Accounts Payable Director

The Los Angeles office of Lewis Brisbois, a full-service AmLaw 100 firm, is actively seeking an Accounts Payable Director to join our accounting department. The Accounts Payable Director provides leadership and direction to the firm’s accounting operations, internal controls and purchasing / procurement.  The position is responsible for the data integrity and management of all Accounts Payable processes including invoice and check runs, account reconciliations, financial analysis, vendor analysis and reporting.  The position is also responsible for the oversight and direction of the firm’s full cycle Accounts Payable process to ensure all invoices for the firm are processed and paid timely and accurately, ensuring compliance to department policies and procedures, particularly for insurance defense matters which may include complex billing arrangements.  The Accounts Payable Director reports to the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Finance and works closely with other firm management and personnel to provide support and advice to various functional areas across the firm. 

Strong strategic and analytical ability, communication, interaction and a high level of professional service to clients, vendors, management, attorneys, secretaries and other staff in a fast-paced, deadline driven, high volume and dynamic environment is required in order to effectively perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.  The position is also expected to identify, develop and implement operational efficiencies and streamline processes and procedures.

The following is intended to describe the general nature of the job. The list of essential functions is not exhaustive and other duties may be assigned in addition to those listed. The items listed below are considered daily functions associated with this position:

• Oversee and provide guidance for the ongoing day-to-day activities and longer term strategic direction of the department. 
• Directly responsible for leading Supervisors and indirectly responsible for all employees within the department.  Manage, mentor and develop staff and monitor training and development.  Oversee staffing issues; make recommendations for staff additions and changes; interview and recruit as necessary.  Conduct evaluations and other required and discretionary interaction with staff to ensure timely and proper documentation of performance.

• Develop and maintain applicable policies, procedures, controls and reporting systems.  Maintain plans and strategy for maintenance, continuity, and functionality of the firm’s Accounts Payable systems.  Monitor current status and developments in applicable systems and approaches.  Evaluate and implement new systems and software, including ChromeRiver Expense and Invoice and Aderant Expert.  Work with the firm’s internal and external programmers and monitor system performance and issues.
• Maintain accuracy, timeliness and efficiency in high volume and complex Accounts Payable environment and a deep understanding of law firm accounting across the department and firm.  Focus on continuous improvement in Accounts Payable volume and accuracy.
• Assure the timely completion and accuracy of firm reports.  Design, analyze and provide ad hoc requests for information regarding firm accounts and related metrics.  Conduct all related periodic, month-end and year-end closings and the preparation of consolidated reports.  Prepare and maintain related work papers and documentation.  Prepare and post journal entries and perform account analysis and reconciliations.
• Responsible for department processes including vendor payments, expense reimbursements, processing of EDI files, check run processing and vendor account reconciliation.
• Maintain effective vendor relationships by working with vendors on outstanding invoice issues.  Provide firm-wide support to all administrative staff and attorneys regarding vendor invoice issues and payments, client charges and expense reimbursements.  Communicate with claims adjusters and other clients regarding payment status of vendor invoices.
• Administer purchasing, credit and travel card programs.  Generate 1099s.
• Other tasks as assigned / appropriate.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• 10-15+ years of progressive directly related work experience.
• Large complex law firm experience strongly preferred; insurance industry defense experience ideal; otherwise professional services experience may be considered.
• Management / supervisory experience required, including a large number of personnel with layers of supervision.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications; experience with accounting, general ledger and Accounts Payable systems required; experience with LawTime, Aderant or Elite, and ChromeRiver preferred.
• Hands on and comfortable working in a fast-paced dynamic environment; proactive and takes initiative; maintains a customer service and strategic focus and mindset; works well in a team environment.
• Bachelors Degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field required, along with a strong accounting background.

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