Payables Accounting Manager

College of the Holy Cross; United States; On-site; USD 88,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA seeks a qualified accounting professional to lead the accounts payable function, supervise staff, and ensure timely processing and accurate reporting. This role emphasizes strong internal controls, policy development, and collaboration with campus departments to support monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.

Responsibilities include coordinating payables, expense reporting in Workday, and assisting with audits and tax returns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or accounting with 3–5 years of progressive accounting responsibility.
• Comprehensive knowledge of payables-based accounting standards and higher ed regulations.
• Supervisory experience with a focus on quality customer service and team leadership.
• Experience with ERP systems and electronic invoice/expense management software, preferably Workday.

Responsibilities

• Manage, supervise and cross-train staff in accounts payable.
• Oversee weekly payables, expense reporting in Workday, and reimbursements.
• Coordinate month/quarter/annual close for payables and liability accounts.
• Develop and document accounting policies; participate in audits and tax returns.
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI/automation to improve AP efficiency.

Skills

Accounts payable supervision

Workday experience

Excel proficiency

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting

Tools

Workday

Expense management software

ERP software

Job description

At Holy Cross, we are focused on creating a world-class workforce by attracting and retaining employees dedicated to fostering a culture of professionalism, pride, mutual trust, and respect—one that values appreciation and recognition, empowering each of us to flourish both individually and collectively. We seek candidates who are inspired by our mission and values, and who are eager to make a meaningful difference on our campus. Learn more about Life at Holy Cross here. Responsible for providing professional accounting and tax services with a focus on strengthening policies, procedures and internal controls and improving customer service to the college community and external parties. This role works closely with the Assistant Controller providing assistance in the performance of various functions in the financial processing for the college including the supervision of staff with a high volume workload to meet monthly, quarterly and annual deadlines. Assistance is also required with preparation of financial statements, reports, tax returns and other data in compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and higher education industry practices.

Job Description Major Areas of Responsibility

• Manage, supervise and cross-train staff in the areas of accounts payable.
• Manage workload to complete work accurately and within established deadlines.
• Establish goals and objectives, mentor staff, and provide timely feedback to enhance professional development.
• Manage all aspects of the weekly payables process including payments made in various electronic forms and by check.
• Manage all aspects of the expense reporting processes within Workday, including employee reimbursements processed in various electronic forms.
• Manage the monthly, quarterly and annual close process related to payables and liability accounts, ensuring that all transactions are reported timely and accurately and general ledger activity is reconciled accurately and timely.
• Coordinate and process one-off bulk payments for large groups (e.g., stipends, refunds, or event-related disbursements), managing relationships with departments across campus to ensure accurate and timely payment processing.
• Prepare work papers and gather documentation required for audit engagements and tax returns.
• Coordinate with internal staff and external auditors to meet all deadlines.
• Monitor internal controls and implement improvements to strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of internal controls.
• Assist with developing and documenting accounting policies and procedures.
• Perform accounting research, document conclusions, and assist in the implementation of new accounting rules and IRS regulations.
• Maintain the integrity of the vendor database working collaboratively with the procurement department.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities to leverage AI and automation tools to improve the efficiency and accuracy of accounts payable processes, such as invoice processing, data validation, and reporting.
• Actively participate in special projects as assigned. Projects may include but are not limited to testing system implementations, upgrades, or enhancements, conducting financial analysis and developing ad hoc reports and process improvement initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting and a minimum of 3 - 5 years’ of progressive responsibility in accounting positions, preferably in a higher education environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of accounting standards and regulations related to payables applicable to a higher education institution, including IRS, federal, and state.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience with a focus on quality customer service and team leadership and mentoring skills.
• Experience working with ERP (Workday preferred) including electronic invoice and expense management software.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, with experience using other Microsoft applications.

Disclaimer: The description above represents the most significant duties of this position but does not exclude other occasional work assignments not mentioned, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the factor degrees assigned.

The salary range for this position is $88,000 - $93,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Weekly Hours: 40 Annual Work Schedule:

To review our generous benefits options, please review our detailed information here or check out our Benefits at a Glance.

The College also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the hiring process in compliance with law. Please contact Human Resources for questions or to request an accommodation via email at [e-mail], or by calling 508-793-3391.

The College is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and complies with all Federal and Massachusetts laws concerning Equal Opportunity in the workplace.

Founded in 1843 in Worcester, Massachusetts, the College of the Holy Cross is among the nation's leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,200 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition.

Holy Cross highly values the unique skills, perspective, talents and passion that each employee contributes to its learning community. To work at The College is to accept an invitation to participate in the growth and development of all campus members, students, faculty and staff.

The College's commitment to diversity is an important feature of the Holy Cross education. Informed by the presence of diverse interpretations of the human experience, Holy Cross is building a community marked by freedom, mutual respect, and civility.

We seek others who support our values of justice and inclusiveness and encourage all to apply.

For the third year in a row, Holy Cross is honored to be a WorkWell winner and a Top 100 Healthiest Employer in America! Learn more about life at Holy Cross on our LinkedIn Life page or view our website to explore our generous benefit offerings.