Director of Accounts Payable

Montclair; New York (NY); On-site; USD 145,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Montclair State University seeks a Director of Accounts Payable reporting to the Associate Vice President and Controller. The role provides strategic leadership of AP, expense reimbursement, and disbursement operations to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant processing while strengthening controls and safeguarding assets.

The Director supervises five staff, leads Workday Expenses/Payables, reconciles AP to GL monthly, and partners with Finance, Treasury, Procurement and IT to drive process

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum six years of experience managing financial transaction processes.
• Minimum three years of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of general ledger accounting, double-entry bookkeeping, debit and credit mechanics, and chart of accounts structures.
• Experience with Workday or similar ERP system.
• Advanced Excel skills, including creating pivot tables.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a staff of five and drive operational productivity.
• Ensure invoices are paid weekly and IRS reporting is filed by due dates.
• Lead Workday Expenses and Payables modules and drive enhancements.
• Collaborate with Finance, Treasury, Procurement, IT and other departments.
• Review invoices and payments with proper documentation and approvals.
• Reconcile AP transactions to the General Ledger monthly.
• Ensure travel and expense reimbursements are processed accurately.
• Provide end-user training and helpdesk support.
• Escalate unresolved issues to the Controller and meet deadlines.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Workday

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field

Job description

Job Description SUMMARY: Reporting to the Associate Vice President and Controller, the Director of Accounts Payable provides strategic leadership and oversight of the University’s accounts payable, expense reimbursement, and disbursement operations. This position is responsible for ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of financial transactions while strengthening internal controls, safeguarding University assets, and promoting operational efficiency. The Director oversees the integrity of financial records, including the reconciliation of accounts payable transactions to the General Ledger, and leads the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and process improvements that support financial accountability, regulatory compliance, and the University’s commitment to sound fiscal stewardship.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise a staff of five, including the Accounts Payable Supervisor and Accounts Payable Analyst, by delegating responsibilities, driving operational productivity to ensure accurate and timely disbursements, and providing guidance on complex reporting.
• Ensure that invoices are accurately paid each week and 1099 & 1042 reporting and withholding requirements are processed and filed by the due dates mandated by the IRS.
• Drive system enhancements, automation, and process improvements; serve as the Workday functional lead and technical expert for the Expenses and Payables modules, including application implementations and integrations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders across Finance, Treasury, Procurement, IT, and other departments.
• Review invoices and payments to ensure they are supported by the appropriate documentation and approvals.
• Ensure that transactions generated by third-party systems, such as the travel card, are properly accounted for and reconciled.
• Reconcile the AP transactions to the General Ledger on a monthly basis to ensure all transactions have been properly recorded on a timely basis.
• Ensure that all travel and expense reimbursements are processed accurately and timely in accordance with established policies.
• Recommend policies and procedures to improve and streamline processes.
• Review payables aging to ensure past due accounts do not go into collections.
• Prepare audit schedules as assigned.
• Assist requisitioners and department managers to resolve processing issues.
• Provide disbursement data to be used in the preparation of cash flow projections.
• Responsible for receiving and resolving helpdesk tickets as first-level support.
• Provide end-user training/guidance in one on one and group settings.
• Monitor and resolve reporting module workflow issues.
• Escalate unresolved issues to the Controller as appropriate.
• Meet deliverable deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum six years of experience managing financial transaction processes.
• Minimum three years of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of general ledger accounting, double-entry bookkeeping, debit and credit mechanics, and chart of accounts structures.
• Experience with Workday or similar ERP system.
• Advanced Excel skills, including creating pivot tables.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

PREFERRED:

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Professional demeanor.
• Interpersonal and team-building skills.
• Decision making and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.
• High precision in work.

Salary Range $145,000.00-$155,717.00 Annually

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance.

For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/

Montclair State University considers factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s relevant work experience, education, skills, and internal equity, when extending an offer.

Salary offers for internal employees who are part of a collective bargaining unit (CBU) and are applying to a position that is within a CBU will be determined in accordance with contractual provisions.

Department AVP for Finance/Assistant Controller Position Type Administrative

Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity. Additional information can be found on the website at www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities. The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/

About Us

Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, Montclair State University has evolved from an institution that was a recognized leader in teacher education to an R2 research institution ranked as one of the 100 best public doctoral universities in the nation. The University serves 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, master's and baccalaureate programs provided by 13 colleges and schools. Situated on a beautiful 252-acre campus just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university while retaining the supportive and personalized academic environment that provides a feeling of community more typical of smaller institutions.

Montclair State University is proud to be committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate in its recruitment and employment practices. The University is an inclusive, richly diverse community that fosters mutual respect, tolerance and understanding among all students and employees.