Accounts Payable/Payroll Associate Director

Associate Director – Accounts Payable & Payroll (Hybrid)Location: Near Schenectady, NYSchedule: Hybrid Work EnvironmentSalary: $125,000 – $140,000 annuallyEmployment Type: Full-Time, ExemptLead Critical Financial Operations for a Growing Organization Our established and mission-driven client is seeking an experienced Associate Director of Accounts Payable & Payroll to oversee payroll operations, accounts payable functions, financial process improvements, and team leadership. This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic and hands-on finance professional who enjoys building efficient processes, developing staff, leveraging technology, and ensuring financial accuracy and compliance. Reporting directly to senior finance leadership, this role will oversee key operational functions that support the organization's financial health and workforce management while driving continuous improvement initiatives across payroll and accounts payable operations.Position Overview The Associate Director will provide leadership for both payroll and accounts payable operations, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant financial processing. This role will supervise team members, partner with Human Resources and external vendors, improve reporting capabilities, strengthen internal controls, and identify opportunities to maximize system utilization and automation. The ideal candidate combines strong accounting knowledge, payroll expertise, leadership experience, analytical skills, and a passion for process improvement.Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll Leadership & Administration

• Lead and supervise payroll operations and payroll staff
• Review and approve biweekly payroll processing for accuracy and compliance
• Partner with Human Resources and payroll providers to improve efficiency and automation
• Prepare payroll-related journal entries and accruals
• Develop payroll distribution and labor reporting tools
• Produce workforce analytics and payroll reporting, including:
  • Overtime trends
  • Staffing metrics
  • PTO utilization
  • Compensation reporting
  • Turnover analysis
• Reconcile retirement plan contributions and related employer matching programs
• Conduct payroll audits to ensure compliance and accuracy
• Continuously evaluate and optimize payroll systems and processes

Accounts Payable Leadership

• Oversee the full accounts payable cycle and supervise AP team members
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices and vendor payments
• Review contracts and invoices for compliance with contractual obligations
• Monitor vendor payment terms and payment schedules
• Maintain expense coding accuracy and allocation methodologies
• Review expense reports and invoice approvals
• Oversee AP reconciliations, accrued expenses, prepaid accounts, and supporting schedules
• Monitor purchase order activity and coordinate resolution of outstanding invoices
• Maintain invoice approval workflows and internal controls
• Develop meaningful AP reporting, including:
  • Aging reports
  • Vendor spend analysis
  • Cash requirements forecasting
  • New vendor reporting
• Support annual audits and tax reporting requirements
• Ensure vendor documentation is maintained appropriately for tax compliance purposes

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Prepare labor and payroll analytics for leadership review
• Analyze departmental spending trends and budget variances
• Develop management reports and dashboards to support business decisions
• Monitor key financial metrics and recommend improvements
• Assist with cash management and forecasting activities
• Support audit preparation and financial reporting initiatives

Process Improvement & Technology Optimization

• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes
• Enhance system functionality and reporting capabilities
• Improve workflow efficiency across payroll and AP functions
• Reduce paper-based processes and streamline approvals
• Document key financial procedures and internal controls
• Establish best practices that improve operational effectiveness

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Mentor, develop, and support payroll and accounts payable staff
• Build strong partnerships with Finance, Human Resources, and operational departments
• Provide guidance on payroll, accounting, and AP-related matters
• Promote accountability, accuracy, and customer service excellence
• Participate in strategic projects and organizational initiatives

QualificationsRequired Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field

Required Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting, payroll, and accounts payable experience
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial operations
• Experience managing payroll processing and AP functions within a complex organization
• Proven success implementing process improvements and operational efficiencies

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency with:
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Payroll systems
  • Accounts Payable software
  • Financial reporting tools
• Experience generating custom reports and analytics
• Strong data analysis and reconciliation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ADP or similar enterprise payroll platforms
• Experience improving payroll and AP automation processes
• Knowledge of 401(k) administration and reconciliation processes
• Experience supporting audits and regulatory compliance requirements

To see a full listing of all our open positions, please visit:https://www.redshiftrecruiting.com/jobs-hiring-near-meredShift Recruiting is the region's premier recruiting agency with over 100 years of combined experience in the recruiting field. We specialize in permanent, temporary, and temp-to-hire positions. Our superior service combined with our highly qualified and carefully selected bank of candidates sets us apart.