Accounts Payable Officer

JobSpace; Auckland; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Inspired Education Group is seeking an Accounts Payable Officer to own end-to-end AP processes and ensure timely supplier payments, accurate GL allocations, and strong vendor relationships. The role is based at the ACG schools head office in Mount Eden and offers opportunities to contribute to system improvements in a values-driven education environment.

Ideal candidates will have 3+ years in accounts payable, proficiency with JDEdwards and Excel, and a meticulous, collaborative approach suited

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in accounts payable or a similar financial role.
• Preferably in a school or not-for-profit environment.
• Proficiency in JDEdwards and Excel.
• Strong numerical accuracy and data entry skills.
• Solid understanding of accounting principles.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Customer service orientation with professional demeanor.
• Strong organisational skills and deadline management.

Responsibilities

• Enter and process daily supplier invoices with correct GL allocation.
• Maintain supplier records and update details as needed.
• Manage weekly EFT, BPAY and foreign invoice payments.
• Investigate supplier queries and invoice discrepancies promptly.
• Perform supplier account reconciliations for accuracy.
• Oversee petty cash and monthly card reconciliations.
• Assist with monthly GL reconciliations and reporting.
• Handle school-related charges/credits aligning with student accounts.
• Support rollout of new PO system including testing and training.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Assist with audits with required documentation.

Skills

Data entry

Numerical accuracy

Accounting principles

Independent work

Problem solving

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Customer service orientation

Attention to detail

Education

Accounting degree

Tools

JDEdwards

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Inspired Education is the leading global group of premium schools, with a portfolio of 126 premium private schools in 28 countries spanning 6 continents which utilise proven educational practices from every corner of the globe, ensuring over 95,000 students receive a world-class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13. Founded in 2013 by Nadim M. Nsouli, Inspired is backed by investors such as Stonepeak, GIC, TA Associates, and the Oppenheimer and Mansour family offices. The Group is experiencing 20% per annum growth through acquisition, greenfield site expansion, and the development of existing schools within its portfolio. In 2023, Inspired was recognised by Beauhurst as one of the UK's top 10 highest-value private companies.

Role Summary

The Accounts Payable Officer plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of the finance function by managing the end-to-end accounts payable process. Reporting directly to the NZ Finance Director and collaborating within a close-knit finance team, this role provides full ownership of the accounts payable responsibilities, ensuring accurate and timely processing of financial transactions. The role requires a proactive individual who can work independently, manage competing priorities, and build positive relationships with internal stakeholders, staff and external suppliers. It offers the opportunity to contribute to continuous process improvement, support the implementation of new systems, and work in a values-driven education environment. This is a full time, permanent position based at ACG schools head office in Mount Eden.

Key Responsibilities

• Accurately enter and process daily supplier invoices, ensuring correct allocation to General Ledger (GL) codes.
• Maintain supplier records, including setting up new suppliers and updating existing details as needed.
• Manage weekly EFT, BPAY Foreign Invoice Payment runs, ensuring timely and accurate payment to all vendors.
• Investigate and resolve supplier queries, discrepancies, and invoice-related issues in a professional and timely manner.
• Perform supplier account reconciliations to ensure account accuracy and completeness.
• Oversee petty cash claims and monthly credit card reconciliations, ensuring compliance with internal policies.
• Assist with monthly GL reconciliations and analysis, supporting broader financial reporting processes.
• Process and monitor charges and credits related to school activities, ensuring alignment with student accounts.
• Collaborate with the Finance Director to support the rollout of a new purchase order system, including contributing to testing, feedback, and staff training.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive financial and personal information.
• Assist with internal and external audits by preparing supporting documentation and responding to audit requests as required.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• At least 3 years of hands-on experience in accounts payable or a similar financial role, preferably in a school or not-for-profit environment.
• Proficiency in accounting software, preferably JDEdwards and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong numerical accuracy and data entry skills.
• Solid understanding of accounting principles.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Effective problem-solving skills and initiative to improve processes and systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain financial matters clearly.
• Customer service orientation with a professional, courteous manner.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Personal Attributes

• Detail-Oriented: Strong focus on accuracy in billing, invoicing, and financial reporting.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Ability to liaise effectively with parents and colleagues, resolving queries with professionalism and empathy.
• Problem-Solving Ability: Skilled at identifying financial risks and proposing practical solutions.
• Organisational Skills: Capable of managing multiple tasks, prioritising work, and adhering to deadlines.
• Customer-Focused: Dedicated to delivering exceptional service while maintaining professionalism and approachability.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Ability to remain composed under pressure and adapt to changing responsibilities and systems.
• Proactive and Initiative-Driven: Anticipates potential financial risks and takes proactive steps to address them. Continuously seeks opportunities to improve processes and systems.
• Integrity and Professionalism: Maintains confidentiality, upholds organisational values, and demonstrates ethical behaviour.

Qualifications

Tertiary qualifications in accounting, finance, or a related discipline. Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in accounts payable or finance administration.

Safeguarding Statement

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.