This position is located in NAR's Chicago, IL office only

Position Summary:

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) seeks an experienced and detail-oriented Accounts Payable Manager to oversee the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of all disbursement activities across a complex, multi-entity organization. Reporting to the Senior Director of Financial Operations, this role ensures that all accounts payable functions are executed with precision, transparency, and compliance.

This leader will manage daily AP operations - including vendor payments, cash log reconciliation, and the review of bills, credits, and exceptions - while driving accountability and adherence to internal controls. They will ensure proper coding and posting of transactions within NetSuite, confirm timely approval workflows, and maintain an accurate audit trail across all entities.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting knowledge with the ability to manage systems, people, and processes. They will serve as the organization’s subject matter expert for accounts payable, ensuring data integrity, operational consistency, and compliance with GAAP and internal policy standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day accounts payable activities, ensuring timely and accurate processing, coding, and posting of all invoices and payments.
• Oversee aging reports and open bill reviews, ensuring timely resolution of stale bills, credits, and exceptions.
• Monitor the AP mailbox and workflow to prevent duplication, ensure timely responses, and maintain smooth communication with internal teams and vendors.
• Conduct an initial assessment of all outstanding AP items and aged invoices to ensure data accuracy, resolve discrepancies, and establish a clean record moving forward.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) that ensure efficiency, consistency, and audit readiness across all AP activities.

• Review all bills to confirm proper general ledger coding, intercompany allocations, and adherence to accounting standards.
• Approve or decline positive pay exceptions and ensure the positive pay data set remains current and accurate.
• Review and approve all initiated wires, ACH transfers, and check runs to confirm proper documentation and authorization.
• Ensure vendor records, payment information, and documentation are accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with NAR’s financial controls.

• Serve as the primary owner of NAR’s cash log, ensuring all AP-related transactions are captured in NetSuite promptly and accurately.
• Load data, track reconciliation notes, and coordinate with internal teams to resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain a clear record of cash movement and provide timely reporting to the Senior Director and Finance leadership.

• Review and validate bill credits, voids, and ACH returns, ensuring appropriate documentation and controls.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director to strengthen AP processes and identify opportunities for automation, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Support audit readiness by maintaining complete and accurate AP records, documentation, and reconciliation reports.

• Establish and enforce robust internal controls over disbursements to ensure compliance, prevent errors or fraud, and support clean audit outcomes.
• Provide regular reports on AP aging, payment activity, and reconciliation summaries to support financial dashboards and leadership analysis
• Support the configuration and optimization of the NetSuite Accounts Payable module, including workflow design, approval routing, and automation of invoice processing.

• Supervise and mentor AP staff, providing coaching, clear expectations, and professional development opportunities.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accuracy, and service excellence across the AP function.
• Lead ongoing efforts to enhance automation, documentation, and accountability within the finance operations team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or Business Administration required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in accounts payable or financial operations, including supervisory or management experience in a complex, multi-entity or matrixed organization.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge with the ability to review and ensure proper coding, intercompany allocations, and compliance with GAAP.
• Proven experience managing cash reconciliation, positive pay, and payment processes (ACH, wire, check runs), with exceptional attention to accuracy and timeliness.
• Hands-on experience with NetSuite or comparable ERP systems, including workflow approvals, reporting, and integration of AP data.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop staff, manage competing priorities, and drive continuous improvement in financial processes.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a service-oriented mindset and commitment to transparency and accountability.  

Compensation: $100,000-$120,000
NAR provides comprehensive benefits including health/dental/vision insurance.

Organizational Overview:

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is a team of professionals dedicated to providing world-class service to approximately 1.5 million REALTORS® working in the United States and around the world. The real estate industry is fast-paced and fast-changing--each year, our members participate in the sale, lease, and management of real estate. As in every industry, our members’ value proposition is constantly being challenged by innovation.

It is our mission to empower REALTORS® as they preserve, protect and advance the right to real property for all. We cannot do that without the ideas, passion, and commitment from our talented employees. As our greatest assets, employees are offered their pick of competitive benefits/perks and flexible work options.