Job Title: AP/Payroll Lead
Department: Accounting & Finance
Entity: CCF
FLSA Status: Exempt
Updated as of: March 3, 2026
Reports to: Controller

Organizational Background:

Fifty years ago, civil rights leader Cesar Chavez ignited a movement that would transform communities by championing the rights of farmworkers. Today, the Cesar Chavez Foundation (CCF) carries on Cesar’s legacy by growing and adapting into a successful group of high-performing social enterprises that support Latinos and working families and inspiring and transforming cross-generational communities from rural to urban areas. It serves over one million individuals through housing and economic development, education, broadcast communications and the National Chavez Center (NCC). With more than 300 employees across five states, CCF addresses crucial needs of our community, while remaining sustainable, strategic and fiscally responsible.

The Financial Management Department is one of CCF’s core centralized services and lead by the CFO.  Its core responsibilities and functions include Accounting, Treasury, Information Technology and Risk Management. The AP Payroll Supervisor reports to the Controller.

Position Summary

The AP/AR Lead is a hands-on role responsible for overseeing the accounts payable and accounts receivable functions to ensure accurate and timely processing of vendor payments. This role ensures compliance with company policies, tax regulations, and labor laws while improving financial controls, operational efficiencies, and reporting accuracy. The AP/AR Lead oversees a team of specialists, drives process improvements, and develops training materials to enhance team knowledge and effectiveness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

• Oversee AP/AR functions, ensuring accurate and timely vendor payments.
• Review invoices and payment approvals to ensure proper authorization and coding.
• Maintain vendor records and oversee vendor inquiries, disputes, and reconciliations.
• Manage the AP aging report, ensuring timely payments while optimizing cash flow.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of 1099s and other regulatory filings.
• Ensure adherence to company policies regarding expenses, approvals, and reporting.
• Assist in process improvement initiatives, including implementation of software, automation tools and workflow optimization.
• Ensure accuracy of customer balances through timely reconciliations of AR sub-ledger to the general ledger.
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities related to AR, revenue, and reserves.
• Monitor and manage AR aging, identify risk trends, and proactively recommend actions to minimize exposure and improve cash flow.

Leadership & Compliance Responsibilities:

• Train AP/AR staff, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and teamwork.
• Lead the team in developing training materials and conducting training sessions for AP/AR processes.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, and company policies.
• Work with external auditors and tax authorities on compliance matters.
• Serve as the point of contact for escalations related to AP/AR.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in accounting systems (e.g., Acumatica, Yardi).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, Reconciliations).
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
• Soft Skills:
• Strong analytical and reconciliation skills with the ability to perform detailed variance analysis.
• Strong problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development capability.
• Ability to work across departments and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with process automation and ERP systems.