Manager, Accounts Payable and Payroll

Great Wolf Resorts - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Manager

Remote - Chicago, IL

Accommodation

About the position

The Manager of Accounts Payable and Payroll will oversee the Accounts Payable and Payroll teams located in Madison, WI, and Chicago, IL. This role is crucial for ensuring the effective delivery of AP and Payroll functions across all Great Wolf Lodge properties and corporate offices. The manager will drive best practices, process improvements, and compliance in all areas of accounts payable and payroll services, while fostering a culture aligned with Great Wolf's values.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Accounts Payable and Payroll Teams, fostering a culture that reflects Great Wolf's Values.
• Drive team engagement through strong leadership principles and practices, including performance management and interpersonal communication.
• Provide training and development opportunities to ensure staff proficiency and professional growth.
• Produce and analyze weekly/monthly KPIs, dashboards, and analytics to measure and improve performance.
• Optimize the performance of the centralized Accounts Payable and Payroll environment for all GWR properties, with a focus on onboarding new properties.
• Oversee department activities such as ACH and check disbursements, vendor invoice processing, and expense vouchers to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee day-to-day payroll processing and reporting in compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws, as well as corporate policies.
• Support cash management initiatives and controls by collaborating with Operations, Finance, and Treasury.
• Leverage existing technology and implement new technology to enhance operational efficiency.
• Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure the integrity of financial records.
• Coordinate and support internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain systems procedures and policies for accounts payable and payroll functions.
• Act as the point of contact for escalations and urgent matters related to accounts payable and payroll, partnering with various departments for resolution.
• Ensure timely responses to internal and external customers regarding accounts payable and payroll inquiries.
• Manage and maintain vendor relationships, including payment terms within company cash flow guidelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree and/or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of relevant Accounts Payable and Payroll leadership experience.
• Ability to occasionally travel to Madison, WI, and operating properties.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence others across organizational levels.
• Demonstrated success with developing, implementing, managing, and monitoring effective internal controls.
• Demonstrated change/project management skills, with the ability to establish priorities and deliver on commitments.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to problem solve and improve team efficiency using technology.
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work from the Chicago Corporate Headquarters on a hybrid-remote work schedule.

Nice-to-haves

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Experience in a Shared-Services model.
• Experience with a major theme park or brand hotel.
• Experience with Coupa procure to pay software solutions.
• Payroll experience with UltiPro (UKG).

Benefits

• Hybrid-remote work schedule (M/F optional work from home and T/W/TH in-office).