Accounts Payable Clerk

Part Time Accounts Payable Clerk Reports To: Accounting Manager Department: Accounting Location: North Haven, CT Salary Range: $22.86-$32.00 Benefits: This position is not eligible for additional benefits. Schedule: About 25 hours per week.

Company Overview: Through its two divisions (Carlin Combustion and HydroLevel Co.), Cowles Operating Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of C. Cowles and Company is a leading manufacturer in the heating industry (oil, gas and biofuel burners + safety controls used in residential, commercial and industrial heating). Cowles Operating Company is located in North Haven, Connecticut in a modern 220,000 sq. foot facility housing our factory, laboratory and office space. Cowles Operating Company’s divisions maintain leadership roles in the industries they serve.

Summary: The Accounts Payable Clerk must have 3-5 years’ experience in accounts payable role in the manufacturing industry and be familiar with purchase price variance concepts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: General Accounting:

• Invoice Processing: Receive, verify, and process invoices using 3-Way match
• Payment Preparation: Prepare and issue checks in timely manner avoiding late fees, weekly and ad hoc.
• Reconciliation: Reconcile accounts payable transactions and statements and resolve any discrepancies.
• Vendor Management: Maintain relationships with vendors and handle inquiries or disputes in a professional manner.
• Expense Reports: Process employee expense reports and ensure compliance with company policies.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and organized records of all transactions, vendor databases, and payment files.
• Reporting: Generate reports related to accounts payable status and activities: Aging, unvouched reports, etc.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to financial policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with Purchasing in ensuring vendor requests and issues are handled quickly and efficiently
• Meeting deadlines with accuracy and perform other similar or related duties as required or directed.

Required Qualifications:

Education/Experience: BA/BS degree preferred (or equivalent work experience) or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Demands: 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.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Desired Qualifications:

• Intermediate MS Excel skills a plus, including v-lookups and pivot tables
• Strong attention to detail
• Organizational skills - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP)
• Good communication skills - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Detailed knowledge of basic accounting procedures
• Thorough understanding of applicable accounts payable procedures and general ledger chart of accounts
• ERP systems experience a plus
• Knowledge of Sales and Use Tax
• Strong Problem-Solving Abilities- Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions.
• Interpersonal - Maintains confidentiality.
• Adaptability - Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time.
• Dependability - Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities.
• Quantity - Meets productivity standards.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures.

Communication Skills: The ideal candidate should have strong communication skills, particularly in English. While Spanish language skills are a plus, they are not mandatory for this position. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.  Ability to write simple correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Accounting software; Inventory software, Microsoft Excel, Access and Manufacturing software.

Work Environment: The work environment is in an office but occasionally may interact with the factory. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The noise level in the work environment is usually low. Additional Information: Cowles Operating Company offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. Cowles Operating Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Cowles Operating Company will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen, background Check and physical. Relocation Assistance Provided: No