Accounts Payable Specialist

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plans

Retirement plans

Life insurance

Job summary

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, is seeking an Accounts Payable Specialist to oversee institutional disbursement cycles, wire transfers, and complex adjustments, serving as a primary resource for university-wide inquiries under regulatory oversight.

This hybrid position is based on the Twin Cities campus with a minimum of three days in the office for metro-area staff. Regular 40-hour weeks, Monday through Friday, may require occasional travel to events and meetings.

Qualifications

• Four years of professional experience in accounting and accounts payable operations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite and Google Workspace.
• Advanced analytical capabilities and strategic problem-solving aptitude.
• Experience providing customer service.

Responsibilities

• Process institutional pay cycles in PeopleSoft for Check and ACH by daily deadlines.
• Administer VCard and Payroll cycles per schedules.
• Reconcile daily financial activity and resolve discrepancies.
• Manage tax payments with state and federal entities.
• Generate journal entries for sponsored project funding deposits.
• Triage and distribute departmental mail and support initiatives.

Skills

Accounts Payable

Microsoft Suite

Analytical thinking

Customer service

Tools

PeopleSoft

Job description

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Position Overview
The Accounts Payable Specialist manages the institutional disbursement cycles, encompassing wire transfers, payment revocations, and complex financial adjustments. Serving as a primary resource for University-wide inquiries, this role operates with independence while adhering to defined regulatory frameworks and departmental oversight.

Work Environment
This hybrid position is based on the Twin Cities campus. For those located in the metro area, a minimum of three days per week in the office is expected. Internal and external applicants located near other UMN system campuses and across the State of Minnesota may also be considered, and we encourage all interested candidates to apply. Occasional travel to the Twin Cities campus may be required for events and all-staff meetings. Out of state candidates must be willing to relocate to Minnesota at their own expense.

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

Primary Responsibilities
Core duties are reassigned on a quarterly basis to facilitate comprehensive cross-training and maintain staff proficiency across all disbursement methodologies.

Payment Cycle Operations (40%):

• Execute institutional PeopleSoft pay-cycles for Check and ACH disbursements while meeting daily 08:30 and 14:30 processing windows.
• Administer VCard and Payroll cycles in accordance with established schedules.
• Reconcile daily financial activity and resolve identified discrepancies.
• Monitor and resolve positive pay exception reports within the banking portal.
• Coordinate with Printing Services and mail distribution to ensure all fulfillment deadlines are met.
• Evaluate wire request documentation to confirm adherence to institutional policy.
• Execute necessary financial entries within the PeopleSoft environment.
• Initiate and coordinate transactions through the banking system portal.
• Finalize payments and address hurdles in alignment with unit standards.
• Perform digital imaging and archival of all required support records.

General Accounts Payable Administration (20%):

• Facilitate departmental voucher upload processes by validating spreadsheet integrity and rectifying data deficiencies with internal units.
• Administer specialized payments and obligations for V-Card as well as state and federal tax entities.
• Manage WorkflowGen requests for payment revocations, cancellations, and re-issuances.
• Investigate ACH returns and track returned checks to re-initiate funds.
• Resolve complex accounts payable inquiries by partnering with vendors and banks to remedy transaction discrepancies.
• Authorize and clear fiscal deposits while completing technical system entries.
• Generate journal entries specifically for sponsored project funding deposits.
• Triage and distribute incoming departmental mail to meet daily routing requirements.
• Support additional departmental initiatives and projects as requested.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications (please document on resume):

• Four years of professional experience in accounting and accounts payable operations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite and Google Workspace.
• Advanced analytical capabilities and strategic problem-solving aptitude.
• Experience providing customer service.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to function with independence to fulfill core departmental responsibilities.
• Superior communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Practical knowledge of comprehensive disbursement cycles.
• Background in institutional financial operations within complex, multifaceted organizations.
• Technical proficiency in PeopleSoft or comparable enterprise financial platforms.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $53,538–$60,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.