AP Lead Accountant - 11-001 -SC/Carson Divisional Headquarters (DHQ) - Finance

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Accounting Supervisor, the AP Lead Accountant performs advanced accounts payable and related accounting functions while serving as a technical resource, mentor, and trainer for Accounts Payable Accountants. This position does not carry direct supervisory authority but provides functional leadership, coordination, guidance, and subject-matter expertise across complex accounts payable environments. The AP Lead Accountant supports units with elevated operational complexity, which may include high-volume or multi-department operations, consolidated activity, restricted funding, or compliance-driven requirements. The role promotes consistent application of policies, internal controls, and best practices while supporting complex transactions, audit readiness, staff development, and process improvement initiatives.

Essential Functions

Accounts Payable (Advanced & Lead-Level Responsibilities)

• Perform advanced, high-volume accounts payable processing for multiple units, including complex or high-risk transactions, while serving as a resource to support staff.
• Provide functional guidance, mentoring, and training to Accounts Payable Accountants to promote accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
• Serve as a point of escalation and problem-solving support for A/P issues, discrepancies, and field unit inquiries.
• Guide staff in vendor setup, invoice coding, documentation standards, and adherence to internal controls and Salvation Army policies.
• Support payment processing activities, including check generation, sales tax tracking, and monitoring outstanding or stale checks.
• Assist with monthly reconciliation of Accounts Payable aging reports and support variance resolution.

Complex Operations & Compliance Support

• Provide guidance and mentoring to Accounts Payable staff in navigating complex operating environments, including high-volume, multi-department, or compliance-sensitive units.
• Guide staff in identifying documentation, coding, and control requirements applicable to restricted funding, consolidated activity, or other specialized operating conditions.
• Support consistent application of internal controls, documentation standards, and audit readiness across complex units.
• Assist with preparation for internal and external audits related to accounts payable activity.
• Collaborate with Finance leadership to identify risks, trends, and improvement opportunities within the A/P process.
• Serve as a subject-matter resource to Accounts Payable staff regarding complex unit workflows and non-routine payables.

CARE System Processing

• Process and support CARE-related transactions while guiding staff on policy, coding, and documentation requirements.
• Serve as a resource for resolving documentation issues and coordinating follow-up with cardholders.
• Guide staff in tracking and reconciling cardholder personal expenses and outstanding balances.
• Assist with CARE system troubleshooting and promote consistent system use across units.

General Ledger & Accounting Support

• Support and participate in monthly and year-end close activities related to accounts payable, serving as a resource to guide staff through close processes.
• Prepare and review journal entries related to prepaid expenses, accruals, reclassifications, and inter-unit allocations, providing guidance on proper accounting treatment.
• Guide staff in reconciling balance sheet accounts related to accounts payable and researching variances.
• Support audit preparation activities with emphasis on accounts payable processes and compliance documentation.
• Contribute to accounting projects and process improvement initiatives, sharing best practices and technical guidance.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide backup and cross-coverage support for Accounts Payable staff and peer AP Lead Accountants to ensure continuity of operations.
• Support and coordinate with the Accounting Supervisor and Accounts Payable team members on reporting, analysis, and special projects.
• Participate and collaborate in developing, maintaining, and documenting standardized accounts payable procedures and training materials.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Must be able to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. Must be able to work on Saturdays and additional hours as necessary

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited college or university with a minimum of 15 semester (or 20 quarter) units in accounting.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounts payable experience in complex, high-volume, or compliance-driven environments.
• Experience supporting multi-unit, multi-department, or large-scale nonprofit operations preferred.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Embrace the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Strong collaborative skills with the ability to mentor and support peers without formal supervisory authority.
• Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office; experience with Shelby and SQL reporting preferred.
• Strong understanding of internal controls, documentation standards, and audit requirements.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and deadline-driven.
• Ability to process and review data with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to apply accounting judgment in complex or non-routine accounts payable scenarios.

Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office; experience with Shelby and SQL reporting preferred. (preferred)
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounts payable experience in complex, high-volume, or compliance-driven environments. (required)
Bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited college or university with a minimum of 15 semester (or 20 quarter) units in accounting. (preferred)