Accounts Payable Accountant

Goodwillswmi; Kalamazoo, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan in Kalamazoo, MI, seeks an experienced Accounts Payable Accountant for in-person work. You will administer the full-cycle AP function, ensuring accurate, timely processing and compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and donor/grant requirements.

The role supports financial reporting, cash flow management, and continuous process improvement, collaborating with internal teams to ensure expenditures are correctly coded and authorized.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in accounts payable and general accounting; full-cycle processing.
• Experience with high-volume invoices and vendor records.
• Proficiency in Excel (PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP).
• Knowledge of 1099 reporting and grant accounting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage full-cycle AP, processing invoices and vendor payments.
• Review invoices against POs and receiving docs to ensure policy compliance.
• Maintain vendor master records, onboarding and IRS reporting compliance.
• Support month-end and year-end close and audit preparation.
• Generate AP reports to assist cash flow and budgeting.
• Collaborate with departments to code expenditures accurately.

Skills

Advanced Excel

GAAP knowledge

Vendor relations

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Month-end close

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Admin

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics GP

Oracle

SAP

NetSuite

Job description

Ready for a career with impact? Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan (Goodwill SWMI) gives you the opportunity to make a difference in your local community while building your professional skills. We reward creativity and innovation while offering competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package. Our team members enjoy a professional, fast‑paced, and fulfilling work environment.

ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION

Goodwill SWMI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Our nearly 300 dedicated team members help achieve our mission of improving the community by providing employment, education, training, and support services across a six-county territory.

We operate eleven retail stores, a donation center, and several business units that support our mission and financial sustainability. Our core values- Success, Collaboration, People, and Positivity- guide everything we do.

Learn more: www.goodwillswmi.org

Position Summary

This position is in-person only.

The Accounts Payable Accountant is responsible for administering the organization’s full-cycle accounts payable function while ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of financial transactions. This role plays a critical part in maintaining the integrity of the general ledger, supporting month-end and year-end close activities, safeguarding internal controls, and ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), organizational policies, and applicable regulatory requirements. The Accounts Payable Accountant reviews, reconciles, and processes vendor invoices and payment transactions, resolves discrepancies, maintains vendor records, and collaborates with internal departments to ensure expenditures are properly authorized, coded, and recorded. This position also supports financial reporting, cash flow management, audit preparation, and continuous process improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and strengthen financial controls. Success in this role requires advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills, exceptional attention to detail, sound accounting knowledge, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, confidentiality, and customer service. The ideal candidate demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to building strong relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders while contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Finance and Accounting team.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full-cycle accounts payable process, ensuring accurate and timely processing of invoices, expense reports, and vendor payments.
• Review, verify, and reconcile invoices against purchase orders, contracts, and receiving documentation to ensure compliance with organizational policies.
• Maintain vendor master records, including onboarding new vendors, updating payment information, and ensuring compliance with IRS W‑9 and 1099 reporting requirements.
• Perform monthly accounts payable reconciliations, resolve discrepancies, and support month-end and year-end financial close activities.
• Prepare and process electronic payments, ACH transactions, wire transfers, and check runs while maintaining strong internal controls.
• Monitor accounts payable aging reports, prioritize payment schedules, and maintain positive vendor relationships through timely issue resolution.
• Collaborate with department managers to ensure expenditures are coded accurately to the appropriate general ledger accounts, cost centers, grants, or projects.
• Assist with annual audits by preparing schedules, supporting documentation, and responding to auditor requests related to accounts payable transactions.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, organizational policies, and nonprofit grant funding requirements, maintaining a high level of financial accuracy and accountability.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounts payable workflows, strengthen internal controls, and increase process efficiency through automation and best practices.
• Generate and analyze accounts payable reports to support cash flow management, budgeting, and financial decision‑making.
• Partner with the Finance team to support continuous process improvement initiatives and maintain accurate financial records.
• Process grant‑ and program‑related expenditures, ensuring expenses are accurately allocated to funding sources and comply with donor and grant restrictions.
• Support stewardship of organizational resources by maintaining strong fiscal controls and ensuring compliance with nonprofit accounting standards.
• Collaborate with program managers and leadership to provide accurate financial information that supports mission‑driven operations and responsible fund management.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and progressive accounting experience will be considered.
• Five (5) or more years of progressive accounts payable and general accounting experience, with demonstrated expertise in full-cycle accounts payable processing, reconciliations, and month‑end close activities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas, and data analysis, as well as strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Extensive experience utilizing enterprise accounting and ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics GP, Oracle, SAP, Sage lntacct, QuickBooks, NetSuite, or similar financial management software.
• Thorough understanding of accounts payable principles, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), internal controls, and financial compliance requirements.
• Experience processing high‑volume invoices, vendor payments, ACH and wire transactions, and maintaining vendor master records with exceptional accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to perform account reconciliations, resolve payment discrepancies, and support month‑end and year‑end financial close processes.
• Knowledge of 1099 reporting requirements, sales and use tax, and vendor compliance procedures preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking skills with the ability to identify process improvements and implement efficiencies.
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build productive relationships across departments and with external vendors.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain strict confidentiality, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical financial stewardship.
• Self‑motivated professional with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively as a collaborative member of the finance team.
• Experience with grant accounting, fund accounting, or restricted funding as a preferred qualification.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of accounts payable processes, accounting principles, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and internal controls to ensure accurate and compliant financial transactions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing business needs, and consistently meet critical deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong analytical, reconciliation, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to identify discrepancies, determine root causes, and implement effective resolutions.
• Proficiency in analyzing financial data, interpreting reports, and making sound recommendations to improve operational efficiency and financial accuracy.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and accountability while processing high‑volume financial transactions.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and build productive relationships with vendors, leadership, auditors, and internal stakeholders.
• Customer‑focused approach to vendor and employee interactions, delivering responsive, professional service while resolving payment inquiries and maintaining positive business relationships.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing effectively as a collaborative member of the finance and accounting team.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and security of sensitive financial information and organizational data.
• Experience identifying opportunities to streamline accounts payable processes, strengthen internal controls, and support continuous process improvement initiatives through automation and best practices.
• Proficiency with ERP and financial management systems, leveraging technology to improve reporting accuracy, workflow efficiency, and compliance.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via email.

Standard business hours with occasional overtime during month‑end, year‑end, or audit periods.

Must have a valid driver’s license. Reliable personal transportation. Must pass a pre‑employment drug screen, theft‑related background check, verification of education! Accounting credentials, and be insurable under the agency’s automobile insurance policy.

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the Accounts Payable Accountant. The role may evolve overtime, and additional duties may be assigned as deemed necessary by the CEO & Executive Leadership of Goodwill SWMI.

Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan