Job Description

LEAD ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST-ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - CORPORATE OFFICE (AUSTIN, MN)

About Hormel Foods —

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE®, APPLEGATE®, WHOLLY®, HORMEL® BLACK LABEL®, COLUMBUS®, JENNIE-O® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com

This position reports to the Senior Financial Accountant.

Relocation is not eligible for this role.

The Lead Accounting Specialist – AP serves as the team’s senior subject matter expert, providing advanced technical support, resolving complex issues, and guiding daily operations. This role leads training, supports process improvements and system initiatives, assists with workload coordination, and acts as the primary resource for AP clerks and cross-functional partners.

Accountabilities

1. Support system upgrades and testing, identify process improvement opportunities, and lead small‑scale AP initiatives that enhance accuracy and efficiency.
2. Interpret and guide adherence to AP policies. Troubleshoot systemic data‑flow issues, identify root‑cause process gaps, and recommend corrective actions.
3. Handle complex 2‑way and 3‑way match issues, resolve escalated invoice exceptions, and provide expert guidance to specialists and end users.
4. Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and perform key month‑end close responsibilities. Act as the close process SME, addressing issues that may delay timely completion.
5. Serve as the primary point of contact for AP clerks—providing training, answering process questions, and ensuring consistent and accurate task execution. Lead weekly AP meetings and reassign work as needed to maintain workflow continuity.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work independently.
  • Demonstrated strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
  • Demonstrated problem solving and analytical ability.
  • Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa.
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Preferred Qualifications

• Post high school classes or 2-year (AAS) degree in accounting or business.

  • Oracle experience.

At Hormel Foods, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. The base hiring pay range for this role is $23.75- 33.25, and your actual base pay within that range will depend upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skill set, level of experience, and geographic market location.

Other components of Hormel Foods’ total compensation package includes comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, discretionary annual merit increases,401(k) with employer match, stock purchase plan, earned paid time off, FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.