Payables Accounting Manager

Holy Cross; Worcester, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

College of the Holy Cross is seeking a Payables Accounting Manager in Worcester, MA. The role leads the accounts payable team, manages weekly and monthly close, and ensures compliance with college policies and IRS regulations.

The position collaborates with the Assistant Controller and auditors to meet deadlines and improve internal controls. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration with 3–5 years of accounting experience, preferably in higher

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration.
• 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in higher education.
• Supervisory experience with coaching and mentoring.
• Experience with ERP software; Workday preferred for payables.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise accounts payable staff; ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee weekly payables processing across electronic and check payments.
• Manage expense reporting in Workday, including employee reimbursements.
• Coordinate monthly, quarterly, and annual close for payables and liability accounts.
• Prepare work papers for audits and tax returns; liaise with auditors.
• Strengthen internal controls; document accounting policies and procedures.
• Research accounting rules and IRS regulations; implement new requirements.
• Maintain vendor data integrity and collaborate with procurement.
• Explore AI/automation options to improve efficiency of AP processes.
• Participate in special projects and system upgrades as needed.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Team leadership

Customer service

Excel proficiency

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration

Tools

Workday

Job description

## Payables Accounting ManagerApply: Eligible for Hybrid Work: Worcester, MA: Full time: Posted 3 Days Ago: JREQ-000850At 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:****Application Instructions**An updated resume and cover letter are required as a part of your internal application. In your cover letter, please reflect on how your professional and personal values align with the Mission of the College of the Holy Cross to form individuals of integrity and purpose who are committed to the flourishing of all.