Accounts Payable Specialist

Overview of the role: WestJet is seeking an Accounts Payable Specialist. Reporting to the Manager – Accounts Payable, this role is primarily focused on supporting and enhancing Accounts Payable operations, driving efficiency, accuracy, and productivity across the end-to-end invoice-to-pay process. Through regular analysis, the Specialist identifies issues impacting timeliness, quality, and risk, and implements actions to support continuous improvement while maintaining the integrity of financial data and balance sheet accounts. The role collaborates closely with business stakeholders and technical teams to optimize AP processes, support system enhancements, and deliver on key initiatives. As part of Payment Services, the Specialist contributes to the adoption of new technologies, tools, and best practices that strengthen Accounts Payable performance. While primarily dedicated to AP, this position also provides support across Payment Services functions as required to promote operational excellence and consistency.

Responsibilities:

Subject Matter Expert(SME) of full-cycle Accounts Payable process, ensuring accurate, timely processing of invoices, payments, and vendor records in a high-volume, fast-paced environment Partner closely with cross-functional teams (Procurement, Operations, Finance) to resolve invoice discrepancies and improve end-to-end purchase-to-pay efficiency Perform detailed review and reconciliation of vendor accounts and AP-related balance sheet accounts, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely issue resolution Leverage data and reporting tools to monitor AP performance, identify trends, and support continuous process improvements and automation initiatives Support month-end and year-end close by preparing accruals, reconciliations, and variance analysis for AP-related accounts Drive vendor experience excellence by maintaining strong relationships, responding to inquiries, and ensuring timely, accurate payments Identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce manual effort, and enhance controls through system enhancements and automation Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, and audit requirements; proactively identify and mitigate risks Reporting and dashboard creation, including AP aging, payment trends, and KPI tracking, to support data-driven decision-making Lead the system upgrades, testing (UAT), and process improvement initiatives, gaining exposure to new tools, technologies, and best practices

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or related; a CPA Designation would be an asset Minimum 7 years of experience in full cycle Accounts Payable and/or Vendor Master Data Project Management; Level 1 PMP Certified would be an asset Working knowledge of large ERP systems; JDE, SAP or similar

Experience in automating processes and introducing best practices Proven ability in identifying and implementing process change Advanced proficiency with data management, analytics and reporting (Excel/Power BI) Solid business acumen, judgement, critical thinking in complex problem solving Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills