Accounts Payable Specialist at Protective Life in Birmingham, AL

The work we do has an impact on millions of lives, and you can be a part of it.

We help protect our customers against life’s uncertainties. Regardless of where you work within the company, you’ll be helping provide protection and peace of mind when our customers need it most.

The Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for executing full-cycle accounts payable operations in a high-volume, detail-oriented environment. This role ensures timely and accurate processing of vendor and policyholder disbursements while maintaining compliance with corporate policies and regulatory guidelines. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced financial services setting, demonstrates strong attention to detail, and delivers exceptional service to both internal and external stakeholders.

This position reports to our Birmingham, AL office and has in-person requirements as part of a hybrid schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Process and distribute vendor payments and policyholder disbursement checks, including special handling and overnight delivery requests

• Review, audit, and process expense reimbursement requests for accuracy and compliance with corporate travel and IRS documentation requirements

• Manage manual payment requests by reviewing invoices, verifying approvals, and entering data into the accounts payable system

• Handle returned checks, reissues, stop payments, and uncashed check processing within disbursement systems

• Perform invoice processing tasks within vendor automation systems, including coding assignments, PO matching, and error resolution

• Print, distribute, and reconcile payments in accordance with established procedures and timelines

• Respond to internal inquiries and provide high-quality customer service across departments

• Support payment maintenance activities and assist with balancing and distribution processes

• Serve as a backup for team members and assist with additional duties as assigned

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge Required:

• Strong understanding of accounts payable processes and financial controls

• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in high-volume processing environments

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Strong customer service mindset with the ability to interact professionally across departments

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment

• Proficiency in data entry and use of financial systems and Microsoft Office applications

• Ability to identify discrepancies and resolve issues efficiently

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Minimum of 2 years of accounting, accounts payable, or financial services experience in a business environment

• Experience reviewing and processing invoices, payments, or expense reports

• Strong data entry skills with a high degree of accuracy

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct accounts payable experience

• Experience with SAP or vendor invoice automation systems

• Prior experience in insurance or financial services industry

• Familiarity with corporate travel and expense policies

The internal title for this position is Specialist II, Accounts Payable or Sr. Specialist, Accounts Payable based on candidate experience.

Employee Benefits:

We aim to protect the wellbeing of our employees and their families with a broad benefits offering. In addition to offering comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance, we support emotional wellbeing through mental health benefits and an employee assistance program. Work/life balance is important and Protective offers a variety of paid time away benefits (e.g., paid time off, paid parental leave, short-term disability, and a cultural observance day). The financial health of our employees is just as important as physical and emotional health. Some of the financial wellbeing benefits include contributions to healthcare accounts, a pension plan, and a 401(k) plan with Company matching. All employees are encouraged to protect their overall wellbeing by engaging in ProHealth Rewards, Protective’s platform to improve wellbeing while earning cash rewards.

Eligibility for certain benefits may vary by position in accordance with the terms of the Company’s benefit plans.

Accommodations for Applicants with a Disability:

If you require an accommodation to complete the application and recruitment process due to a disability, please email eric.hess@protective.com. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application and recruitment process.

Please note that the above email is solely for individuals with disabilities requesting an accommodation. General employment questions should not be sent through this process.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to being inclusive and attracting, retaining, and growing an inclusive workforce.