Senior Accounts Payable Specialist

Role Overview

We are looking for a Senior Accounts Payable Specialist to join our finance team on a 6-month fixed-term contract to accelerate the clearance of a significant invoice backlog. This hands-on role requires an experienced AP professional who can quickly integrate into the team, manage high-volume invoice processing, resolve supplier queries, and ensure timely, accurate payments while supporting month-end close activities and maintaining compliance with Australian accounting standards. The successful candidate will also identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve the efficiency of the accounts payable function.

Employment Type: Fixed-Term Contract (6 Months)

Contract Duration: 6 Months

Purpose of Role: Support the finance team in clearing invoice backlogs and improving AP processing efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end accounts payable function, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with company policies and Australian accounting standards.
• Review, verify, and approve complex invoices, payment batches, and expense claims prior to processing.
• Ensure suppliers are paid accurately and on time while maintaining strong vendor relationships and resolving escalated payment issues.
• Perform and review bank, supplier, and general ledger reconciliations, investigating and resolving discrepancies independently.
• Lead month-end AP close activities, including accruals, reconciliations, reporting, and balance sheet substantiation.
• Partner with Finance, Procurement, and business stakeholders to improve AP workflows and enhance operational efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and continuous process improvement within the accounts payable function.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, taxation requirements (GST), and audit standards while supporting both internal and external audits.
• Prepare AP reports, payment forecasts, and KPI metrics for management reporting.
• Act as the primary escalation point for complex AP issues and provide recommendations for resolution.
• Support ERP system enhancements, testing, and implementation of finance process improvements.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior Accounts Payable team members, promoting best practices and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications

5+ years of progressive Accounts Payable experience, with at least 2 years in a senior or lead capacity.

Strong understanding of Australian accounting principles, GST, and accounts payable best practices.

Proven experience handling high-volume invoice processing and complex supplier reconciliations.

Advanced experience with NetSuite or similar ERP systems.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.

Experience supporting month-end and year-end financial close processes.

Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across multiple business

functions.

Demonstrated ability to identify process improvements and drive operational efficiencies.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, Power Query is advantageous).

Ability to work independently in a remote, fast-paced environment while managing competing priorities.