Accounts Payable Specialist II

About the Job Full-Time The University of Minnesota seeks an Accounts Payable Specialist II to support our Financial Operation Center department within the Controller's Office. The Accounts Payable Specialist II is responsible for performing complex accounts payable activities and financial reporting transactions in support of a portfolio of Resource Responsibility Centers (RRCs) in the Finance Operations Center (FinOps). Consult with other FinOps teams as needed, professionals across the University, and with external suppliers to ensure appropriate and timely support for RRCs. To succeed as an Accounts Payable Specialist II, you should be professional, a team player, and attentive while being detail-oriented. You must be comfortable with using technology such as TeamDynamix (TDx) and Google Suite and excel at both verbal and written communication. Most importantly, an Accounts Payable Specialist II should have a genuine desire to meet the needs of others across the institution. You will report to the Accounts Payable Supervisor. This position has a scheduled start date around November 11. Work environment This hybrid position is based on the Twin Cities campus. For those located in the metro area, a minimum of three days per week in the office is expected. Internal and external applicants located near other UMN system campuses and across the State of Minnesota may also be considered, and we encourage all interested candidates to apply. Occasional travel to the Twin Cities campus may be required for events and all-staff meetings. Out of state candidates must be willing to relocate to Minnesota at their own expense. Job Responsibilities with % of time Accounts Payable (70%) Payments to suppliers: For a portfolio of RRCs, receives and uses information from service requests to prepare and process payments. Following University standard policy and procedure: Conducts research and uses information and requests received to complete the entry of vouchers into the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) accounts payable module Conducts research and uses information and requests received to process check requests and special handling of checks, invoice digitization and documentation, internal sales, receiving against purchase orders as needed, and payment reconciliation. Collaborates with accounts receivable specialists to process transactions related to returned goods and credit memos. Reviews service requests for vouchers and expense reports and identifies and resolves complex irregularities. Identifies transactions, policy, or system challenges that require deeper analysis to ensure successful and timely resolution. Under moderate supervision can understand, explain, interpret, and apply university accounts payable policy to various and complex scenarios and can articulate rationale clearly. Review and analyze service requests submitted by departments using experience or knowledge base, evaluate application of chartstrings, and ask clarifying questions in order to complete the transaction. Works with Requesters to collect supporting documentation and completes check requests, special handling requests, payment forms and other supporting documentation as defined by policy. Works with Requesters to make requests to change / update the supplier file. Monitors transactions created to ensure the activity is fully processed, routed through the approvals process, addresses exceptions from match processes, and ensures budget exceptions are monitored and addressed. Ensures supporting documentation is provided or created, such as invoices or check request forms for supplier payments. Review and analyze spreadsheets submitted and process for mass transaction upload. Review, analyze, process highly complex service requests containing multiple invoices and/or multiple suppliers. Understands, explains, interprets, and applies university purchasing and accounts payable policies to various scenarios using their expertise of the full procure to pay business process to advise departments and FinOps colleagues on the appropriate purchasing and payment methods to use and seeks guidance when necessary from the appropriate areas of expertise. Serves as Accounts Payable subject matter expert: initiates and facilitates meetings between FinOps technicians, customers, and external suppliers to clarify payments, documentation, policy requirements, etc. as needed in order to efficiently resolve operational problems. Identifies opportunities in the business processes and makes recommendations for improvements. Unit Support (15%) Supports the strategy of the Finance Operations Center by assisting in the production and review of supporting financial data. May support the preparation of ad hoc reports to support a portfolios of RRCs. Runs and maintains reports from systems such as TeamDynamix and the Enterprise Financial System to support their FinOps team and assigned lane in daily operations. Under moderate supervision assists in the Finance Operations Center Quality Assurance program by running reports, reviewing transactions, and providing analysis and recommendations for training or procedural improvements. In collaboration with FinOps leadership team, designs and delivers training sessions to FinOps colleagues and serves as a mentor to new or less experienced team members. Professional Development (10%) May provide content to training manuals and procedures for the Finance Operations Center. Identifies and participates in opportunities for cross-training across Finance Operations Center functions to maintain adequate coverage of all functions. Completes professional development, education, and training activities, consistent with managing the responsibilities of the position. Completes continued learning and development appropriate to work duties and for the pursuit of individual, unit, and institutional success. Participates in staff development based on individual need including ongoing skills training, DEI development, professional learning, service & scholarly activity, and engagement & well-being. As an individual contributor, models UMN dedication to crafting an inclusive work environment and encouraging a caring culture. Other duties as assigned (5%) Qualifications Required Qualifications (please document on resume): BA/BS degree and at least two years of professional work experience or a combination of related education and proven work experience equal to six years. Ability to interact with standard technology platforms (e.g., chat, word processing, data entry, email, internet browsing). Ability to run reports, clean and understand data, compile analysis of data and present results in a clear manner Ability to find solutions to complex technical or operational problems. Ability to work both independently and in a team environment. Ability to detect problems and report information to appropriate personnel Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal settings Preferred Qualifications (please document on resume): Knowledge of university policies and procedures involving accounts payable. Experience in a public accounts payable setting Experience or certification in any formal process improvement methodology Demonstrated experience developing and/or delivering training or teaching to other professionals in accounts payable, purchasing or a closely related field Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $24.56 - $30.05; depending on education/qualifications/experience Time Appointment: 100% Appointment Position Type : Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Employee wellbeing program Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity Financial counseling services Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience. Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. About University of Minnesota The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations. At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility. #J-18808-Ljbffr