Accounts Payable Manager

Job Description:

Here at Rakuten Kobo Inc. we offer a casual working start-up environment and a group of friendly and talented individuals. Our employees rank us highly in terms of commitment to work/life balance. We realize that for our people to be innovative, creative and passionate they need to feel valued and supported. We believe in rewarding all our employees with competitive salaries, performance based annual bonuses, stock options and training opportunities.

If you're looking for a company that inspires passion, personal, and professional growth – join Kobo and come help us on our mission of making reading lives better.

The Role:

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is looking for an Accounts Payable Manager to join our Finance team. The team is an energetic and dedicated group of professionals that are highly involved in all facets of the business through the delivery of exceptional stakeholder value. Reporting to the Controller, the Accounts Payable Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the accounts payable function, ensuring accurate, efficient, and timely processing of invoices and payments. The role requires an individual with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of AP best practices and the ability to optimize processes and leverage technology. Beyond management, this is a hands-on role where the Manager will actively participate in daily AP operations, troubleshoot complex issues and directly process invoices and payments.

The Person:

The ideal candidate will possess exceptional attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, and a proven ability to adapt and learn quickly in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. We are looking for someone who is eager to proactively identify areas for improvement, drive efficiencies, and deliver strong results. The role is an integral part of our operations, which makes the responsibilities crucial to ensuring our accounts payable processes operate effectively and strong vendor relationships are maintained.

Key Responsibilities:

• Actively participate in the end-to-end accounts payable process, including invoice receipt, entry, and payment processing.
• Monitor and manage vendor aging reports, proactively resolving discrepancies, and ensuring timely payments.
• Oversight of procurement process, including assurances of policy measures, inclusion of contract, and approvals obtained.
• Serve as an escalation point and directly resolve complex vendor issues, payment discrepancies, and coding challenges.
• Identify and implement opportunities to streamline AP processes, improve efficiency, and reduce manual effort.
• Leverage technology (e.g., AP automation software, ERP system features, PO processing) to enhance productivity and accuracy.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Accounts Payable Specialists, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Manage weekly and ad-hoc payment runs ensuring proper authorization and reconciliation.
• Manage vendor master data ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Perform monthly reconciliations and generate AP reports including aging, analysis and other ad-hoc reports requested by management.
• Liaison with department owners and vendors on obtaining supporting invoices, approvals, and resolving financial related inquiries.
• Review all payments to be paid on a weekly basis, based on the terms set with vendors and/or deadlines internally set.
• Assist with month end and year end close procedures related to accounts payable.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and identify training needs.
• Support internal and external audit requests related to accounts payable.
• Ad hoc projects supporting the Controllership team as required.

The Skillset:

Required:

• Post-secondary degree with a focus on Accounting
• 5+ years of progressive experience in Accounts Payable, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role, preferably in a mid-sized company environment
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP S4/Hana, NetSuite, Oracle) is highly preferred
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Candidates should be professional, energetic, and very pro active
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Outstanding organizational skills and process oriented

The Perks:

• Flexible hours and hybrid remote working environment
• Subsidized in-office lunches
• Full benefits starting from your first day
• Paid Volunteer days, unlimited sick days, and 3% RRSP matching
• Monthly commuting allowance for those who are hybrid
• Lifestyle spending account
• Talent and development training budget
• Free Kobo device + free weekly e-book or audiobook
• Weekly Kobo Tech University sessions
• Maternity/paternity leave top up
• Dog friendly office

About Rakuten Kobo Inc.
Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the most advanced global ecommerce companies, with the world's most innovative e-reading services offering more than 6 million eBooks and audiobooks to 30 million + customers in 190 countries. Kobo delivers the best digital reading experience through creative innovation, award-winning e-readers, and top-ranking mobile apps. Kobo is a part of the Rakuten group of companies.

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities participating in the selection process are available on request. Any information received related to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.

Rakuten Kobo would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role however only qualified candidates will be shortlisted.

Beware of fraudulent job offers claiming to be from Rakuten. Rakuten does not send unsolicited job offers or request money during the recruitment process. Learn more:

#RKIND