Manager, Accounts Payable and Payroll

Job Summary: This role is in the Chicago-based Accounting Team with responsibilities that include the management of the Accounts Payable and Payroll teams in Madison, WI and Chicago, IL. This role will successfully oversee the delivery of the AP and Payroll functions to all Great Wolf Lodge properties, as well as corporate. The role will support the business with driving best practices, process improvements and compliance within all areas of accounts payable and payroll services.

Responsibilities:

Team Leadership:

• Lead and mentor the Accounts Payable and Payroll Teams, fostering a culture that is reflective of Great Wolf’s Values.
• Drive team engagement through strong leadership principles and practices (performance management, team and interpersonal communication, etc.)
• 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

Systems and Processes:

• Play key role in optimizing the performance of the centralized Accounts Payable and Payroll environment for all GWR properties, with a growth-oriented mindset towards onboarding of new properties in the future
• Oversee department activities, such as ACH and check disbursements, vendor invoice processing and expense vouchers to ensure that they are complete, accurate and processed timely
• Oversee day-to-day payroll processing and reporting in accordance with all federal, state and local tax laws, as well as corporate policies and procedures
• Support cash management initiatives and controls by partnering with Operations, Finance and Treasury business functions
• Look for ways to leverage existing technology and opportunities to implement new technology that enhances operational efficiency

Compliance and Controls:

• Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure the integrity of financial records.
• Coordinate and support internal and external audits.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local legal requirements, in addition to overseeing 1099 reporting, W-2 reporting and other tax reporting
• Develop, implement, and maintain systems procedures and policies, including accounts payable and payroll functions to ensure adherence to company guidelines

Customer Service Focus:

• Act as the Accounts Payable and Payroll point of contact for Great Wolf properties, for escalations and urgent matters related to accounts payable and payroll; partner with Operations, Accounting, HR, and others, as required, for resolution
• Ensure timely responses to customers – both internal pack members and external vendors
• Manage and maintain vendor relationships, including payment terms within company cash flow guidelines

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree and/or equivalent experience
• 7+ plus 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 -- can effectively lead projects by establishing priorities, building and executing project plans, and delivering on commitments
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills with the ability to problem solve and use technology to improve the efficiency of the team
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to work from our Chicago Corporate Headquarters on a hybrid-remote work schedule (M/F optional work from home and T/W/TH in-office)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Public Accountant
• Experience in Shared-Services model preferred
• Experience with a major theme park or brand hotel preferred
• Experience with Coupa procure to pay software solutions highly desirable, as is payroll experience with UltiPro (UKG)