Director of Accounts Payable

Overview:

The director of accounts payable is responsible for oversight and coordination for all aspects of disbursement management of the daily business operations over and within the accounts payable area. This person directs, oversees, and coordinates day to day functions of AP staff to ensure efficient use of resources, accurate and timely reporting, and effective delivery of services to internal and external customers. (Vendors, students, and employees.)

This role is responsible for directing disbursements within the public higher education governmental industry and its standards and will be involved in various financial analysis, reconciliations, and projects that support various accounting and other functions within the accounts payable area within Accounting and Payroll department, including disbursement functions and other projects as determined by the Controller. This position also monitors internal controls within the department; grows and maintains productive working relationships with customers, vendors, students, and employees as well as with other departments and their staff (e.g., Purchasing, Facilities, Navigation Center, other areas within Accounting and Payroll etc.). The director of accounts payable must exercise independent judgment, be flexible and able to anticipate changes in work responsibilities within the department and to adapt to fulfill the demands of its operations.

The director of accounts payable needs to be diplomatic and adaptable, a highly effective team builder and efficient problem-solver, with keen decision-making skills. In addition to excellent communication and interpersonal skills, this individual possesses strong team leadership and supervisory skills and exhibits a supportive, team-oriented management style.

At Salem State University, your success and support are our top priorities. We offer a collaborative and inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and empowers you to excel. As part of a team at the Commonwealth’s Civic Engagement University, you’ll be equipped to make a real difference in the lives of our students and the community. We are a proud emerging Hispanic and minority-serving institution committed to advancing social justice and equity. Join us and be a part of a vibrant community where your work truly matters.

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting and/or finance or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
2. Minimum of seven to ten years of full-time professional progressive experience in disbursement management and accounts payable with demonstrated technical competence in a non-profit/governmental fund accounting environment.
3. Minimum of five or more years of supervisory and/or experience; proven ability to direct, supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources.
4. Experience and proficiency with working knowledge and knowledge of best practices in applying accounting principles and financial accounting theory within a general accounting ledger and sub-ledger system.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Strong preference for experience within a complex and large public higher education or non-profit organization.
2. Ability to independently and accurately query and extract data from relational databases for multiple business purposes and convert to functional report formats and explain conclusions reached.
3. Knowledge and understanding of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts reporting system (MMARS), Commonwealth of Massachusetts State appropriations strongly preferred.
4. Advanced Proficiency using Microsoft Office suite such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
5. Knowledge and proficiency of Accounts Payable/PeopleSoft and/or Oracle.
6. Advanced experience with large volume computer-based vendor payments.

Working Location

This is a hybrid position in Salem, MA with some on-campus, in-person responsibilities. 

Salem State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. For accommodation information or requests please email [email protected].

 Application Instructions:

Please apply online and attach resume and cover letter. 

Employment is contingent upon a completed background and CORI check satisfactory to the university.

This position is not eligible for H1B visa sponsorship. 

EEO Statement:

The university considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.

Recruitment Agencies:

Salem State University does not partner with or accept candidates from outside staffing agencies. All hiring is managed directly by our internal Talent Acquisition team.