Accounts Payable Lead

**Accounts Payable Lead**

CKF Inc., a leader in Canada’s molded pulp, foam, and RPET industry is a company with a strong commitment to safety and Continuous Improvement. CKF Inc. has plants located in British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia and the states of Iowa and Texas, manufacturing numerous types of food packaging and protective packaging.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Accounts Payable (AP) Lead to join our Hantsport finance team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Reporting to the Manager of Financial Reporting, this role is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of supplier invoices, ensuring purchase order (PO) compliance, leveraging automation tools, and working closely with plant operations to resolve discrepancies. The AP Specialist will play a key role in driving process efficiency, strengthening internal controls, and supporting overall cash flow management.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**Invoice & Payment Processing**
- Accurately process vendor invoices in accordance with company policies and procedures.
- Ensure all invoices are properly matched against purchase orders (3-way match: PO, receipt, and invoice).
- Monitor and manage AP automation workflows, identifying and resolving exceptions.
- Prepare and process weekly payment runs (ACH, wire, cheque) in compliance with approval policies.

**Automation & Systems**
- Troubleshoot system issues and work with IT or vendors to optimize invoice processing.
- Identify opportunities for further automation and process simplification.

**Vendor & Plant Communication**
- Serve as the first point of contact for vendor inquiries on invoice status and payments.
- Collaborate with plant personnel to investigate invoice/PO discrepancies, missing receipts, or price/quantity mismatches.
- Escalate unresolved issues to procurement, plant management, or finance leadership as required.

**Compliance & Reporting**
- Maintain accurate AP records and supporting documentation for audit and compliance purposes.
- Assist in implementing internal controls and ensuring adherence to company policies.

**Continuous Improvement**
- Participate in cross-functional initiatives to improve AP accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency.
- Recommend process improvements to enhance visibility of outstanding liabilities and plant-level spend.
- Support finance projects related to vendor terms optimization, working capital, and cash forecasting.

**Qualifications**:
**Education & Experience**
- Diploma or degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
- 2-4 years of accounts payable experience, preferably in a manufacturing or multi-site environment.
- Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Aptean, Epicor, MS Dynamics) and AP automation tools considered an asset.

**Skills & Competencies**
- Strong understanding of PO lifecycle and 3-way matching principles.
- High attention to detail with strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with plant operations, procurement, and external vendors.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ability to work with large data sets.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
- Team-oriented with a proactive mindset to identify and resolve issues.

CKF offers a competitive wage and benefit package (including a pension plan). If you want to work for a dynamic and exciting company and enjoy the challenges of working on a variety of duties in a fast-paced environment, then come be a part of our team.
- CKF Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer._
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- We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. If you are contacted for a job opportunity, please advise People & Culture of any accommodations needed to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. Any information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially._

**An Equal Opportunity Employer