Accounts Payable & Payroll Manager

About the Job:

The Accounts Payable & Payroll Manager plays a key leadership role in ensuring stability, accuracy, and compliance of critical financial operations. This position provides strategic oversight of payroll and accounts payable functions while actively contributing to day-to-day execution. By filling this role, Mitsubishi Motors North America maintains strong internal controls, meets all regulatory requirements, and ensures the consistent, efficient delivery of payroll and vendor payment processes that support the broader organization.

Summary of Role:

The Accounts Payable & Payroll Manager leads payroll and accounts payable operations, setting direction, maintaining compliance, and driving continuous improvement across both functions. This role manages and develops a team of three specialists while also remaining closely involved in core processes, including payroll execution, tax compliance, and vendor disbursements.

Success in this role requires a balance of leadership and hands-on expertise, guiding the team, strengthening internal controls, and partnering with Finance leadership, while stepping in as needed to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and operational continuity in a deadline-driven environment.

As the AP & Payroll Manager, You Will:

• Provide leadership and strategic oversight of payroll and accounts payable functions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance across all activities
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of three specialists, fostering accountability, cross-training, and continuous improvement
• Oversee end-to-end payroll operations, while remaining hands-on in payroll processing, issue resolution, and complex transactions as needed
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, including multi-state payroll requirements and filings
• Direct accounts payable operations, including invoice processing, vendor payments, and relationship management, while supporting escalations and exceptions
• Oversee annual 1099 processing, ensuring accurate reporting and timely IRS compliance
• Maintain and enhance internal controls for payroll and AP in alignment with company policies and J-SOX requirements
• Actively participate in month-end close activities, including preparation and review of payroll journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations
• Partner with HR, IT, and Finance leadership to ensure data integrity, system effectiveness, and a seamless employee experience
• Utilize systems such as SAP S/4HANA and ADP Workforce Now to drive automation, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency
• Identify and implement process improvements that reduce risk, increase scalability, and improve overall performance
• Support internal and external audits through documentation, analysis, and issue resolution
• Step in as an individual contributor when needed to ensure continuity of operations under tight deadlines
• Perform other duties as assigned

Ready to Join The Team? You Should Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required; CPA or relevant certification preferred
• 7+ years of progressive experience in payroll and accounts payable, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership or supervisory role
• Demonstrated experience managing payroll operations in a multi-state environment, with strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams while maintaining accountability for accuracy, deadlines, and service levels
• Hands-on experience processing payroll and overseeing accounts payable functions, with the ability to step in and execute when needed
• Strong understanding of internal controls, compliance frameworks, and audit requirements (J-SOX or SOX experience preferred)
• Experience supporting month-end close, including journal entries, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations
• Proficiency with ERP and payroll systems such as SAP S/4HANA and ADP Workforce Now (or similar platforms)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and a focus on continuous improvement
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet recurring, deadline-driven deliverables with a high degree of accuracy
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to partner effectively across HR, IT, and Finance
• High level of integrity and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential information

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.