Senior Accounts Payable Manager

Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) — a world-renowned education and poverty-fighting organization based in New York — seeks an enthusiastic, dedicated, and mission-aligned Senior Accounts Payable Manager to join our Finance team.

This individual will bring a passion for the mission of Harlem Children’s Zone: break the cycle of intergenerational poverty with comprehensive, on-the-ground programming that builds up opportunities for children and families to thrive in school, work, and life.

The Senior Accounts Payable Manager is responsible for managing the full accounts payable operations and functions of HCZ, including, but not limited to, supervising timely and accurate payment processing, strengthening and maintaining internal controls, and driving process efficiencies through the effective use of ERP systems. This position collaborates with department directors and staff (the primary clients) to ensure that accounts payable transactions are properly recorded in accordance with GAAP and HCZ policies and procedures. This position will play a key role in financial system assessments and staff member hiring, developing, training, and integration into the accounts payable function, supervising two accounts payable staff, and reports to the Assistant Controller. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in AP operations, strong knowledge of internal controls and compliance, and hands-on experience with ERP platforms.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance, or a related field
• 6+ years of Accounts payable experience working in a similar-sized operation (approximately 30,000 invoice processing per year)
• Minimum 3 years of leadership or people management experience

Who you are

• Knowledge of cloud-based/paperless financial systems with encumbrances, as well as strong management skills, a high level of integrity, a professional attitude, and strong organizational skills
• Strong computer skills: Microsoft Office Excel, PowerPoint are essential (can effectively use VLOOKUP’s, pivot tables and other data management tools) and General Accounting applications. Candidates who have experience working with NFP accounting applications and ERP systems, such as Coupa and Sage Intacct, are strongly preferred
• Ability to transform large financial data into various database formats/ reports for exporting into ERP systems
• Detail-oriented with the self-initiative to drive projects to conclusion. Adheres to the company’s policies, procedures and complies with instructions. Provides deliverables within agreed-upon timelines
• Strong knowledge and experience with the implementation and maintenance of internal controls, assessment of risk areas, and the ability to mitigate control weaknesses
• A team player with excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to listen and respond effectively to sensitive inquiries and complaints. Act positively and motivate team members while maintaining strong working relationships with personnel who have varying levels of business acumen and financial literacy
  

What you’ll do

Accounts Payable operations

• Overall responsibility for AP invoice processing, including hands-on execution of invoice entry, payment processing, coding, and approval workflows
• In collaboration with the Financial Systems Analyst, provide training on Coupa Software to finance staff, program directors, and other staff members responsible for processing accounts payable
• Responsible for managing and directly executing AP close activities, including accruals and reconciliations.
• Manage the preparation of the year-end 1099 process
• Review, perform and approve the Accounts Payable accounting entries and monthly AP Aging

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Design, implement, and maintain robust internal controls over AP processes
• Ensure compliance with company policies, GAAP, and regulatory requirements
• Support internal and external audits, including SOX compliance, where applicable
• Identify control gaps and implement corrective actions

ERP Systems & Technology

• Serve as the functional lead for AP within ERP systems (Coupa and Sage Intacct), including hands-on system support and process execution
• Optimize system workflows for invoice processing, approvals, and payments
• Ensure data integrity, proper configuration, and system-based controls
• Partner with IT and Finance teams on system implementations, upgrades, and enhancements

Process Improvement & Automation

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline AP operations to strengthen controls, maximize system resources and improve efficiency and productivity

• Implement automation solutions, reduce manual processes and improve efficiency and scalability
• Establish and track KPIs (e.g., invoice cycle time, cost per invoice, error rates)

Team Management & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of AP professionals
• Set clear performance objectives and conduct regular evaluations
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning
• Support hiring, onboarding, and training initiatives

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders
• Resolve invoice discrepancies, payment issues, and disputes in a timely manner
• Collaborate with procurement, treasury, and business units to improve processes
• Negotiate payment terms and support working capital optimization
• Other duties as assigned

Schedule

• Hybrid Schedule
• 3 days in office/2 wfh

Benefits

Benefits

As a member of the Harlem Children's Zone team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families — and our staff — thrive. We offer highly competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth.

Our exceptional full-time benefits include: 

• Highly competitive base salaries
• Paid time off
• Employee referral bonus
• Career advancement
• No-cost health insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-and long-term disability
• Additional voluntary benefits
• Wellness discounts
• Commuter benefits
• Financial wellness perks
• Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)

The salary range for this role is $120-$130k per year. To be considered, interested applicants should apply directly through the posting. No telephone inquiries or recruiters, please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. Harlem Children's Zone and Promise Academy Charter Schools will not provide work visas for candidates who require employer sponsorship to ensure work authorization in the United States. Harlem Children’s Zone is an EOE.