Accounts Payable Governance and Analytics Analyst

We're committed to being the clean energy leader in Louisiana. By investing in renewables likesolar and utilizing carbon capture and sequestration technology to make our air cleaner, we're in this for the long haul, because our state and future generations depend on it. Come be a part of our journey at Cleco where we're Energizing Your Tomorrow.

The Accounts Payable (AP) Governance and Analytics Analyst analyzes accounts payable transactions to ensure compliance with internal controls and accounting policies. Maintains and reconciles accounts payable accounts to validate charges and ensure accurate and timely payments. The AP Governance and Analytics Analyst works with AP leadership to analyze AP and Purchase to Pay (P2P) data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for strategic improvements or cost savings. AP Governance and Analytics Analyst assists with AP and P2P analysis and reports buying patterns, key performance indicators (KPIs), and financial metrics and relays conclusions to AP management. Additionally, AP Governance and Analytics Analyst communicates with vendors as needed and investigates and resolves discrepancies in invoices and payments. Responsible for driving operational excellence including ongoing maintenance of documents, including policies and procedures, standards and control guidelines, work instructions and job aids. Collaborates with adjacent departments to streamline process. May be responsible for processing payments and responding to vendor inquiries. The AP Governance and Analytics Analyst II works with minimal guidance, is collaborative in nature, and mentors staff with AP responsibilities. Contributes to mid-level aspects of AP and P2P projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and analyze AP data to support operating decisions and enhance processes including identifying improvements to AP activities and procedures to support the Manager - Accounts Payable

• Resolve complex invoice issues with minimal guidance; investigate potential duplicate payments; balance daily work in SAP and other A/P systems; and identify solutions for reoccurring problems

• Lead the design and development of procedures, processes and systems related to AP; ensure AP procedures, systems, and controls are in place to provide accurate processing of payments

• Create and maintain AP and P2P documentation, including policies and procedures, standards and control guidelines, work instructions and job aids to increase accuracy, transparency, and efficiency across the AP function

• Track AP KPIs to ensure process improvement opportunities are identified and can be implemented

• Participate in the vendor invoice management and vendor master information

• Ensure that the GR/IR account is cleared timely and month-end account reconciliations are completed accurately and timely; ensure timely and accurate financial data in compliance with GAAP and Cleco policies and procedures

• Maintain the integrity and accuracy of AP data; Support external and internal audit requirements related to specific areas of responsibility

• Manage day-to-day interactions with vendors and act as the first point of contact to resolve problems; research and resolve invoice discrepancies and issues; work within the vendor terms to maximize cash flow for Cleco without damaging vendor relationships

• Manage invoices for payment in SAP system; manage accurate processing of 1099 reportable income statements to vendors/contractors

• Lead the management of AP processes and SAP inquiry functionality; improve end users' knowledge and ability to utilize SAP in the functional area of transactional procurement; conduct systems user testing related to P2P and ensure changes are adequate from testing

• Partner with Supply Chain and Procurement on the match exception process; to improve process efficiency, greater cost saving/control, increase compliance, and data accuracy

• Develop and maintain solid business relationships, becoming a trusted advisor, with key functional leaders and stakeholders to proactively support business objectives for AP; Partner with Supply Chain Buyers to maintain and strengthen Purchase to Pay processes for greater efficiencies; Establish and maintain relationships with new and existing vendors

• Stay up to date on industry leading practices and contribute innovative ideas to drive continuous improvement AP service delivery and processes

• Participate in the integration of current systems (e.g., SAP) and analytical techniques to enhance/streamline current operations and improve efficiency; lead AP processes and initiatives that can be streamlined with automation

• Perform other tasks assigned by AP function senior staff including but not limited to training and supporting less experienced staff, documenting procedures when needed

• Model and promote ethical business conduct and compliance with both the letter and spirit of all laws, rules and regulations to which Cleco is subject

• Champion a corporate culture that emphasizes transparency, integrity, safety, environmental responsibility, employee development, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and operational excellence

Qualifications

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain, Business or related field

• 3-5+ years of related experience preferred

• Knowledge of three-way match principles (e.g., goods receipt (GR), manual invoices (IR), work order, purchase order) and ERP environment

• Overall understanding and knowledge of transaction flow through the AP processes and impact to financial statements

• Experience with Financial Systems/SAP preferred

• Experience with Microsoft tools and applications required

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret Finance KPIs/metrics and derive insights into actionable opportunities

• Core knowledge of Finance principles, theories and concepts, and knowledge of related Local and Federal laws and regulations related to AP

• Strong project management, communications, and problem-solving skills

• Proficient at functioning effectively within a team environment, presenting ideas and opinions in a respective and collegial manner

• Strong Interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate at all levels of the organization

• Knowledge of GAAP, Internal Control processes

• Progression to this level is strictly restricted based on critical individual capabilities and business requirements; must be supported by market survey data

Primary Competencies

BEHAVIORAL

• Balances Stakeholders

• Strategic Mindset

• Business Insight

• Communicates Effectively

• Courage

• Demonstrates Self-Awareness

• Safety

• Drives Results

• Drives Vision & Purpose

• Ensures Accountability

• Instills Trust

• Nimble Learning

• Plans & Aligns

TECHNICAL (Core for Function)

• Core Accounting

• Financial Reporting & Data Analysis

• Industry & Business Knowledge

• Regulatory Accounting

• Risk Management

• Financial Systems

• Business Partnering

May perform other duties as assigned.
Salary dependent on experience, skills, education, and training.