Accounts Payable Project Lead

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.

With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com

Highgate Corporate Offices Irving, TX

The Accounts Payable Project Lead Specialist is primarily responsible to oversee and manage various 3^rd party relationships as well as helping to develop and implement systems and processes to create efficiencies. This includes attending various meetings, discussing ideas or concerns as needed, as well as assisting with implementing and maintaining the systems and processes after implementation. They will also assist AP Managers in process improvements, efficiencies, and procedures in the Accounts Payable area and assist with the transition of hotels within the Highgate Portfolio.

Provide general training and support on various systems and AP processes to the internal AP team as well as hotels and personnel in other departments
• Initial point of contact for our 3^rd party payment provider for any AP issues as well as training personnel on the process
• Ensure payment files are sent to our third-party payment processor timely and errors are researched and resolved quickly.
• Oversee the various refund reports and outstanding payment reports and work with accounting to ensure the appropriate action is taken. This includes handling voids and reissues in a timely manner.
• Handle admin tasks in our third-party payment processor sites such as activating/deactivating accounts in a timely manner and ensuring they are aware of any processing changes or hotel changes as needed
• Initial point of contact for AP related items with our BirchStreet Procure to Pay system. This includes assisting with the implementation and rollout to hotels as well as training users as needed on AP related matters.
• Monitor the BirchStreet IFC and Oracle Interface reports to ensure that everything processes accordingly, and errors are taken care of timely. Escalate issues as needed.
• Assist with reconciling supplier aging reports or outstanding balance inquiries when needed
• Process invoices and payment disbursements for assigned hotels directly into Oracle or submit them to the appropriate email for processing; Ensure that all standard operating procedures are followed including obtaining necessary approvals.
• Help support with other tasks such as Brand Invoices, Credit Apps, etc
• Assist in developing, testing, implementing, and maintaining systems, procedures, and policies to increase AP efficiency and still ensure adherence to company guidelines. This includes helping to create and update training manuals as well as best practice guides
• Other special projects, reports, statement reconciliation, and responsibilities as directed.

• At least 3 years of experience with accounts payable processing
• Associate's degree preferred; equivalent combination of experience and/or education will also be considered
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and financial accounting systems. Oracle experience preferred. Project software experience is a plus
• Detail-oriented, strong organizational and communication skills
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to organize, prioritize, and plan accordingly to meet scheduled deadlines
• Ability to work overtime as necessary to complete assigned duties