Senior Accounts Payable Specialist (Chicago, US, IL 60606)

At Bel, we are not just a company—we are a company on a Mission, built on 160 years of bold innovation, family values, and a commitment to social purpose. With beloved brands like Babybel®, GoGo squeeZ®, The Laughing Cow®, and Boursin®, our snacking solutions bring more than joy; they want to serve as a force for good. Our U.S. Mission? To help close the critical 80% nutrition gap by making it easier for Americans to eat more fruits, veggies, and dairy as part of their daily lives.

The company has headquarters in Chicago and New York City and operates 4 manufacturing plants in Little Chute, WI; Brookings, SD; Traverse City, MI; and Nampa, ID.  #IWorkForAllForGood

The Senior Accounts Payable Specialist oversees and optimizes daily accounts payable operations while ensuring compliance with accounting standards and attention to detail. This experienced professional serves as a key liaison across departments and business units, including Bel Group (Global), Treasury, corporate accounting, IT, procurement, manufacturing plants, and external financial institutions. The role actively supports month-end and year-end close processes, ensures accurate AP accounting, and contributes to special projects and departmental initiatives as needed.

Working in a fast-paced environment, this position demands precision, strong time management, and adaptability. Key responsibilities include processing invoices, managing payment proposals, responding to vendor inquiries, and maintaining accurate records. This is a remote, exempt position based in the Midwest or Northeast US.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive, validate & process vendor invoices, ensuring accuracy and proper allocation.


• Resolve invoice and payment discrepancies with internal stakeholders and vendors; escalate complex issues as necessary.


• Review and approve payment runs (Check, ACH, wire), ensuring timely processing.


• Reconcile vendor statements regularly; resolve discrepancies and maintain positive vendor relationships.


• Ensure compliance with internal policies, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements; monitor for changes impacting AP.


• Generate, analyze, and present accounts payable reports and dashboards; provide insights and recommendations for process improvement.


• Support internal and external audit by providing required documentation and responding to inquiries.


• Maintain accurate, organized records of all accounts payable transactions and documentation.


• Oversee AP systems; identify and implement process automation and system enhancements.


• Mentor and train team members; maintain cross-training materials to ensure coverage and team efficiency.


• Continuously evaluate and improve AP processes, controls, and procedures.


• Serve as subject matter expert for AP processes and systems, ensuring consistent and compliant execution.


• Execute daily, weekly, and monthly AP operations, including invoice processing, payment calendar support, GR/IR, close tasks, and AP aging reports.


• Assist with 1099 filing, bank signatory updates, BELKey, and other audit requests as needed.


• Performs other duties as assigned by the Accounts Payable Manager

Qualifications and Competencies

• Degree in accounting or business-related field preferred OR equivalent relevant years of proven on the job experience.


• 5+ years of accounts payable experience