Accounts Payable Specialist

Accounts Payable Specialist

Reporting to the Accounts Payable and Revenue Manager and responsible for all accounts payable functions including processing payments in excess of $10,000,000 annually. The Accounts Payable Specialist will work in partnership with the Purchasing Department and other key Zoo personnel responsible for departmental spending by ensuring that payments meet specified guidelines and are approved for payment according to Zoo payment policies. The Accounts Payable Specialist will assist the Accounts Payable and Revenue Manager with other expense related projects and with preparing various ad hoc reports as required by the Controller, Chief Financial Officer or other staff.

Coordinate the entire accounts payable process from beginning to end. Review expenses for accuracy, terms and proper approvals. Coordinate the approval process for invoices and expense reports. Process high volumes of invoices into the accounting system in a timely and accurate manner and schedule for payment according to the terms of the invoice and Zoo policy. Create payment batches to process checks for those invoices due and obtain signatures such that payment can be made in a timely manner. Maintain internal controls and safeguards for expenditures while ensuring the integrity of all systems, processes and data. Ensure all purchase orders are proper, accurate and approved for payment. Prepare adjusting journal entries and accrual journal entries on a monthly basis. Perform month-end and year end close processes. Perform annual IRS 1099 processing. Assist in annual financial audit by coordinating the retrieval of financial documentation required by external auditors including the Functional Expenses Report. Responsible for the tracking of utility expenses including meter costs and maintaining the Utility Spreadsheet. Acts as the first point of contact for all vendor needs and issues. Responsible for processing of employee expense reports and credit card reports. Responsible for the reconciliation of various balance sheet accounts. Facilitates electronic payments including documentation, approvals and processing. Prepares various ad hoc reports as needed by the Controller, CFO and other senior management and staff. Maintain files and filing of open payables and processed payments. Respond to emails sent to the general A/P email account.

6 - 8 Years Corporate Accounting and/or Accounts Payable experience. General accounting knowledge and skills. HS Diploma or equivalent. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, motivated problem solver. Commitment to meeting daily, weekly, and monthly deadlines (overtime work when required). Ability to work both independently and within a team environment. Strong numeric and data entry skills Intermediate to Advanced skills in Windows, Excel and Word Knowledge of Sage Accounting package preferred. Must be flexible, self-motivated and a team player. Must be able to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees and zoo guests. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must have good observational skills. Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull bend, climb stairs and ladders and carry up to 50lbs. Must be able to work holidays and weekends. Must be able to actively work in inclement weather. Must have a valid driver's license to operate zoo vehicles and have reliable transportation.