Position Summary:

The Staff Accountant, Accounts Payable & Payroll plays a key role in the accurate and efficient processing of vendor payments and payroll within a nonprofit higher education environment. This position performs complex AP and payroll functions, supports compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements, and contributes to process improvements. The role requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, and a thorough understanding of payroll and accounts payable systems.

Key Responsibilities:Accounts Payable:Independently manage end-to-end processing of accounts payable transactions, including invoice entry, PO matching, approval workflows, and payments (checks, ACH, wire).Reconcile vendor statements and assist in maintaining up-to-date and accurate vendor records, including IRS forms (W-9, 1099).Analyze and resolve invoice discrepancies and proactively communicate with vendors and internal stakeholders.Participate in monthly and year-end close procedures, including AP accruals and reporting.Provide support during annual audits, including documentation requests and internal control testing.Payroll:Process biweekly payrolls accurately and timely, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements.Review and may input time records, salary changes, new hire information, and benefit deductions.Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts and prepare standard journal entries.Coordinate with HR on employee changes and benefits-related impacts to payroll.Assist with tax reporting, including quarterly filings, W-2s, and ACA compliance.Respond to employee inquiries and resolve payroll issues with a high level of professionalism.Accounting:Perform account reconciliations across key balance sheet accounts, including cash, payroll liabilities, and AP clearing.Analyze financial transactions and recommend accounting treatments in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit standards.Participate in annual budgeting and forecasting cycles by providing historical data and transactional insights.Contribute to grants and restricted fund tracking as applicable, ensuring expenditures comply with donor and regulatory guidelines.Process Improvement and Systems Support:Identify opportunities to streamline AP, payroll, and accounting workflows; recommend and implement best practices.Participate in ERP, payroll, or system upgrades including testing, procedure documentation, and training.Serve as a subject matter resource for junior staff or departments regarding AP/payroll policies and accounting practices.Support implementation of internal controls and ensure ongoing compliance with institutional policies.Other Duties:Participate in special projects or cross-functional teams as assigned by the Controller.Qualifications:

Education and Experience:Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.4+ years of experience in accounts payable and payroll processing, ideally in a nonprofit, higher education, or government setting.Skills and Competencies:Strong working knowledge of accounting and payroll principles.Experience with ERP and payroll systems (e.g., Sage, Banner, ADP, Paychex, Workday).Proficiency with Excel and the ability to create reconciliations and reports.Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.Ability to manage confidential information and maintain data integrity.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a customer service mindset.