Accounts Payable & Payroll Manager

About the Job:

The Accounts Payable & Payroll Manager is critical to ensuring accurate and compliant payroll processing, timely vendor payments, and the maintenance of strong internal controls. By filling this role, Mitsubishi Motors North America ensures continuity of essential financial operations, safeguards compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, and preserves the reliability, efficiency, and integrity of payroll and accounts payable functions that support the broader organization.

Summary of Role:

The Accounts Payable & Payroll Manager is responsible for leading all payroll and accounts payable operations with a strong emphasis on accuracy, compliance, and internal controls. This role manages a team of three experienced specialists, oversees payroll tax reporting and vendor disbursements, supports month‑end close activities, and partners closely with Finance leadership to drive system optimization, process improvements, and operational excellence. Success in this role requires balancing deep technical payroll expertise with strong oversight of accounts payable operations, ensuring both functions run smoothly under tight and recurring deadlines.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee end‑to‑end payroll operations, ensuring accurate processing, reporting, and compliance across all pay cycles.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, filings, and reporting requirements, including multi‑state payroll complexities.
• Oversee accounts payable operations, ensuring accurate invoice processing, timely vendor payments, and strong vendor relationships.
• Oversee annual 1099 processing, ensuring accurate reporting, timely filings, and compliance with IRS requirements.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of three payroll and AP specialists, promoting cross‑training, skill development, and operational resilience.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls related to payroll and accounts payable, ensuring adherence to company policies and J-SOX requirements.
• Prepare and review payroll‑related journal entries and balance sheet account reconciliations as part of the monthly close process.
• Partner with HR, IT, and other cross‑functional teams to support payroll accuracy, system integrity, and employee needs.
• Leverage SAP S/4HANA, ADP Workforce Now, and reporting tools to improve efficiency, reporting accuracy, and process automation.
• Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements that reduce manual effort, mitigate risk, and enhance overall operational effectiveness.
• Support audits by providing documentation, explanations, and remediation as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Measuring Your Momentum:

First 90 Days – Getting Up To Speed

• Full ownership of payroll and AP oversight with minimal supervision.
• Accurate and timely completion of payroll runs and month‑end close activities.
• Updated or validated documentation for payroll, AP, and reconciliation processes.
• Implementation of at least one small process improvement or efficiency enhancement.
• Established trust and consistent communication rhythm with the team and key partners.

Year 1 Victory Lap

• Zero missed payroll deadlines and a payroll error rate of less than 1%.
• Payroll‑related journal entries and reconciliations consistently completed within established close timelines.
• All payroll and AP balance sheet accounts reconciled monthly with no unreconciled items older than 30 days.
• Improved AP efficiency metrics, such as reduced invoice cycle time or increased on‑time vendor payments.
• Clean audit results supported by strong internal controls and updated documentation.
• Successful cross‑training and development of team members to ensure full functional coverage.
• Implementation of 2–3 meaningful process or system improvements that improve accuracy, efficiency, or compliance.
• Positive feedback from team members and cross‑functional partners regarding leadership, communication, and collaboration.

Ready to Join The Team? You Should Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting strongly preferred; Finance, Business, or related fields considered with equivalent accounting experience.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in payroll and accounts payable, with demonstrated leadership responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of multi‑state payroll processing, payroll tax compliance, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting month‑end close, journal entries, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop experienced professionals.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to partner effectively with HR, IT, and business stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency with modern ERP systems and payroll platforms, ideally SAP and ADP Workforce Now.

Extra Horsepower (Profile Differentiators):

• Hands‑on experience with SAP S/4HANA and ADP Workforce Now, or comparable modern ERP and payroll systems.
• Experience modernizing or automating payroll and AP workflows, including system integrations or reporting enhancements.
• Background in the automotive or supply‑chain industry.
• Professional certifications such as CPP or CPA, or an advanced degree.

Why Join Us:

• A Stable, Collaborative Finance Team, Join a well‑run, supportive Finance and Accounting team that values collaboration, communication, and shared success. You will step into a strong foundation with the opportunity to refine processes, enhance controls, and shape the next chapter of the Payroll/AP function during a key leadership transition.
• Modern Systems and Tools, Work in a modern systems environment using SAP S/4HANA and GL Wand, enabling meaningful process improvements, automation, and enhanced reporting.
• A Dynamic Industry with Meaningful Growth, Be part of an evolving automotive business with exciting new model introductions and the Momentum 2030 strategy, offering ongoing growth, change, and opportunity. This role sits close to the operational heartbeat of the business, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑moving environment.

Pay Transparency: 

The base salary for this position ranges between $120,000 to $130,000. The base salary will be based on a number of factors including the role offered, the individual's job-related knowledge, skills, and qualifications. In addition to base salary, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for all eligible employees which also includes 401k with company match, Mitsubishi Lease Program, and a full range of medical, financial, and other perks and benefits.

Perks and Benefits:

• Family First: Enjoy comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Be a Proud Mitsubishi Ambassador: Take advantage of our Discounted Employee Lease Car program, covering insurance, maintenance, and registration fees, with no down payment or credit check required.
• Drive with Perks: This position comes with a monthly car allowance, contingent upon a satisfactory driving record.
• Secure Your Future: Benefit from our 401(k) with Company match and annual contributions based on years of service.
• Fuel Your Growth: Access professional development opportunities, including training, tuition reimbursement, and employee resource groups.
• Take Time for Yourself: Enjoy up to 30 days of paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and other leave options.
• Hybrid Working Environment: Experience the perfect balance of remote and in-office work (~2 days remote, 3 days in-office) at our modern office, located in the vibrant Franklin, TN area.
• Thrive in an Open Environment: Experience our collaborative workspace where ideas flow freely.