Job Description

Scope of Position

As the primary subject matter expert, the Senior Accounts Payable Representative will oversee the Accounts Payable function. They have the primary responsibility of ensuring the prompt and accurate processing and payment of vendor invoices and employee expense claims. They are also the primary contact point for suppliers and other internal/external clients.



As the Senior Accounts Payable Representative, they will provide oversight, guidance and coaching to the other members of the Accounts Payable team. They will oversee the allocation of workload, assigning it based on importance, skill set and level. They will also ensure that the internal controls applicable to this function are understood and strictly adhered to by all members of the Accounts Payable team.



They are also responsible for analyzing and reconciling Accounts Payable related general ledger accounts, preparing required adjusting journal entries and generally ensuring a smooth functioning of the overall Accounts Payable function.



They will also perform other related duties as delegated by the Manager, Finance Operations such as the participation in corporate projects, as applicable.

Major Responsibilities

Coordination and oversight of the processing of vendor invoices and employee expense claims submitted for payment by:


Ensuring that the members of the Accounts Payable team process and pay the vendor invoices and employee expense claims accurately and in a timely fashion. They will take the lead when these situations are more sensitive, of a higher priority and/or confidential in nature Ensuring that the members of the Accounts Payable team understand and apply the internal controls tied to the processing and payment of vendor invoices and employee expense claims Ensuring that members of the Accounts Payable team understand and adhere to the corporate policies and procedures Providing expertise and guidance to the members of the Accounts Payable team when questioning inconsistencies and discrepancies and/or application of a policy. This also includes ensuring a follow through to an appropriate resolution. They will take the lead when these situations are of a more sensitive, higher priority/material and/or confidential nature Questioning, applying judgement and expertise towards determining the proper treatment of certain expenses, such as determining whether they qualify as a capital expenditure. This could include conferring with Senior Accountant, Finance Operations or Manager, Finance Operations. Escalating any significant issues to the Manager, Finance Operations.





Oversight of the Accounts Payable function:


Preparation of Accounts Payable related reconciliations and follow up on any outstanding issues to ultimate resolution Implementing improvements to ensure an efficient process from the receipt of invoice through the ultimate payment Participating in the development of policies and processes as they relate specifically to the Accounts Payable function




Primary liaison between suppliers and internal clients by:


Understanding the issue at hand and establishing what information is required to resolve Preparation of analysis or required financial information for internal client and/or supplier to assist in the resolution of issue Providing insight or expertise to assist in the resolution of issue Determining and implementing any process/policy change require so that the issue does not reoccur or cause further risk to the organization.




Oversight and guidance to other members of the Accounts Payable team:


Providing training for any new incoming member of the Accounts Payable team; Ensuring Accounts Payable team members are knowledgeable of policies, processes and internal controls and any changes that may be made Providing general support or coaching to members of the Accounts Payable team; and Providing feedback to Manager, Finance Operations as to overall performance of team members in the context of mid-year and year-end performance evaluations.

Other duties include:

Oversight and primary contact for the annual compilation of year-end accruals, which includes:


Review of submissions to confirm meeting of criteria for an expense to be considered an accrual Judgment and expertise to ensure reasonability of accruals submitted by internal clients; and Analysis of compiled list of year-end accruals to ensure completeness and that there are no material or significant omissions; and Conferring with internal clients and/or Manager, Finance Operations to ensure accuracy/completeness of this material corporate-wide accrual.

Primary contact for corporate projects which directly impact the Accounts Payable function, such as conversion/integration of acquired credit unions.



Primary contact for both internal and external audit including the coordination and/or compilation of required documents/information to be used by auditors.



Other duties as delegated by the Manager, Finance Operations

Qualifications

Educations / Certifications / Experience

University degree or college diploma in Accounting or 7 years equivalent experience in an Accounts Payable department Previous work experience supervising a small team Previous work experience in a financial institution is a definite asset




2. Knowledge / Skills


Strong general knowledge of Accounting, specifically as it relates to Accounts Payables and Accruals; Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables); and Strong knowledge of Sage 300, especially the Accounts Payable and EFT functionalities




3. Competencies


Strong verbal and written communication skills Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proven ability to investigate and solve issues independently Attention to detail and accuracy Actively shares knowledge and experience with co-workers and willingly assists other employees in the completion of their tasks Result-oriented with an ability to work under pressure and be respectful of deadlines Ability to prioritize Possesses a high level of initiative, dependability and an ability to work with minimal supervision; and Strong organizational skills.

About Alterna Savings

Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited (Alterna) has been the Good in Banking(TM) for over 115 years creating financial services that transform lives for the better, all while giving back to our community. Alterna is made up of Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary, Alterna Bank.



As the first full-service, member-owned cooperative financial institution outside Quebec, Alterna Savings shares its expertise with over 210,000 members through a network of over 40 branches across Ontario, as well as call centre and digital channels. Members and customers also benefit from an industry-leading online brokerage and investment management services.

Working at Alterna

We are incredibly proud of our corporate culture of Integrity, Respect and Collaboration, where everyone works together towards a common goal; the financial wellbeing of our employees, members and customers. This commitment has earned us several prestigious employer awards, including the National Capital Region's Top Employers award for eight years running.


Although we appreciate all applicants, preference will be given to candidates who most closely meet the qualifications, key skills, and competencies outlined above.

* Alterna is compliant with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you have a disability, please contact our Recruitment Team and let us know how we can accommodate you.