Accounts Payable Specialist

Muscogee County School District; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The Muscogee County School District is seeking an Accounts Payable Specialist to process vendor payments in the Finance Division/MCPEC. This non-exempt role supports timely and accurate disbursements in accordance with GAAP and district procedures.

You will handle invoice processing, data entry, and coordination with vendors and internal departments while maintaining strong controls and meeting deadlines for 240 work days per year. Attention to detail and teamwork are essential in this position.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; accounting coursework preferred.
• 1–2 years accounts payable or related clerical experience preferred.
• Strong data entry and attention to detail with GAAP knowledge.
• Proficient in ERP systems and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Review documentation and approvals for payment processing to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Process invoices and payment requests accurately and in accordance with procedures.
• Communicate with vendors and district staff to resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain payment files and reports for audit readiness.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities.

Skills

Data entry

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

The Muscogee County School District has up to 6,000 employees from all backgrounds. We offer opportunities for everyone including support personnel, teachers, leaders, tradespeople, and much more.

Join the Muscogee County School District in "Creating We" in an environment that values the unique experiences and perspectives each of us bring to our community.

WE recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.

POSITION TITLE:

Accounts Payable Specialist

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

SALARY:

$15.34 hourly

WORK DAYS:

240

LOCATION:

Finance Division/MCPEC

REPORTS TO:

Manager, Accounts Payable

Primary Function:

The job of Accounts Payable Specialist is done for the purpose of processing vendor payments accurately and efficiently in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), district policies, and applicable regulations. This position supports the financial health of the district by ensuring timely payment of obligations and maintaining strong relationships with vendors, schools, and departments.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Educational Level: High School Diploma/GED required; coursework in accounting, finance, or business preferred.
2. Experience: One (1) to two (2) years of accounts payable, accounting, or related clerical experience preferred. Additional screening may be requested/required.
3. Physical Activities: Routine physical activities that are required to fulfill job responsibilities
4. Responsibilities: Works under general supervision while performing routine but essential accounts payable tasks. This position has a direct impact on the district’s financial operations through accurate data entry, timely payments, and consistent adherence to procedures and controls.
5. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
   • Proficiency in data entry and financial systems, including ERP platforms and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
   • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in processing financial transactions.
   • Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with vendors and internal stakeholders.
   • Organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
   • Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations, including percentages, discounts, and prorated amounts, to ensure accurate payment processing.
6. Knowledge:
   • Working knowledge of accounts payable processes, purchasing workflows, and GAAP principles.
   • Familiarity with internal controls, audit requirements, and documentation standards.
   • Understanding compliance regulations related to vendor payments and financial reporting.
7. Abilities:
   • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
   • Maintain accuracy and efficiency under tight deadlines and high-volume workloads.
   • Adapt quickly to changing priorities, new systems, and evolving procedures.
   • Exercise sound judgment and problem-solving skills when resolving discrepancies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Demonstrates prompt and regular attendance.
2. Reviews documentation and approvals for the purpose of verifying accuracy prior to payment processing to ensure disbursements are accurate, authorized, and timely.
3. Processes invoices and payment requests for the purpose of ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with purchasing and accounting procedures.
4. Communicates with vendors and district staff for the purpose of resolving discrepancies, answering questions, and supporting positive working relationships.
5. Prepares and maintains payment files and reports for the purpose of ensuring proper documentation and supporting audit readiness.
6. Adheres to payment deadlines for the purpose of maintaining the district’s good standing with vendors.
7. Assists with month-end and year-end close activities for the purpose of ensuring accounts payable records are complete and accurate.
8. Supports the Accounts Payable team for the purpose of ensuring the efficient, timely, and accurate completion of department goals.
9. Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring effective and efficient departmental and district operations.

The Muscogee County School District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.