Accounts Payable Specialist

Sylvania; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 35,817 - 39,950; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package including personal, 


sick and vacation time, holiday pay, 


longevity

Job summary

Kenowa Hills Public Schools in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking an Accounts Payable Specialist to ensure timely payment to vendors and maintain accurate records. You will bridge staff, vendors and administrators to support educational objectives.

Responsibilities include processing invoices, check runs, reconciling statements, and assisting with year-end audit readiness. Strong Excel skills and confidentiality are essential; payroll experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of payment processing (checks, ACH and wire).
• Experience in a Michigan K-12 school district is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting/business management preferred.
• Strong confidentiality and customer-service approach.
• Knowledge of accounting principles.
• Payroll experience is a significant advantage.
• Experience with an integrated accounting system and its effects on transactions.

Responsibilities

• Assist staff with purchase orders, invoice payment, and expense reports.
• Review and process weekly check runs with accuracy.
• Investigate general ledger discrepancies with staff and department heads.
• Maintain records for annual external audits and compliance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Customer service mindset

Communication skills

Ethical conduct

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or business management

Tools

LINQ or school ERP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

POSITION: Accounts Payable Specialist

LOCATION: Kenowa Hills Public Schools - Administration Building

REPORTS TO: Lead Accountant/Director of Finance

SUMMARY:

Are you a detail-oriented "numbers person" who wants to make a difference in the lives of students and educators? Our Business Office is looking for an Accounts Payable Specialist to ensure timely payment to vendors, workflow improvements and better information provided to our teachers and staff. You will be the bridge between our vendors and our classrooms, ensuring that every financial transaction supports our mission of educational excellence.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Support Our Staff: Act as the primary point of contact for staff regarding purchase orders, invoice payment, credit card statement reconciliation and miscellaneous expense reports,.
• Accuracy & Integrity: Review and process weekly check runs with a "zero-error" mindset to ensure our district remains a trusted steward of taxpayer funds.
• Problem Solving: Investigate general ledger discrepancies, working closely with building secretaries and department heads.
• Audit Readiness: Organize and maintain digital and physical financial records to ensure the district is prepared for its annual external audit.

WHO YOU ARE:

• A Clear Communicator: You can explain complex financial procedures to non-financial staff with patience and clarity.
• A Lifelong Learner: You stay current on school finance law and are eager to master new financial software.
• Highly Ethical: You understand the importance of transparency and confidentiality in a public school setting.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Software Expertise: Previous experience with LINQ or a similar school-based ERP is highly preferred. High proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required.
• Experience: 3+ years of payment processing (Physical Checks, ACH and Wire Payments); experience in a Michigan K-12 school district is a significant plus.
• Skills: Exceptional attention to detail, ability to maintain strict confidentiality, and a "customer service" approach to helping staff
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting/business management preferred
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles
• Experience with payroll would be a significant advantage
• Ability to work with an integrated accounting system with the understanding of their effects on transactions and their impact on financial statements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Assists business services staff in a variety of accounting procedures
• Review and verify prepare check registers, reconcile accounts, develop spreadsheets, print and mail checks
• Ability to complete tasks accurately during periods of frequent interruption
• Ability to organize and prioritize daily work assignments
• Ensure all expenditures are coded to the correct General Fund or Grant accounts in accordance with the state legislature.
• 1099 Processing
• Utilize Microsoft Excel, accounting software and other applications to enter and receive information such as financial and/or personal data
• Initiate bank transactions
• Ability to work in a quick moving, high expectation environment
• Strong teamwork, interpersonal communication and problem solving skills
• Possess polite, efficient and effective communication
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to work independently; self-motivated and aligned with District performance expectations Enthusiastic, positive attitude
• Demonstrate skill in human relations with staff, students, parents and business partners Punctuality and good attendance are required
• Other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor

REPORTS TO: Director of Finance; Superintendent

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday – Friday; 52 week position

COMPENSATION: $26.44 - $29.12 per hour; based on experience

BENEFITS: Benefits package including personal, sick and vacation time, holiday pay, longevity

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Kenowa Hills Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), age, disability, height, weight, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status in its educational programs, services, activities, or employment opportunities.

The Director of Human Resources has been designated to coordinate compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws, including Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Elliott‑Larsen Civil Rights Act, and to respond to inquiries regarding the District's nondiscrimination policies.

Director of Human Resources

Kenowa Hills Public Schools

2325 Four Mile Road NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49544

616-784-2511 || [e-mail]

Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process are encouraged to contact Human Resources.