Accounting Specialist (Accounts Payable/Receivable)

Job Description

Job Description

Accounting Specialist (Accounts Payable/Receivable)

Join Our Team

Educators Resource is a leading national wholesale distributor of educational, office, and fine art supplies serving schools, retailers, and institutions across the United States. For nearly 50 years, we have built a reputation for exceptional service, operational excellence, and long-term customer relationships.

As we continue to grow, we are committed to maintaining strong financial processes and efficient operations that support our customers, vendors, and business.

Our success is built on dedicated employees who work together to deliver outstanding service and dependable solutions every day.

We're looking for a motivated Accounting Specialist who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, solving problems, working with financial data, and collaborating with customers, vendors, and internal teams.

Location: Semmes, AL

Employment Classification: Full-time / Non-exempt

Reports to: Accounting Manager

Position Summary

The Accounting Specialist reports directly to the Accounting Manager and supports the company's day-to-day Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions in a high-volume accounting environment.

This position is responsible for processing and reconciling financial transactions, maintaining accurate accounting records, resolving vendor and customer account issues, and supporting established accounting controls and month-end processes.

The Accounting Specialist works closely with vendors, customers, and internal departments to ensure invoices, payments, credits, deductions, and other transactions are processed accurately and on time.

The ideal candidate is organized, analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines. Success in this role requires strong follow-through, sound judgment, professionalism, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

If you enjoy working with numbers, researching discrepancies, solving problems, and contributing to the financial operations of a growing organization, we'd like to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable

• Process a high volume of vendor invoices using a three-way purchase order matching process to verify pricing, quantities, receipts, and supporting documentation.
• Reconcile and post invoices accurately and on time.
• Monitor vendor payment terms, available discounts, and payment requirements.
• Research and resolve invoice discrepancies and other Accounts Payable issues.
• Respond to vendor inquiries and provide timely, professional follow-up.
• Maintain accurate vendor and Accounts Payable records in accordance with established procedures.

Accounts Receivable

• Record and reconcile ACH/e-check payments, credit card transactions, customer deposits, and other receivable activity.
• Review customer payments for deductions, shortages, discrepancies, and contractual allowances.
• Research and dispute unauthorized or unsupported customer deductions when appropriate.
• Perform customer credit checks and assist with establishing appropriate credit limits.
• Respond to customer account inquiries and assist in resolving payment and account issues.

General Accounting & Administrative Support

• Follow established accounting procedures and internal controls to maintain the integrity of financial information.
• Assist with preparing financial data, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for month-end close.
• Maintain complete financial records and supporting documentation.
• Work with internal departments, customers, and vendors to research and resolve transaction issues.
• Provide financial and administrative support for accounting projects and departmental initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Work assigned schedules and overtime as business needs require.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred. Relevant accounting experience may be considered in place of formal education.
• Three or more years of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, general accounting, or related experience preferred.
• Experience working in a high-volume accounting environment strongly preferred.
• Experience in wholesale distribution, manufacturing, retail, or a similar business environment is a plus.

Professional Skills

• Knowledge of general accounting principles, financial procedures, and internal controls.
• Experience processing Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable transactions, including invoice reconciliation, payment processing, customer deductions, credits, and account research.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience with ERP, accounting, or financial management systems preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to research discrepancies, identify solutions, and follow issues through resolution.
• Strong time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally with customers, vendors, and internal teams.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and able to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, sound judgment, and a willingness to learn and contribute to team and company goals.

Compensation & Benefits

Educators Resource offers a competitive compensation package designed to support the health, financial well-being, and work-life balance of our employees.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid Basic Life Insurance
• Company-paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance options, including employee, spouse, and dependent coverage
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Accident Insurance
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Company-paid holidays
• Professional development and training opportunities

Our Culture

At Educators Resource, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the business every day. As an Accounting Specialist, your work helps support the accuracy and integrity of our financial operations while building positive relationships with our customers, vendors, and internal teams.

You'll collaborate with colleagues throughout the organization to solve problems, maintain strong financial processes, and help our accounting operations run efficiently.

We're proud of our nearly 50-year history, but we're equally excited about the future. We value integrity, collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement, and we encourage employees to share ideas, solve problems, and grow professionally.

If you're looking for a stable, growing company where accuracy matters, teamwork is valued, and your contributions make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Educators Resource is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.