OVERVIEW

We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized Accounts Payable Specialist to join our finance team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing the accounts payable process, ensuring accurate and timely processing of invoices, and maintaining financial records. This role requires a strong understanding of debits and credits, as well as proficiency in financial software. If you have experience in public accounting or related fields, we encourage you to apply.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Familiarity with office practices and procedures, including computer systems, computer software, electronic mail, and internet. Experience with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Access. Experience with the finance functions of ERP software, such as Jenzabar, and/or the ability and background to gain this experience.
• Knowledge of accounting regulatory requirements, particularly related to accounts payable and cash receipts.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to effectively relate to all levels of employees, students, and external contacts.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• A Christian commitment and lifestyle that acknowledges a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a personal commitment to the Christian purpose and mission of Bluefield University.
• Professional appearance and presentation in the working environment (including business casual attire).

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS

• Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This position is not necessarily a physically demanding job and generally requires no specific physical demands other than those typical in a modern office environment. Normal responsibilities should not afford risks of accidental injury.

• Specialized Equipment Requirements

The use of specialized equipment listed here is representative of equipment an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This position requires equipment typically used in a modern office environment, including personal computers, calculators, copiers, and fax machines.

• Working Conditions and Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the duties, responsibilities, and functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties, responsibilities, and functions. This position has no specific working conditions; the work environment is typical to that of a small private residential institution of higher education, with physical remote site locations within 500 miles of the main campus in Bluefield, Virginia.

PRIMARY PURPOSE/SCOPE

The position of Accounts Payable Specialist has primary responsibility for processing accounts payable, preparing various account reconciliations, assisting with processing cash receipts, pulling data from the finance modules of the administrative computing system (Jenzabar), processing/managing all financial disbursement flows, including accounts payable, travel reimbursements, and other general business office tasks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND FUNCTIONS

The essential duties, responsibilities, and functions of the Accounts Payable Specialist include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Processes accounts payable:
• Processes Purchase Orders.
• Reviews payment invoices and enters them into the accounts payable system for payment, including capitalization of fixed asset purchases.
• Examines accounting documents supporting disbursements, for consistency, accuracy, completeness, and compliance with policies and procedures.
• Processes ACH payments through the Online Banking Portal for accounts payable.
• Communicates with vendors regarding payment status.
• Prepares and participates in review of reports regarding evaluation of accounts payable.
• Maintains an awareness of the effects of accounts payable, and other general business decisions and transactions on the financial status of the College.
• Helps ensure that adequate internal financial controls regarding accounts payable and general business transactions are documented and operational.
• Processes journal entries in relation to accounts payable.
• Develops/implements functionality in the accounts payable function of the administrative computing system (Jenzabar), to provide efficient and effective, well-controlled and documented accounts payable processing.
• Advises the Controller on the accounts payable functions of the administrative computing system (Jenzabar).
• Maintains an understanding of the fixed asset function of the administrative computing system (Jenzabar), to work with the accountant on capital asset life cycle processing.
• Prepares various account reconciliations, such as for bank accounts, accounts payable, accounts receivable, prepaids, capital lease payments, and fixed assets.
• Assists the Accountant with processing cash receipts and serves as a backup for processing cash receipts.
• Pulls data from the finance modules of the administrative computing system (Jenzabar) to assist the Controller in providing information for financial management/reporting tasks.
• Assists with Student Account collections, as necessary.
• Utilize phone, email, and mail to communicate with fellow employees, students, and external constituents in a timely manner, providing superior customer service.
• Ability to work independently, multitask, and to arrange information sessions, set appointments and promote the University in a positive manner.
• Ability to follow the expectation of treating fellow employees, students, and the institution’s guests with civility, and to refrain from activities that disrupt the efficient functioning of the University.
• Ability to follow directions and complete tasks accurately as well as accept supervisory input and constructive criticism.
• Establishes or adjusts work procedures to meet University and/or project schedules.
• Suggests changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency of employees and/or work crews.
• Analyzes and resolves work problems or assists workers in solving work problems.
• Complies with all rules, policies, and procedures as established by Bluefield University.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MARGINAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND FUNCTIONS

The marginal duties, responsibilities, and functions of the Accounts Payable Specialist include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves on various University-wide committees as assigned.
• Represents the University at meetings with university employees and/or external persons and agencies as required.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND FUNCTIONS

The Accounts Payable Specialist typically has no supervisory responsibilities other than supervising student employees.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Familiarity with office practices and procedures, including computer systems, computer software, electronic mail, and internet. Experience with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Access. Experience with the finance functions of ERP software, such as Jenzabar, and/or the ability and background to gain this experience.
• Knowledge of accounting regulatory requirements, particularly related to accounts payable and cash receipts.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to effectively relate to all levels of employees, students, and external contacts