Location: Cleveland,OH, USA
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for a variety of tasks in the Accounting Department. Duties include but are not limited to expense recognition and accounts payable management, management of disbursement methods and channels, treasury/cash management, month-end closing, annual audit support, financial statement and various filing requirements, process improvement/change management, and other accounting functions as assigned.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accounting principles, with a focus on accounts payable and expense management. They should possess excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, accuracy and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential, as the role involves interacting with various departments and external vendors. They are required to protect the organization's value by keeping information confidential.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Expense Recognition & Accounts Payable Management
* Enters all invoices efficiently and accurately into the accounts payable system.
* Reviews invoices for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to company policies and procedures.
* Verifies general ledger coding and obtains necessary approvals for invoice entry and payments.
* Reconciles vendor statements against invoices and resolves discrepancies in a timely manner.
* Collaborates with internal teams and external vendors to resolve discrepancies, manages vendor relationships and contributes to the overall financial health of the organization.
* Manages vendor payment hierarchy and prepares proposed check runs for review and approval.
* Prints and mails checks/makes payment via the appropriate channel in a timely manner.
* Recommends payment processing methods and automation (Check, credit card, ach, wire).
* Verifies and reports daily banking positive pay exceptions for all issued payments (Checks, ach, wire).
Manage Disbursement Methods and Channels
* Analyzes cost of disbursement channels (check, credit card, ACH, wire) in order to automate process and reduce cost.
* Reports credit card vendor expense and produce analysis to aid management decisions.
* Analyzes vendor expenses, employee reimbursements and member refund and recommends automation and expense reductions.
Treasury/Cash Management
* Prepares/Maintains cash register and cash flow reporting.
* Maintains and updates cash disbursement processes and conduct routine audits.
* Manages petty cash disbursements process.
Month End and Closing
* Assists with month-end closing activities related to accounts payable.
* Analyzes monthly trends in payables and accruals for any timing in liabilities.
* Prepares status reports and other reconciliations/reports to monitor payables balances.
Annual Audit, Financial Statements and Various Filing Requirements
* Assists with year-end closing, working schedules for annual audit.
* Supports audits by providing documentation and information as needed.
* Maintains records and assists in a preparation of various internal and external reports, including reports for federal and state agencies, YUSA reporting, and IRS 1099 reporting.
* Completes yearly review, reconciliation, and reporting of unclaimed funds.
Process Improvement and Change Management
* Identifies areas to automate and improve efficiencies of AP processes.
* Creates/updates SOPs for all areas within accounts payable area.
Other tasks as needed
* Analyzes & audits fixed assets expenditures and complete schedules for additions and retirements.
* Produces reports and analysis as needed.
* Protects organization's value by keeping information confidential.
* Performs other accounting tasks as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience
* Bachelor's or Associate degree in Accounting/Finance, or relevant accounting experience of 5-10 years.
* Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in accounts payable or a similar role.
Required Skills
* Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
* Strong understanding of accounting principles and expense management.
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
* Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, prioritize and meet deadlines.
* Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
* Experience with process improvement and change management is a plus.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality related to financial operations.
* Be visibly involved with members, volunteers and staff in a positive, friendly manner
* Follow all established policies and procedures, including safety practices and personnel policies.
* Participate in and support association events and fund-raising activities.
* Demonstrates commitment to the mission, cause of the YMCA, and uphold its values and ethics.
* Ability to work effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions.
* Willingness and ability to be a mandated reporter for any signs or suspicion of child abuse and neglect. All employees are required to follow the child abuse and neglect reporting process: completion of Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect reporting form, calling children protective services (696-Kids) and notifying your immediate supervisor, branch executive, risk management and human resources department (s).