Cérélia North America is hiring: AP Accountant in Columbus

Position Details

POSITION TITLE: AP Accountant

POSITION STATUS: Full Time

LOCATION: Whitehall, Ohio

DEPARTMENT: Finance

REPORT TO: Director of Finance

EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/22/2025

Summary

The Accounts Payable (AP) Accountant is responsible for managing the end-to-end accounts payable process to ensure accurate and timely payment of vendor invoices. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The AP Accountant will oversee invoice verification, coding, and data entry while ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations. Additionally, the position involves reconciling vendor accounts, addressing discrepancies, and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers to support smooth procurement operations. This role requires effective collaboration with internal teams such as procurement, operations, and finance to resolve payment issues and provide reporting insights. An AP Accountant in this setting must be adept at utilizing ERP systems and possess a solid understanding of accounting principles. A proactive approach to identifying process improvements and a commitment to accuracy are critical to ensure the financial integrity of the organization and support the facility's production goals.

Responsibilities

• Invoice Processing: Verify, code, and process invoices in the accounts payable cycle.
• Vendor Management: Input and maintain accurate vendor records; resolve discrepancies and communicate effectively with vendors regarding payments, credits, and statements; monitor vendor payment agreements to optimize discounts.
• Payment Execution: Monitor aging payable reports and prepare/execute weekly payment runs in accordance with payment terms; track credits owed to the company and ensure proper application to vendor payments; process sales tax on appropriate invoices and note each tax payment.
• Month-End Closing Support: Prepare accruals for unbilled goods/services to ensure accurate cut-offs; reconcile AP subledger to the general ledger; reconcile payable reports to confirm payments are accurate.
• Other tasks as assigned by management.

Entrance Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field
• Minimum 2 years of relevant Accounts Payable experience
• Strong computer skills with MS Office and ERP systems
• Solid understanding of GAAP
• Aptitude for quickly acquiring knowledge in additional accounting functions and adapting to new processes
• Ability to meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Comfort with an entrepreneurial, fast-paced, changing workplace and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Proactive, adaptable, and able to work independently and collaboratively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Experience in a manufacturing environment (food manufacturing preferred) with familiarity in inventory-related AP processes and freight invoices
• Working knowledge of accrual accounting, cost center allocations, and intercompany transactions
• Exposure to month-end closing activities, including AP accruals and account reconciliations
• Exposure to process improvement or automation within the AP function

Core Competencies

• Accountability & Initiative: Takes ownership of responsibilities and outcomes with minimal supervision; identifies actions to improve performance and communicates status clearly and on time.
• Learning Agility & Knowledge Retention: Demonstrates the ability to absorb and retain new information; documents processes and applies training.
• Results Orientation: Strives for quality and accuracy; manages deadlines and resources efficiently.
• Information Seeking: Researches and verifies information to ensure accuracy; resolves discrepancies with data-driven decisions.
• Listening, Understanding & Responding: Communicates clearly with colleagues and external partners to support alignment.
• Flexibility: Adapts to changing priorities and stakeholders; adjusts communication and working style as needed.
• Self-Confidence: Willing to take on new challenges with a positive mindset.
• Team Work: Collaborates effectively to generate ideas and deliver results.

Note: This posting reflects the requirements of the AP Accountant role and is not intended to include non-relevant boilerplate or site-specific notices.