Accounts Payable Associate III

At Niagara, we’re looking for Team Members who want to be part of achieving our mission to provide our customers the highest quality most affordable bottled water.

Consider Applying Here, If You Want To

• Work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic environment with a chance to make an impact.
• Develop lasting relationships with great people.
• Have the opportunity to build a satisfying career.
  
  

We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages for our Team Members.

Accounts Payable Associate III

The Accounts Payable (AP) Associate III role combines advanced problem-solving, process optimization, leadership, strategic analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. This position requires an in-depth understanding of the accounts payable function, systems, and broader business operations, enabling the individual to make decisions that impact both the AP department and the organization as a whole. Key responsibilities include advanced invoice processing using 3-way and 2-way match systems, data entry, exception handling, and managing specialized approvals and electronic invoicing to ensure accurate and timely payments to suppliers. The AP Associate III is also responsible for troubleshooting and resolving complex discrepancies through collaboration with both internal teams and external contacts. This role demands a high level of productivity, exceptional customer service, and the ability to maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Essential Functions

• Process invoices, both manually and electronically, using 3-way match system and 2-way match system and apply payments to appropriate invoices using payment applications such as wires or credit cards
• Handle high-volume and complex invoices that may require exception handling, specialized approvals, or manual intervention.
• Ensure accurate matching of purchase orders, receipts, and invoices for payment, with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex discrepancies.
• Research and correct payment discrepancies by working with AP Banking and the Controller Team
• Research and correct invoices that are processed manually and via automation such as: OTM, EDI, OBN and BOTs
• Recommend updates for automation tools such as: OTM, EDI, OBN and BOTs; work with the AP Analyst or Continuous Improvement Team for implementation
• Voice recommendations and enhancements on reporting that will improve time efficiency in AP
• Works with the Continuous Improvement (CI) Team and AP Analyst(s) to ensure proper usage and maintenance of automation tools such as but not limited to: OTM, EDI, OBN and BOTs
• Research and correct invoice and payment discrepancies
• Manage vendor payment schedules, ensuring timely and accurate payments
• Verify and manage supplier payment methods by ensuring accurate banking information
• Take appropriate discounts and meet payment terms that optimize rebate opportunities
• Preform monthly review of supplier statements and resolve issues with internal departments and suppliers
• Proactively identify, escalate, and resolve complex payment issues, working closely with procurement, finance, and vendors to resolve discrepancies or disputes.
• Solve issues through communication with affected internal departments and suppliers
• Maintain and update vendor information in system
• Create and maintain job aids to improve workflow
• Continually review processes, procedures and work habits to improve workflow and cost saving opportunities
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness of the Accounts Payable workflow
• Analyze recurring discrepancies or process inefficiencies and work on solutions to prevent reoccurrence
• Generate reports on outstanding payables, and vendor payment activity for internal stakeholders and senior management
• Ensure that proper controls are in place to safeguard against fraud and errors, and actively contribute to the development of stronger controls and procedures
• Perform regular reconciliations of accounts payable to general ledger, ensuring that all payments are correctly recorded and discrepancies are promptly addressed
• Preform monthly accrual review
• Prepare for Month End Closing:
• Review Monthly Aging Report
• Review Prepayments and apply payments accordingly
• Research invoices in Exception Report and adjust incorrect postings
• Assist with internal and external audits, providing necessary documentation and answering audit queries regarding accounts payable transactions.
• Maintain a high level of productivity and strive to meet KPIs
• Provide excellent customer service to suppliers and internal departments
• Act as a primary point of contact for key vendors, fostering positive relationships and ensuring smooth operational processes
• In some cases, participate in the negotiation of payment terms, discounts, and contracts with suppliers to improve cash flow and vendor relationships
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior Accounts Payable Team Members (Levels I and II), assisting with training and day-to-day queries
• Work closely with internal teams (for example, Procurement, Replenishment, Finance, Operations) to resolve issues, develop best practices, and ensure smooth Accounts Payable processes
• Stay current on accounting standards, regulations, and industry best practice
• Lead training sessions to keep the AP Team up to date on new systems, tools, and compliance regulations.
• Ability to perform mathematical computations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and fractions quickly and accurately
• Strong problem solving, analytical and multi-tasking skills
• Solid knowledge of and comfort with automation applications such as, but not limited to: Monitor Pro, OACS, Agile
• Intermediate computer program skills in Microsoft Office, Excel and Power Point
• Ability to work independently, and with a team, in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with emphasis on accuracy, organization and timeliness
• Ability to competently use a computer keyboard and 10-key, both, by touch
  
  

Only for Travel/Credit Team

• Assist with the credit card program
• Support the travel platform
  
  

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
• 4 Years – Experience in Field or similar manufacturing environment
• 4 Years – Experience in Position
• 0 Years – Experience managing people/projects
  
  

• experience may include a combination of work experience and education
• Preferred Qualifications:
• 6 Years – Experience in Field or similar manufacturing environment
• 6 Years – Experience working in Position
• 2 Years – Experience managing people/projects
• experience may include a combination of work experience and education
  

Competencies

• Intermediate knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven technical expertise with a track record of managing and resolving order processing issues.
  
  

This position embodies the values of Niagara’s LIFE competency model, focusing on the following key drivers of success:

• Lead Like an Owner
• Makes safety the number one priority
• Keeps alert for safety issues and escalates immediately
• Effectively prioritizes tasks based on department goals
• Shows respect to others and confronts interpersonal issues directly
• Prioritizes resolution of customer issues effectively
• Responds promptly and honors commitments to internal and external customers
• InnovACT
• Makes recommendations to continuously improve policies, methods, procedures, and/or products
• Demonstrates adaptability by reacting appropriately to unexpected changes in situations or circumstances
• Increases performance through greater efficiency
• Find a Way
• Seeks to develop technical knowledge through learning from other experts
• Understands interdepartmental impact of individual decisions and actions
• Seeks solutions rather than placing blame
• Empowered to be Great
• Consistently looks for ways to improve one’s self through growth and development opportunities
• Communicates clearly and promptly up, down, and across
• Communicates effectively to manage expectations
  

Education

• Minimum Required:
• High School Diploma
• Associate's Degree in Accounting or Finance or other related field
  
  

• Preferred:
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance or other related field
  

Certification/License

• Required: N/A
• Preferred: N/A
  
  

Foreign Language

• Required: None Required
• Preferred: None Required
  
  

Typical Compensation Range

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

$27.41 - $36.31 / Hourly

Benefits

https://careers.niagarawater.com/us/en/benefits

• *Los Angeles County applicants only** Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and any other applicable local and state laws.
  
  

Any employment agency, person or entity that submits a résumé into this career site or to a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of Niagara Bottling, LLC. Niagara Bottling, LLC will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.

Employment agencies that have fee agreements with Niagara Bottling, LLC and have been engaged on a search shall submit résumé to the designated Niagara Bottling, LLC recruiter or, upon authorization, submit résumé into this career site to be eligible for placement fees.

Niagara Plant Name

CORP-MAIN