Accounts Payable Specialist

About Us 

Portland State University (PSU) Foundation fuels the mission and priorities of Oregon’s most diverse, innovative, and affordable research university by raising and stewarding philanthropic gifts that transform lives and communities. 

Recognized as one of Oregon’s best non-profits to work for five years in a row, we are a community of purpose-driven professionals who lead with heart, act with trust, and keep our mission forward in everything we do. Guided by creativity and collaboration, we foster a strong sense of belonging—empowering every team member to show up authentically and think boldly. 

At PSU, more than half of incoming first-year students identify as BIPOC, nearly a quarter are parents, and half are the first in their families to attend college. When PSU graduates thrive, families transform, communities prosper, and innovation expands. The PSU Foundation plays a vital role in advancing this impact by inspiring donors, engaging alumni and community partners, and stewarding resources to Portland State University with integrity and purpose. 

About The Role 

The Accounts Payable Specialist supports operational day-to-day accounts payable processes, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant processing of payments and vendor transactions, and month-end closing. 

The Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for serving as the first point of contact for accounts payable, reviewing all payment requests, and ensuring compliance with Foundation policies and procedures, donor intent, and regulatory agencies. This position plays a key role in ensuring financial transactions are handled efficiently and with a high degree of accuracy. 

This position regularly interacts with Foundation staff, PSU stakeholders, and external vendors as needed to resolve payment issues and maintain effective working relationships. 

Position Overview

• Monitor and respond to inquiries received in the Accounts Payable inbox.
  


• Review PSU and PSUF payment requests for compliance with PSU Foundation policies and procedures.
  


• Partner with PSU and PSU Foundation departments to resolve payment requests that do not meet policy requirements.
  


• Track, monitor, and follow up on outstanding, stale, or unresolved payment requests.
  


• Prepare journal entries for gift batches, funds transfers, month end close, and other journal entries as needed.


• Assist in month end close processes including journal entries and reconciliations.
  


• Maintain vendor records, including tax reporting information and 1099 compliance.
  


• Manage vendor relationships, including account setup documentation and account reconciliation inquiries.
  


• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with PSU and PSU Foundation stakeholders.
  


• Review monthly PSUF credit card expenses for compliance with PSU Foundation policies and procedures, and prepare month end closing entry.
  


• Provide cross-training and backup support for Finance and Accounting team functions, including invoice entry and data entry review, weekly payment processing, mail and check processing with Donors Services team.
  


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant accounting experience. 


• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience. 


• Proficiency with commonly used workplace technologies, such as Microsoft Office, SharePoint, CRM platforms, and other cloud-based collaboration or document management tools. 


• Demonstrated ability to contribute to an inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace by working collaboratively with people from a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and experiences. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education or non-profit organization. 


• Experience with BlackBaud Financial Edge and/or Ellucian Banner financial software. 


• Intermediate to advanced skill in Microsoft Excel.

Compensation & Benefits 

Our compensation philosophy reflects our commitment to pay equity, transparency, and valuing the contributions of every team member. 

Hiring Range: $22 - $27 per hour. Offers are determined based on a candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications, while ensuring internal pay equity. 

4-Day Workweek: As part of our commitment to wellness and workplace culture, we’ve transitioned to a 4-day workweek—an innovative shift that reflects our values and promotes balance across our team. Hourly employees work 32 hours per week and receive compensation equivalent to a full 40-hour schedule. Business operations are closed on Fridays, supporting work-life balance and recognizing the value of your time.

Top-Tier Benefits: We offer one of Oregon’s leading nonprofit benefits packages, designed to support the well-being of employees and their families. Full-time employee benefits include: 

• 4 Day Work Week, with business operations closed on Fridays. 
  


• 100% employer-paid medical coverage on our base plan 
  


• 95% employer-paid dental and vision coverage 
  


• Up to 27 days of paid time off plus 10 paid holidays, including one floating holiday 
  


• Up to 12% employer contribution to eligible 401(k) plans after applicable waiting periods 
  


• Employer-paid Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance 
  


• Portland State University affiliated employee benefits, including tuition discount 

How to Apply 

Interested in applying? We invite you to submit your application through our Careers page. 

Don’t meet every requirement? We’d still like to hear from you! 

If you enjoy being part of a collaborative results-driven team and making a difference in our community, we encourage you to apply, even if you believe you don’t meet all of the requirements listed. Studies have shown that individuals with marginalized identities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification in the job description. Our priority is finding the best candidate for the role, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds. PSU Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.