Accounts Payable Accountant

Reporting to the Sr AP Accountant Supervisor, the AP Accountant, internally titled AP Specialist enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, has strong organizational skills, and takes ownership of the full AP cycle. The AP Accountant will play a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring timely vendor payments, and support month-end and year-end close, timely preparation of and audit-ready AP accruals and general ledger account reconciliations, and assist with budget vs. actuals variance analysis.

Please Note: This position is a hybrid role, involving on-site work each week at our corporate headquarters in Concord, CA. Candidates who are fully remote or outside of reasonable commuting distance will not be considered at this time.

Responsibilities:

• Perform full cycle A/P functions and manage administrative details related to A/P including entries, employee expense reimbursements, timely response to supplier/vendor/internal business partner inquiries for payment status, ensure payments are processed timely and accurately in accordance with company authorization policies
• Analyze, code, and process invoices, ensuring validity and compliance with company and A/P internal controls, policies, and procedures
• Support month-end and year-end close responsibilities, ensuring timely preparation of and audit-ready AP accruals and general ledger account reconciliations, and assist with budget vs. actuals variance analysis
• Concise communication and ability to interpret internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures regarding purchase request and accounts payable processes
• Professionally collaborate with vendors, purchasers, internal departments both electronically and verbally regarding invoice approvals, outstanding balances, work order/purchase order issues etc.
• Reconcile vendor statements on a consistent basis to ensure that all bills and payments accounted for and properly posted in the proper period.
• Research and resolve AP issues with external vendors and company personnel with tact and diplomacy, representing PFE with the same service store employees give to our customers
• Verify, investigate discrepancies, and process necessary adjustments
• Assist in coordination of annual audits and quarterly reviews with external auditors
• Assist in implementation of company policies and procedures
• Manage documentation related to work duties

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• At least 2 years in Accounting with 1-2 years in Accounts Payable experience and 1-2 years as an Accountant with month-end and GL responsibilities.
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles specifically A/P, accruals, month end close, and GAAP/SOX familiarity.
• Experience with ERP systems, P2P processes, T&E, MS Office specifically Excel and formulas.
• Intermediate Excel skills, 10-key by touch and exceptional math aptitude
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, email and business communication applications (Slack, Teams, Zoom) required
• Highly attentive, sense of urgency, flexible and able to work in a setting with frequent interruptions, changing priorities, and tight deadlines.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, time management, and accuracy; able to manage and prioritize work and follow-up.
• Effective relationship and teambuilding skills; able to establish and maintain cooperative, mutually respectful working relationships.
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment; able to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact and professionalism.
• Able to remain calm and focused pressure situations, operate with a sense of urgency and escalate issues when needed.
• Able to effectively cope with change, shift gears and comfortably handle risk and uncertainty.
• Ongoing commitment to continuous learning and development; Asks for and uses feedback to improve performance, seeks and acquires new skills to improve effectiveness.
• Demonstrates innovative thinking when solving problems; generating new ideas and approaches to efficiently and effectively get the job done.
• Proactive, able to work independently with minimal guidance and as part of a team.

PFE Perks

• Grow with us: Many potential career paths and options for advancement within the company
• Continued Learning: A focus on your development and leadership training. Investment in your pet and product knowledge, you'll never see pets the same way!
• Generous in-store employee discount that extends to your family.
• Health with FSA options, dental, and vision insurance – even pet insurance!
• Plan for the future: 401k with employer match.
• Get Rewarded: Employee referral bonuses.
• Rest and Relax: Competitive Paid Time Off
• Bring your well-behaved pet to work.

The salary range for this position is expected to be $30.00 - $35.00 per hour. Pet Food Express determines starting salary based on many factors, including but not limited to, local market rate, the qualified pool of candidates, internal compensation practices, a candidate’s actual skills and experience.

About the Company

Pet Food Express is a leading California-based pet specialty retailer with a passion for improving the lives of pets and their owners. Our philosophy revolves around the belief that pets are part of the family, deserving of the best care possible. Since our inception, Pet Food Express has been committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serves by promoting responsible pet ownership, supporting various animal welfare initiatives, and ensuring pets are happy, healthy and homed. With over 60 locations across the state, Pet Food Express has become a trusted destination for pet parents seeking high-quality products and personalized advice from knowledgeable and dedicated staff.