Accounts Payable Specialist

Accounts Payable Specialist

The Accounts Payable Specialist supports the Finance & Budget Department within the Office of the County Engineer (OCE) by ensuring the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of accounts payable transactions. Reporting to the Accounts Payable Supervisor, this role aids daily financial operations by efficiently processing invoices, coordinating payments, and working with internal and external stakeholders. This position plays a key role in supporting Countywide Procure-to-Pay (P2P) initiatives to enhance pre-invoice processing, increase consistency in documentation requirements, and establish efficient, standardized processing timelines.

The Accounts Payable Specialist supports these efforts by assisting with pre-invoice review activities, ensuring qualified invoices are processed in accordance with established procedures, and helping streamline workflows across purchasing, contracting, and payment functions. This role demands strong attention to detail, coordination skills, and the ability to navigate complex financial systems and processes. The position directly contributes to improving the County's ability to process purchase orders and payments efficiently, supporting continuity of construction, repairs, recovery efforts, and other operational activities that impact public safety and essential community facilities.

Job Duties:

• Coordinate with internal divisions within the Office of the County Engineer, Harris County Precincts, and external agencies to support accounts payable activities.
• Initiate and manage purchase orders, addendums, and replacements in PeopleSoft.
• Receive, review, and process invoices through eBuilder, OpenText, Tririga, and PeopleSoft in accordance with County procedures.
• Review and approve invoices in OpenText to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Coordinate directly with vendors to resolve invoice discrepancies, payment issues, and documentation requirements.
• Monitor purchase order balances and allocate payments to the appropriate accounts.
• Enter Commissioners Court approval dates and maintain accurate invoice records.
• Support the processing of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), as assigned.
• Conduct research and compile, assemble, and analyze financial and operational data to support departmental needs.
• Ensure timely processing of invoices and related tasks to meet established deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Responsibilities may evolve based on departmental needs and operational priorities.

Requirements:

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

• 3 years of verifiable Accounts Payable experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Office 365 Experience (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Ability to operate standard office equipment in a professional office environment.
• Adobe PDF.
• Strong written and verbal skills for effective communication with various government agencies and the public.
• Strong organizational skills in managing records and files.
• Analytical skills and attention to detail - review invoice coding/images.
• Accuracy and efficiency - input data promptly and accurately.
• Ability to learn new software quickly and adapt to procedural changes easily.
• Ability to prioritize daily tasks effectively and handle multiple assignments within deadlines.
• Possession of a valid Texas driver's license, a good driving record, and the ability to operate a county vehicle.
• Consistent attendance, punctuality, and reliable presence for scheduled work.
• Build and maintain cooperative, effective, and productive working relationships using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement:

In accordance with Harris County's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:

• Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities.
• Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events.
• Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events.
• Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support continuity of County operations.

General Information:

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.

Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.

Salary: Commensurate experience, based on 26 pay periods.

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:

Most assignments will be performed in an office, meeting, or operations command center environment, but some field work may be required. May be required to work extended work hours during activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified length of time (varies based on the extent of the event). This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting to 25 lbs., frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Featured Benefits:

Medical, vision, and dental insurance.

Wellness.

Professional development opportunities.

Flexible spending accounts.

457 deferred compensation plans.

Retirement pension (TCDRS).

Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).

Disability and life insurance.

Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).