Accounts Payable Specialist

Accounts Payable Accountant

Location: Sparkhill, New York 10976 (Onsite)
Reports to: Controller

Position Summary

The Accounts Payable Accountant is responsible for managing the full accounts payable cycle in a higher education environment, ensuring timely, accurate processing of invoices and payments while maintaining compliance with institutional policies and accounting standards. This role supports financial integrity, vendor relationships, and efficient operations across academic and administrative departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Process high‑volume accounts payable transactions, including invoice review, coding, approvals, and payment processing.
• Maintain accurate vendor records and resolve discrepancies related to invoices, purchase orders, and payments.
• Reconcile accounts payable subledger to the general ledger and support month‑end and year‑end close activities.
• Review and audit expenses for compliance with institutional policies, grant requirements, and accounting standards.
• Prepare and process weekly or bi‑weekly check runs, wire transfers, and ACH payments.
• Assist with IRS Form 1099 preparation and annual reporting requirements.
• Support external audits by providing AP documentation, schedules, and reconciliations.
• Communicate professionally with vendors and internal departments to address inquiries and resolve issues.
• Participate in continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and controls within AP operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• 2–5 years of accounts payable or general accounting experience, preferably within higher education or a nonprofit environment.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and internal controls.
• Experience with ERP or accounting systems (e.g., Banner, Workday, Sage, NetSuite, or similar).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an academic or nonprofit institution.
• Familiarity with grant or restricted fund expense processing.
• Knowledge of procurement and purchasing best practices in higher education.

Key Competencies

• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem‑solving and analytical ability
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical financial practices
• Collaborative, service‑oriented mindset

Why Join

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a mission‑driven academic environment, support a broad campus community, and grow within a stable and collaborative finance team.