Accounts Payable Manager in PELLA, Iowa at Central College

Reporting to the CFO & Controller, this role ensures that the College financial obligations to vendors and suppliers are accurately recorded and paid on time while supporting financial stability and driving vendor trust. This role coordinates and maintains all processes in support of the accounts payable function of the College. This includes activities such as processing vendor invoices, reconciling accounts, ensuring timely payments, and maintaining accurate financial records. This position requires attention to detail, higher level conceptual skills, relentless pursuit of knowledge and intellectual curiosity. The successful candidate must possess strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Accounts Payable

• Oversee the end-to-end operations of the accounts payable process, including invoice processing, payment runs, and expense report management.
• Ensure all payments are processed accurately, in a timely manner, and in compliance with College policies and regulatory requirements.
• Review and approve large or complex invoices and payments.
• Develop and enforce accounts payable policies and procedures.

Vendor Management

• Resolve escalated vendor issues, discrepancies, or disputes effectively and professionally.
• Ensure accurate vendor records, including banking information and tax documents (e.g., W-9s).

Compliance & Internal Control

• Implement and monitor internal controls to safeguard College assets and prevent fraud.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations, including sales/use tax and 1099 reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with auditors to support audit requests and to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Process Improvement and Technology Utilization

• Identify and implement opportunities for process automation and efficiency improvements within the AP workflow.
• Leverage AP automation tools and ERP systems to streamline processes and reduce manual effort.
• Stay informed about changes in accounting regulations, emerging technologies and best practices in accounts payable management.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of accounts payable software and systems.

Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare and present AP metrics and reports, including aging reports, cash flow projections, and vendor spend analyses.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track team performance and identify areas for improvement.

Other

• Promote an environment of collaboration, transparency, approachability, and support.
• Assist with supervising student workers.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business management or related field.
• Prefer 2 - 4 years relevant experience
• Experience with Colleague software preferred.
• Microsoft Office experience required.

Central College Brand Expectations:

• Demonstrate a network of caring relationships by showing respect for others, being dependable and promoting cooperation with others in the work environment.
• Be your best self by being accountable for responsibilities, adapting well to change and maintaining the highest standards of business ethics.
• Perform job responsibilities on campus to support the residential college environment.
• Strive to perform as effectively as possible while maintaining a high level of quality and promoting personal growth and development.
• Respect and comply with college rules and policies, including participation in required training courses; report any suspected violations of the Title IX policy to the Title IX Coordinator.