Gwendolyn Sanford
Langhorne,PA
Summary
Accounts Payable Leader managing end-to-end AP operations to ensure accurate and compliant financial processing. Expertise includes invoice processing, vendor management, payments, reconciliations, and month-end close support. Focused on identifying root causes and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and accelerate outcomes.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Accounts Payable Specialist
CenTrak, Inc
Newtown, Pennsylvania
02.2019 - 07.2026
- Implemented an automated invoice processing system that reduced manual data entry errors by 75%, improving accuracy and overall processing efficiency.
- Streamlined Accounts Payable processes by developing standardized procedures and documentation to improve consistency, efficiency, and compliance.
- Managed the full Accounts Payable cycle, serving as the sole point of contact for AP matters from invoice receipt through payment and resolution of vendor issues.
- Administered vendor onboarding and master data governance by collecting and verifying W-9 forms, banking information, and payment terms; conducting sanctions screening; obtaining CFO approval; and setting up new vendors in the ERP system in accordance with company policies and internal controls.
- Processed high volumes of vendor invoices through manual entry and automated workflows within ERP systems, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.
- Reviewed invoices for accuracy and compliance, assigned general ledger accounts, and secured necessary approvals per company Delegation of Authority (DOA) policies.
- Built and maintained strong vendor relationships by handling inquiries directly, resolving payment issues and account discrepancies, and providing timely updates on invoice and payment status.
- Worked directly with the Purchasing Department to resolve pricing discrepancies, purchase order variances, and issues related to goods and services received.
- Scheduled and executed domestic and international vendor payments via ACH, check, and wire transfer, ensuring accurate and timely payments.
- Prepared month-end accruals and reconciled Accounts Payable general ledger accounts to support accurate financial reporting and period-end close.
- Reconciled vendor statements, investigated discrepancies, and resolved outstanding balances to maintain accurate account records.
- Audited employee expense reports for compliance with company policies, IRS regulations, and supporting documentation requirements.
- Supported internal and external audits by providing requested documentation and helping ensure compliance with company policies and internal controls.
- Used ERP systems to process invoices, manage vendor accounts, resolve transaction errors, and support automated workflows and reporting.
- Used Microsoft Excel for reconciliations, reporting, data analysis, and identifying discrepancies.
- Managed day-to-day AP communications with vendors and internal departments through email, phone, and Microsoft Teams; follow issues through to resolution.
Accounts Payable Lead
SP Industries
Warminster, Pennsylvania
05.2016 - 01.2019
- Managed monthly processing of about 3,000 invoices, including T&E reports, while controlling approval flow and communicating with vendors on payments, discrepancies, credits, and terms.
- Directed daily accounts payable operations across invoice processing, purchase orders, expense reports, credit memos, payment transactions, and vendor relations.
- Improved AP cycle efficiency by introducing shared email inbox, vendor onboarding to e-invoicing, error resolution log, and weekly cross-functional process reviews.
- Validated AP transactions for accurate general ledger coding and compliance with approval processes and company policy.
- Trained and supervised 2 accounts payable employees, coordinating supplier interactions to ensure accuracy and streamline workflow.
- Produced detailed accounting and ad hoc reports for management and other departments, enhancing support for decision-making.
- Generated weekly payment proposals, wire transfers, ACH disbursements, and check runs.
- Updated vendor and supplier records in ERP system and assisted monthly close through AP subledger to general ledger reconciliation.
- Facilitated the monthly close process through AP subledger and general ledger reconciliation.
Senior Accounts Payable Analyst
The Jones Group
Bristol, Pennsylvania
02.2012 - 02.2016
- Prepared and assembled standard and custom reports for management, shareholders, and regulatory bodies by summarizing financial and economic data to support informed decision-making.
- Maintained strong knowledge of accounting systems, Excel, and supporting tools to streamline AP workflows, invoice research, disbursement tracking, and general ledger reconciliation.
- Administered vendor setup and maintenance, payment holds, TIN matching, banking validation, and W-9 collection within accounting system.
- Processed approved invoices through electronic upload or manual entry, and corrected posting errors to keep records accurate.
- Monitored data entry for timeliness and accuracy to support vendor terms and month-end close, acting as final control point for AP compliance.
- Coordinated with end users, technical analysts, IT staff, and consultants on accounting system analysis, configuration, testing, and maintenance, helping drive a 40% increase in invoices processed.
- Investigated escalated customer concerns, identified root causes, and put mistake-proofing actions in place.
- Oversaw T&E reporting for new users, card closures, policy violations, and transaction activity.
- Managed special projects targeting specific business needs, resulting in improved processes and enhanced team performance.
Senior Accounts Payable Associate
Delaware Investments
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
01.2001 - 12.2011
- Reviewed employee travel and entertainment reports to ensure compliance with internal controls and regulatory standards, including IRS, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and SEC guidance.
- Audited travel expenses in reporting systems and invoices to verify accurate coding and approval workflows.
- Managed weekly vendor and employee disbursements via wire transfer or check, ensuring timely payments.
- Ensured compliance by verifying documentation for all payments issued.
- Reconciled vendor balance sheets and statements and drove timely issue resolution.
- Monitored budgets and posted journal entries to the general ledger.
- Handled internal and external customer communications regarding reimbursement and payment progress.
- Built and maintained detailed Excel reports for payroll and human resources distribution.
- Managed office supply ordering through Ariba for department operations.
- Supervised staff of four on an interim basis.
- Maintained and updated SAP database for corporate accounting functions.
- Facilitated creation of new vendor records to streamline procurement processes.
- Tested new functions and moved approved updates into production.
- Supported Controller and AVP/VP staff with daily administrative tasks.
Education
High School Diploma -
W.B. Saul High School
Philadelphia, PA06-1995
Skills
- Accounts payable automation
- ERP invoice processing
- Payment management
- Invoice reconciliation
- General ledger coding
- Month-end close
- Expense report auditing
- Credit card reconciliation
- Vendor management
Timeline
Senior Accounts Payable Specialist
CenTrak, Inc
02.2019 - 07.2026
Accounts Payable Lead
SP Industries
05.2016 - 01.2019
Senior Accounts Payable Analyst
The Jones Group
02.2012 - 02.2016
Senior Accounts Payable Associate
Delaware Investments
01.2001 - 12.2011
High School Diploma -
W.B. Saul High School