Accounts Payable Specialist

Rockford University; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Tuition remission

403(b) retirement

Paid time off

Employee assistance

Job summary

Rockford University invites candidates for the position of Accounts Payable Specialist. The Accounts Payable Specialist compiles and maintains accounts payable records and assists the Business Office in creating accurate financial records.

Reports to the Controller. This role requires attention to detail, knowledge of accounting principles, and the ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Proven working experience in accounts payable.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or relevant field.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague or Great Plains preferred.
• Proficiency with Excel, Outlook, Word and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Process accounts and vendor payments in compliance with policies.
• Review invoices, disbursement requests and expense reports for approval.
• Record and classify accounts payable data accurately.
• Maintain accounts payable subsidiary ledger using Ellucian Colleague or similar system.
• Prepare monthly and year-end reconciliations and reports for users.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Time management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Ellucian Colleague

Great Plains

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Rockford University invites candidates for the position of Accounts Payable Specialist. The Accounts Payable Specialist compiles and maintains accounts payable records and is responsible for assisting the Business Office in creating accurate and timely financial records for the organization. This position reports to the Controller. This individual must possess great attention to detail, solid understanding of bookkeeping and generally accepted accounting principles. Additionally, a successful candidate will be a self-motivated individual who possesses the ability to exercise discretion and independent judgement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following:

• Process accounts and vendor payments in compliance with financial policies and procedures.
• Reviews all invoices, disbursement requests, expense reports, etc. for appropriate documentation and approval prior to payment.
• Perform day-to-day financial transactions including verifying, classifying, computing, posting, and recording accounts payable data.
• Maintaining the accounts payable subsidiary ledger using Ellucian Colleague financial software to insure all invoices and payments are accounted for and properly posted.
• Process check disbursements.
• Verify discrepancies and resolve vendor billing issues.
• Maintain organized records of historical disbursements according to the university’s record retention policy.
• Assists in the month-end and yearly financial period close.
• Preparing monthly and annual reconciliations, schedules, reports requested by users, and reports for regulatory agencies, such as the IRS, etc.
• Respond to inquiries from campus constituencies and acting in a proactive manner to ensure “customers” have a positive experience when interacting with the Business Office.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance efficiency, promote automation, and improve financial processes and internal controls. This includes making suggestions on policies and procedures in order to improve processes.
• Assist with accounting and financial analysis for the Business Office through ad hock special projects.
• Ability to use diplomacy and confidentiality in sensitive situations.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following:

• Manage other prepaid expenses accounting, including monthly entries, appropriate spreadsheets and original documentation.
• Office supply ordering for the University.
• Assist with reserving rental cars for various departments across the University.
• Assist in the design and implementation of accounting process improvements and efficiencies.
• Cross train and perform as backup for the Senior Accountant and/or Accounting Assistant.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience)

• Proven working experience in accounts payable.
• Proven ability to calculate, post, and manage accounting figures and financial records.
• Solid understanding of accounting procedures and principles.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and reasoning abilities with high accuracy and great attention to detail.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable accounts payable/general ledger systems and procedures and financial chart of accounts and corporate procedures.
• Experience with creating financial reports.
• Proficiency with general ledger, financial reporting, and other common financial tools and applications, such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint (recommended).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with vendors and campus constituents.
• Ability to meet constant stream of deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and high volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.
• Ability to perform mathematical computations such as percentages, fractions, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division quickly and accurately.
• Must be able to work overtime when necessary.
• Interest in and commitment to building a high-performing, accountable, and collaborative accounting and analytical infrastructure within the Business Office.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• The ideal candidate will have sound education and experience in accounting and financial reporting, and preferably will have had demonstrable experience with educational and/or nonprofit accounting (e.g. fund accounting, student accounting and financial aid) and have working experience with Ellucian Colleague or Great Plains.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or relevant field.

Our Benefits: Supporting You Every Step of the Way

We believe in taking care of our employees, which is why we offer a competitive benefits package that goes above and beyond. Here’s how we support your health, happiness, and future:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance to ensure you and your family stay healthy.
• Savings for Health & Dependent Care: Flexible savings options to manage healthcare and dependent care costs.
• Financial Protection: Life, AD&D, and disability insurance for peace of mind when life throws you a curveball.
• Retirement Security: 403(b) plan with employer contributions to help you build a secure future.
• Personal Support: Access to our Employee Assistance Program, offering resources for both personal and professional needs.
• Education Benefits: Tuition remission for full-time and part-time employees, their spouses, and dependents. We offer tuition remission both at Rockford University and other partnering colleges through a tuition exchange.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off to help you recharge and spend quality time with loved ones.

This fulltime, nonexempt opportunity offers an hourly rate of $20.00 and is scheduled 40 hours per week.

At Rockford University, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that values a well-rounded workforce and community. We welcome candidates who, through their professional experience, contribute to excellence in their work and enhance our institutional mission.