Accounts Payable Specialist

Petmate is a global leader in pet supply products. Some of our most beloved brands include Petmate®, Chuckit!®, Quirky Kitty®, Vittles Vault®, Wild Eats® and Arm & Hammer®.

Over 60 years ago, Petmate began with a single focus on providing safe pet transportation, which resulted in the creation of the first dog kennel. Flash forward to today, and the same love and bond that existed to provide safe travels for our pets now permeates through every step of pet and pet owners’ shared adventure.

Knowing that pets are every bit as much a part of the family, Petmate takes pride in developing new, superior products that improve the quality of life and enrich the bond created between people & their pets. From environmentally responsible manufacturing to rigorous product testing, we place safety at the core of what we make and how we make it.

Our trusted brands continually drive innovation across pet categories, spanning dog and cat toys, feeding and watering, food storage, carriers, shelters, treats & chews, bedding and more.

OUR WHY:  To enrich the lives of families by cultivating the bond between people & their pets

OUR VISION:  Families everywhere trust us more than any other company to enhance the well-being of their pets at every step of their adventure

Petmate Core Values

OWN IT!  We take full responsibility for our actions, decisions, and their outcomes

STEADFAST DETERMINATION:  Steady pursuit of what's next with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm

DO THE RIGHT THING:  Consistent alignment of actions and values in every situation, ensuring you're always true to what's right

SAFETY WITHOUT COMPROMISE:  We prioritize the safety of employees, consumers, and pets without compromise

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices, payments, account reconciliations, and related accounting functions. This role supports a fast-paced, growing organization by ensuring data accuracy, resolving discrepancies, maintaining positive vendor relationships, and partnering closely with internal teams. The Accounts Payable Specialist also assists with month-end close activities, banking transactions, vendor onboarding, and special projects assigned by management. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Invoice Processing & Payment Execution 


• Process a high volume of domestic and international invoices, including freight, customs, landed costs, bill-of-lading invoices and tax-related payments.


• Perform two- and three-way matching of invoices, purchase orders, and receipts.


• Review invoices for accuracy, proper documentation, cost-center coding, and compliance with company policies. 


• Analyze and resolve invoice holds and discrepancies related to pricing, quantities, and inventory receipts; partner with buyers to correct or close purchase orders as needed. • Determine taxability and accrue sales and use tax on invoices when appropriate. 


• Obtain required approvals and monitor approval status using the automated ERP workflow approval process as required. 


• Prepare weekly funding requests and process payments via check, ACH, wire transfer, and virtual credit card; securely transmit payment files to the bank. 


• Support processing of automated bank withdrawals by obtaining invoices, recording transactions, and reconciling payments. Vendor Management & Customer Service 


• Serve as an internal and external point of contact for AP-related inquiries. Collaborate with Sales, Finance, and other departments to resolve AP issues and support business objectives. 


• Maintain professional, responsive, and solution-oriented communication with vendors and internal stakeholders. 


• Ensure accuracy of vendor master data, complete new vendor applications. Data Management, Banking & Reconciliation • Import, format, and analyze shipping invoices (e.g., FedEx, UPS); allocate charges to appropriate cost centers and investigate exceptions.


• Record daily banking transactions, reconcile debit activity, and match transactions to online banking data. 


• Track, reconcile, and clear automatic withdrawals to ensure all related invoices are properly recorded. 


• Prepare and maintain account analyses for prepaid expenses, accrued benefits, and other assigned general ledger accounts. Reporting, Month-End & Administrative Support 


• Contribute to weekly cash forecasts and assist with ad hoc reporting requests. 


• Support month-end close activities, including accruals, reconciliations, AP uploads, and recurring journal entries. 


• Support ongoing AP and accounting projects assigned by management. • Ensure proper organization, retention, and audit readiness of electronic AP files, vendor records, invoices, and supporting documentation. • Process incoming mail for the AP function as needed. 


• Assist with annual physical inventory counts. 

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

Requirements: 

• Proficiency in Oracle or similar ERP systems; experience with OTM and EDI preferred. 


• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, macros); proficiency in Microsoft Word. 


• Solid understanding of basic accounting principles. 


• Strong understanding of tax compliance and 1099 reporting. 


• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. 


• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, confidentiality and ethical standards. 


• Positive, professional relationships with vendors and coworkers. 


• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities. 


• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment. 


• Exhibit strong collaboration and communication within the accounting team and across departments. 


• Demonstrate initiative to improve processes, increase efficiency, and strengthen internal controls. 

Education and Experience: 

• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance preferred. 


• Minimum of 3 years of Accounts Payable experience. 

Petmate is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.