Accounts Payable Financial Specialist

Accounts Payable Financial Specialist

Mitchell Technical College is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and collaborative Accounts Payable Financial Specialist to manage core financial transactions and support the day-to-day operations of the Financial Operations team. This position plays a key role in maintaining fiscal integrity by overseeing accounts payable, purchase orders, credit card reconciliations, vendor records, and student refund processing. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong analytical skills, exceptional attention to detail, and a commitment to providing high-quality service and support to students, staff, and external partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the full-cycle accounts payable process, including invoice verification, purchase order creation, vendor payment processing, and maintaining accurate financial documentation and retention records.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor accounts, pricing discrepancies, and tax exemptions, while assisting campus departments with budget inquiries, expenditure tracking, and purchasing procedures.
• Administer the Purchasing Card (P-Card) programincluding card issuance, transaction reviews, and approvalswhile maintaining deposit tracking and reconciliation spreadsheets for cash, credit card, and direct deposit transactions.
• Execute the student refund process via direct deposit and check generation, providing secondary payment support to students and parents as needed.
• Prepare invoices and provide specialized accounting support for industry training programs, facility rentals, and Campus Store operations.
• Provide confidential administrative support to financial operations leadership and perform other duties as assigned in support of the College's mission.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in accounts payable, bookkeeping, or general accounting operations preferred.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and mathematical skills with high attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and experience using automated accounting software systems.
• Demonstrated understanding of standard accounting principles, invoice processing, purchase orders, and financial reconciliations.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills for interacting with vendors, staff, students, and parents.
• Ability to manage multiple financial tasks, prioritize deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
• Absolute commitment to confidentiality, discretion, and the ethical handling of sensitive financial records.
• The successful candidate must pass a state and federal criminal background check prior to employment.

Preferred Characteristics

• Familiarity with grant tracking, fund accounting, and compliance requirements in an educational setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven capability to collaborate effectively across departments and communicate financial processes clearly to non-financial staff.
• Self-motivated problem solver with a process-improvement mindset and a strong customer-service orientation.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting student success, institutional integrity, and the overall mission of Mitchell Technical College.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Full-time, 12-month on-campus position located in Mitchell, South Dakota.
• Standard business hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional flexibility required during peak financial accounting periods (such as month-end close or fiscal year-end).
• Professional office environment using standard office equipment (computers, printers, copiers, calculators, and dual-monitor displays).
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; occasional lifting or moving of office files/records up to 1520 pounds.

What We Offer

Mitchell Technical College offers a competitive compensation package, including:

• Comprehensive benefits: health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Tuition assistance program.
• Participation in the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS).