Accounts Payable Manager

About us

KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, Chico's, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots, White House Black Market. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful.Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.

Accounts Payable Manager

About the role

The Manager, Accounts Payable, is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the non-merchandise accounts payable function across our multiple brands (Ann Taylor, Chico’s, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots & WHBM) and financial systems (SAP and Oracle). This role ensures the accurate and timely processing of non-inventory related expenses while maintaining strong internal controls, supporting financial reporting requirements, and driving operational efficiency.

This position plays a critical leadership role in optimizing procure-to-pay processes, implementing system enhancements, and partnering cross-functionally with internal stakeholders and external vendors to support business operations. The ideal candidate is a strong people leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about process improvement and operational excellence.

The impact you can have

• Lead daily operations of the non-merchandise accounts payable function across multiple brands and systems, ensuring timely and accurate invoice processing and payment execution.
• Manage and develop a team of accounts payable professionals (8) by setting clear expectations, providing coaching and feedback, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
• Oversee implementation of new procure-to-pay systems.
• Partner with internal teams and technology partners to identify, develop, and implement system improvements, enhancements, and automation initiatives across brands.
• Monitor and resolve invoice, payment, and system exceptions to ensure smooth operations and minimal disruption to business partners and vendors.
• Administer financial systems related to accounts payable and ensure accurate, timely, and meaningful reporting to support business needs.
• Support month-end close activities, including account analysis, reconciliations, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate annual audit requests and ensure compliance with internal and external audit requirements.
• Manage 1099 and 1042 reporting requirements, including issuance and correction processing in compliance with IRS regulations.
• Manage relationships with third-party vendors supporting utilities, store supplies, maintenance, and other operational services to ensure continuity of service.
• Oversee rent payment processing for leased properties, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and proper approvals.
• Maintain compliance with company signature authority and approval policies.
• Evaluate current processes and identify opportunities to strengthen controls, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall employee and vendor experience.
• Support special projects and provide ad hoc reporting and analysis as needed.

You’ll bring to the role

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred
• 6+ years of accounts payable, finance, or accounting experience
• Prior leadership experience managing teams and developing talent.
• Strong knowledge of accounts payable operations, controls, and best practices
• Experience with procure-to-pay systems, ERP platforms, and process automation initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Advanced proficiency in financial systems and Microsoft Excel
• Excellent communication and cross-functional partnership skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and drive process improvements.

Benefits

• You will be eligible to receive a merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands, subject to each brand’s discount policies.
• Support for your individual development plus opportunities for career mobility within our family of brands.  
• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities.*  
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K).* 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Time off – paid time off & holidays.*

*Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

This position works on-site at least 4 days per week consistent with the needs of the business at our KnitWell Group Distribution Ctr office location in Etna, OH. 

Applicants to this position must be authorized to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship. We are not providing sponsorship for this position.

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Location:

Ascena Corp ETNA-ascena-Pataskala, OH 43062

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact [email protected]. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.