates, scan-based trade programs, and other spend where applicable Freight, Logistics & Inventory Payables Process freight and logistics invoices, including 3PL, warehousing, and distribution partners Validate freight rates and fuel surcharges against contracts or rate sheets Coordinate with operations to resolve discrepancies related to inbound shipments and receiving Support landed cost visibility by ensuring proper coding of freight and duties Month-End Close & Accruals Prepare AP accruals for inventory, freight, and operating expenses to ensure accurate financial reporting Reconcile AP subledger to the general ledger and investigate variances Support timely month-end close in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines Assist with audit requests by providing supporting documentation and schedules Compliance, Controls & Audit Support Ensure adherence to internal controls, approval workflows, and company policies Maintain organized digital records of invoices and payment documentation Support external audits, tax filings (including 1099s), and internal reviews Identify and mitigate potential risks related to duplicate payments or fraud Systems, Reporting & Process Improvement Utilize ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite) and AP automation tools (ZoneCapture) to streamline workflows Generate and analyze AP aging reports and other metrics to identify trends and risks Recommend and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and scalability Support system implementations or upgrades as the company grows Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner closely with procurement, supply chain, operations, and finance teams Communicate proactively to resolve issues impacting vendor payments or financial reporting Contribute to building scalable processes suitable for a high-growth, PE-backed environment Qualifications 3+ years of accounts payable or general accounting experience, preferably in CPG or a high-growth environment Strong understanding of AP processes, internal controls, and best practices Experience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, or similar) Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., VLOOKUPs, pivot tables) Experience with AP and EDI Automation tools (e.g. ZoneCapture, SPS, or others) High attention to detail and accuracy Strong organizational and time management skills Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities Ability to work independently and adapt in a fast-paced environment Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field Experience in a high-growth company Familiarity with inventory-based businesses and 3-way matching Exposure to process improvement or AP automation tools Compensation Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)

Range:

$26.45 - $36.00 Benefits Full-time employees that have completed 90 days of employment are eligible for: 100% Company-paid premiums for employees' Healthcare Insurance, including Medical, Dental and Vision; dependents may be added at employees' expense. 100% Company-paid employee premiums for employee's Life, AD&D and Long-Term Disability Insurance 401(k) with company match Flexible Spending Accounts 11 paid Company holidays per year Gym Allowance Summer Fridays Working Advantage Employee Discount Program (entertainment, events, venues, services, etc.) Hybrid work environment, 3 days in office/2 days remote Why Join Us This is an opportunity to be part of a mission-driven food company at an exciting stage of growth. You'll have the chance to make a meaningful impact by helping build scalable financial operations while working closely with a high-performing team.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at all levels of the organization.

Pay:

$26.45 - $36.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching AD&D insurance Dental insurance Disability insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Opportunities for advancement Paid sick time Paid time off Vision insurance Work from home

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Carlsbad, CA 92008