Director of Accounts Payable

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Director of Accounts Payable in Orange, California. This key position is responsible for leading the accounts payable function, ensuring compliance and timely processing of financial transactions.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accounts payable management, relationship-building skills, and at least 7 years of supervisory experience. Exceptional communication and process optimization skills are also required for this role, which supports various departments across the institution.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in accounts payable, including supervisory responsibility.
• Knowledge of GAAP and Financial Accounting Standards.
• Strong Excel and reporting skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounts payable operations and ensure compliance.
• Manage AP team performance and internal controls.
• Support financial reporting and audit processes.

Skills

Accounts payable expertise

Leadership skills

Excellent communication

Process improvement

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

PeopleSoft Financials

MS Office

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Director of Accounts Payable provides strategic and operational leadership for the institution’s accounts payable function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of invoices, payments, travel/expense reimbursements, and related disbursements. This role leads staff, optimizes processes, strengthens internal controls, and partners across campus to support institutional goals.

Responsibilities

Accounts Payable Operations

• Oversee day-to-day AP operations, including invoice processing, payment runs, vendor maintenance, 1099 reporting support, and exception resolution.
• Oversee travel and P-card functions.
• Ensure accurate application of payment terms, discounts, tax considerations, and approvals in accordance with institutional policies and regulations.
• Manage team workload balance and prioritize critical payments while maintaining strong internal controls.
• Other responsibilities as determined by the VP for Finance & Controller.

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead, coach, and develop the AP team; establish clear performance expectations, cross‑training, and succession planning.
• Set departmental goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), and service standards; monitor performance and drive success.
• Serve as a trusted partner to Procurement, Treasury, Budget, Grants, and campus departments to ensure aligned, efficient procure-to-pay practices.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Utilize the ERP to manage AP processes, reporting, configuration support, and system troubleshooting.
• Partner with IS&T, business analysts, and functional stakeholders on ERP upgrades, testing, controls validation, new‑feature adoption, and user training.
• Identify and lead process improvement initiatives with measurable results.

Compliance, Controls, and Audit Support

• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with institutional policies, state/federal regulations, and audit standards.
• Support internal/external audits by providing documentation, responding to requests, and implementing corrective action plans.
• Collaborate with Risk/Compliance and Grants offices to ensure appropriate treatment of restricted funds, grant‑related expenditures, and documentation requirements.

Financial Reporting & Collaboration

• Provide AP‑related reporting and analytics, including aging, accrual support, KPIs, and spend insights for leadership.
• Support month‑end and year‑end close processes, including accruals, reconciliations, and cut‑off procedures.
• Develop and maintain AP policies, procedures, job aids, and training materials; drive campus adoption and compliance.
• Collaborate with Purchasing to ensure seamless procure‑to‑pay processes.
• Collaborate with the Supplier Team and Tax Compliance Analyst to ensure appropriate vendor set up and taxation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 7+ years of progressive accounts payable experience, including significant supervisory/management responsibility.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and Financial Accounting Standards Board guidelines.
• Full life cycle Accounts Payable experience.
• Knowledge of 1099 reporting, sales/use tax considerations, and travel/expense reimbursement processes.
• Demonstrated expertise with PeopleSoft Financials or similar ERP system (e.g., Workday, Oracle, SAP, Banner).
• Strong Excel and MS Office software skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and customer service skills; ability to influence across diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to complete complex assignments with the established timelines and with a high degree of accuracy.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills to balance and prioritize work.
• Ability to exercise discretion and diplomacy and maintain a high level of confidentiality in handling sensitive matters.
• Ability to represent Financial Services in a professional and positive manner in all meetings.
• Demonstrated success supervising and developing staff, including performance management, coaching, and building a customer‑service‑oriented team.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, government, healthcare, or other complex, highly regulated environment.
• Experience implementing and maintaining AP tools and workflows (workflow, OCR, supplier portals, etc.).
• Experience supporting ERP implementations or major upgrades, including user acceptance testing and change management.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.