Accountant/AP Assistant Manager

The Assistant Accounts Payable Manager supports the management and execution of the company’s accounts payable processes. This role ensures timely, accurate, and compliant processing of vendor invoices, payments, and expense reports while leading a team to meet organizational objectives. The position also focuses on improving operational efficiency, maintaining strong vendor relationships, and upholding internal controls.

Whitaker Construction, founded in 1953, has over 70 years of experience in the heavy civil and underground utility construction industry. Whitaker, an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company, has become one of the largest contractors in the intermountain area with more than 600 employees and nearly 75 crews. We perform sanitary sewer, storm drain, culinary water, irrigation, earthwork, roadway construction, dams, landfills, natural gas pipelines, industrial piping, and telecommunication projects primarily in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, and Oregon.

Core Responsibilities:

Team Leadership:

• Supervise and mentor accounts payable staff, providing guidance on policies, procedures, and best practices.


• Assist in hiring, training, and evaluating team members to ensure high performance and engagement.

Accounts Payable Processing:

• Oversee the review, coding, and approval of invoices, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies.


• Manage vendor payment runs, including ACH, wire transfers, and checks.


• Reconcile accounts payable subledger to the general ledger.

Compliance and Internal Controls:

• Ensure adherence to company policies, regulatory requirements, and internal controls.


• Assist in audits by providing requested documentation and support.

Process Improvement:

Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency in the accounts payable process through technology, automation, or revised workflows.

• Assist in implementing system upgrades or new tools related to accounts payable.

Vendor Relations:

• Address and resolve vendor inquiries and payment discrepancies in a professional and timely manner.


• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key vendors to ensure smooth operations.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Prepare accounts payable reports and metrics for leadership review.


• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the accounts payable function.

Support:

• Act as a backup for the Accounts Payable Manager when needed.


• Collaborate with other departments, such as procurement and finance, to support organizational goals.

 Requirements and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field preferred.


• Minimum of 3 years of experience in accounts payable, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or leadership role. A combination of education and experience will be considered.

• Strong knowledge of accounts payable processes, policies, and systems.


• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP systems) and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.


• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities.


• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.


• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Occasional bending, lifting, and reaching.


• Occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.