Account Payable Specialist

At Canadian Solar, our vision is to make lives better by bringing electricity powered by the sun to millions of people worldwide. As a leading manufacturer of solar panels, inverters, and energy storage solutions, we've been an industry front-runner since our founding in 2001. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in all parts of our organization as we navigate the complexities of a booming industry.

Throughout Canadian Solar's subsidiaries, e-Storage, Recurrent Energy, MSS and CSI Solar Co., we invest in our employees' growth. Our training programs and promotional opportunities ensure we all can continue to learn. We understand the importance of work-life balance and provide various flexible work options to support our employees' well-being. Join our team to "Make the Difference" by creating a lasting positive impact on the world and the communities where we operate.

We are seeking an experienced Accountable Payable Specialist I to take ownership of day-to-day invoice processing across the North American region. This is a highly autonomous role covering a mix of invoices, accounts receivable, and accounts payable, ideal for someone who's confident managing the full cycle payment for our Cell Business Unit in Indiana. The candidate will play a vital role in maintaining accurate financial records, facilitating timely payments, and ensuring smooth financial operations.

Primary Responsibilities

Accounts Payable

• Park invoice in SAP system, create and submit Payment Review Form to management team for approval.
• Execute and audit 3-way match, review and process vendor invoices, expense reports, and payment requests accurately and in a timely manner.
• Verify invoice details, purchase orders, and payment terms for adherence to company policies.
• Coordinate with internal departments to obtain proper approvals for payments through Adobe Sign.
• Perform regular reconciliations of accounts payable statements, including vendor account reconciliations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date accounts payable records and ensure proper filing and documentation.
• Assist in month-end closing activities, including accruals and reporting.
• Monitor supplier accounts and age reports to identify overdue balances.
• Contact supplier via email and phone to follow up on outstanding invoices in a professional and service-oriented manner.
• Research and resolve invoice discrepancies by collaborating with Project Managers, Operations, and Billing.
• Document all supplier communication and follow-up activity in the accounting system.
• Work with Supplier to obtain payment commitments and/or documentation required for payment (POs, vendor setup forms, W-9s, lien releases, etc.).
• Escalate accounts when necessary and recommend next steps (late fees, payment plans, legal escalation, etc.).
• Ensure all incoming payments are accurately recorded and applied to the correct Supplier accounts and invoices in the accounting system.
• Investigate and resolve payment discrepancies, including short payments, unapplied cash, overpayments, and incorrect fund applications, ensuring accurate customer account balances.
• Prepare weekly, monthly and annual A/P status updates for leadership, including risks, trends, and recommended actions.
• Assist with improving accounts payment processes, documentation, and collections workflows.
• Support month-end and year-end closing activities related to payable.
• Other duties as assigned

Process Optimization and Compliance

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance procurement processes, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization in Sourcing, Purchasing, Invoicing, and accounts payable functions, suggesting and implementing improvements for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, company policies, and audit requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sourcing, Purchasing, Finance and Suppliers to create payment procedures, drive continuous improvement.
• Work with User and Finance to finish both SAP and Off-line payment daily operation.
• Follow payment status with Finance and share update with User, Purchasing and Supplier.
• Partner with Legal and Finance on contract reviews, risk management, and audit processes.

Risk Management

• Identify potential payment risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate disruptions.
• Continuously monitor and analyze internal payment cycle and policy market conditions and industry trends impacting procurement and supply chain strategies.
• Maintain accurate records for internal and external audits.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., CPA, CMA) are a plus.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in AP/AR within a manufacturing or 3pl environment. Experience in the renewable energy or manufacturing sector is advantageous.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, particularly SAP, SRM and OA.
• Experience with international procurement and international payment.
• Experience with spend analysis and cost reduction initiatives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, etc.)
• Knowledge of MRP/MPS systems and production planning processes.
• Experience with supplier performance scorecards and KPI tracking.
• Familiarity with electronic procurement systems and catalog management
• Ability to perform TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) analysis for material selection Excellent organizational abilities and time management.

Compensation and Benefits

Canadian Solar offers a competitive salary plus fully comprehensive benefits and performance bonus package based on an annual objective achievement. Our generous benefits package includes a 401(k) Retirement Plan, medical/life/disability program, and PTO.