General Summary
The Manager, Accounts Payable leads the full-cycle accounts payable function for GTI Energy, ensuring vendor invoices are processed accurately, payments are issued timely, and internal controls over cash disbursements are consistently followed. This role owns AP policy, vendor relationship management, payment operations, and process automation, while also supporting select general accounting responsibilities including expense accruals and balance sheet account reconciliations in partnership with the Controller. This role supervises the accounts payable team.
Why GTI Energy?
GTI Energy is where complex energy challenges meet bold solutions. With deep expertise in energy research, technology development, and business innovation, we help partners across industries build and demonstrate solutions for better-performing energy systems. Our progress is guided by collaboration, innovation, and systems thinking.
Joining GTI Energy means being part of a purpose-driven team motivated by learning, growing, and making an impact. We offer competitive compensation, strong benefits, and opportunities for professional development in a culture that values respect and belonging. Recognized as a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace for seven consecutive years, our people-focused culture reflects our commitment to creating an environment where people feel supported, valued, and able to thrive.
Work Location
The position will be based in the Chicagoland area at the GTI Energy Headquarters. We offer a hybrid/core work week, where employees are remote Mondays and Fridays, and required to be on-site Tuesday through Thursday, subject to manager discretion.
Primary Responsibilities
- Full-Cycle Accounts Payable Processing:
- Oversee the full accounts payable cycle, including invoice receipt, three-way matching (purchase order, receipt, and invoice), coding, approvals, and payment disbursement for a high volume of vendor invoices and travel/expense reimbursements.
- Ensure timely and accurate payments, making full use of available early-payment discounts.
- Review and approve payment batches and manage weekly/bi-weekly check, ACH, and wire payment runs.
- Review and approve transaction coding and payments.
- Ensure adequate documentation is maintained in an organized, accessible manner to support all disbursement cycle transactions.
- Staff Management:
- Recruit, supervise, develop, and train accounts payable staff to enhance customer service and improve departmental efficiency.
- Establish goals, conduct performance evaluations, and provide ongoing feedback.
- Lead, mentor, and cross-train the AP team to maintain coverage, build bench strength, and support career development.
- Internal Controls, Compliance & Accuracy:
- Enforce internal controls over cash disbursements, including segregation of duties, approval authority limits, and documentation standards.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and accounting principles (e.g., GAAP) and federal procurement regulations.
- Analyze data for accuracy, identify discrepancies and exceptions, and initiate corrective actions as necessary.
- Vendor Relations & Negotiation:
- Act as the primary liaison for external vendors concerning payment inquiries, statement reconciliations, and disputes.
- Maintain positive relationships with GTI employees and vendors to ensure smooth operations.
- Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders to balance competing.
- Negotiate favorable pricing, payment terms, and early-payment discounts with vendors.
- Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Systems, Automation & Process Improvement:
- Leverage technology, including AI-based invoice capture and duplicate/fraud detection, to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and control environment of the AP function.
- Identify opportunities for AP process improvement and lead implementation of automation, workflow, and system enhancements.
- Participate in testing and process validation and serve on teams responsible for system upgrades and enhancements.
- Manage the payment cycle and ensure payments are successfully issued.
- Month-End Close, Accruals & General Ledger Support:
- Prepare and/or review monthly accounts payable and expense accruals, and prepaid expense reclassifications, in support of month-end and year-end close.
- Prepare and/or review monthly balance sheet account reconciliations for accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and other assigned general ledger accounts.
- Reconcile the accounts payable sub-ledger to the general ledger and analyze accounts for trends to resolve identified issues.
- Assist the Controller with documentation for internal and external audits, including the annual financial statement audit and benefit plan audits.
- Policies, Processes, Onboarding, and Training:
- Create and maintain accounts payable and disbursement cycle policies and procedures.
- Develop and maintain process for managing vendor vetting, W-9 collection, required certificates of insurance, and other documentation related to subcontractor services.
- Onboard new staff throughout GTI and provide ongoing education to GTI staff on allowable costs, coding, accounts payable, and expense reimbursement policies and processes.
- Serve as subject matter expert and system administrator for the accounts payable and expense reimbursement systems.
- Reporting, Metrics & Cost Savings:
- Drive cost savings across the enterprise by analyzing utilization and spending and identifying and executing on cost reduction strategies.
- Monitor AP automation tools for flagged exceptions and duplicate/fraud alerts, and manage resolution of open items.
- Establish and monitor key AP performance metrics, including days payable outstanding (DPO), invoice cycle time, and touchless processing rate.
- Prepare and present performance reports related to the accounts payable function, including open purchase order reports, exception reports, and accounts payable aging.
- Ensure 1099s are issued timely and accurately.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with great attention to details
- Proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Deltek/CostPoint), including AP automation and invoice workflow platforms.
- Strong knowledge of full-cycle accounts payable processes, including three-way matching, payment processing, and vendor management, along with AP KPIs such as days payable outstanding (DPO) and invoice cycle time.
- Understanding of internal control frameworks for cash disbursements, including segregation of duties, approval hierarchies, and SOX-aligned control practices.
- Negotiation skills.
- Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and federal procurement regulations.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills. Coordination and communication with program managers, auditors, and other key stakeholders is required.
- Ability to ensure customer satisfaction through the process of monitoring, developing, improving, and delivering excellent service.
- Excellent computer skills including expert Excel skills and intermediate Word, PowerPoint & Outlook.
- Skill and ability in accounting and coding, preparing journal entries and account reconciliations
- Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and prepare financial reports, analyses, reconciliations, and projections.
- Ability to develop and manage action plans simultaneously.
- Well organized, highly detailed oriented, accuracy driven.
- Open to new approaches and takes steps to increase knowledge, skills and abilities, both from within and outside the organization.
- Organized, works well with others, and uses time effectively to accomplish goals/resolve problems.
- Ability to foster commitment, team spirit, pride and trust and promote a harmonious work environment.
- Possesses excellent work ethic, drive, energy, and persistence to achieve goals.
- Must be comfortable with strict deadlines and changing priorities.
- Takes initiative to actively collaborate formally and informally with others.
- Able to anticipate, identify, & define problems & root causes; & develop timely & practical solutions.
Education and Experience
- Associate’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Five or more years of accounts payable experience, including leading teams within accounts payable or general accounting
- Supervisory experience.
- Extensive computer experience including Microsoft office, accounting software, and internet.
- Project accounting software experience preferred; Deltek and/or CostPoint experience a plus.
- Experience with government grants/ contracts and knowledge of cost accounting principles of allowability, allocability, and reasonableness, along with characterization of direct and indirect costs, preferred.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
- Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
Pay Transparency
The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $130,000 annually. This salary range is GTI Energy’s good faith estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, GTI Energy’s business or organizational needs and an individual’s relevant experience, education, qualifications, certifications, skills, seniority, geographic location, and/or performance. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus. The range listed is just one component of GTI Energy’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, paid time off, and region-specific benefits.
EEO Statement
GTI Energy is committed to developing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodation, please e-mail us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) and we’ll work with you to meet your accessibility needs. You must have legal authorization to work for GTI Energy on your date of hire with no further action required by GTI Energy. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and give consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or genetic information.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
