Accounting Specialist, Payables and Payroll

Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry•Cleveland, OH

About The Position

The Accounting Specialist – Payables and Payroll supports the Accounting Department by accurately processing accounts payable and payroll transactions, maintaining financial records, ensuring timely payments to vendors and employees, assisting with reconciliations and reporting, resolving discrepancies, and providing responsive service to internal and external customers while following organizational policies and accounting procedures. The role reviews and processes vendor invoices, prepares payment runs and electronic transfers, maintains vendor records, and monitors bank cash balances. It also collects and validates employee payroll data, submits payroll to a third-party provider, reviews preliminary payroll registers, reconciles payroll-related accounts, maintains compliant payroll records, supports audits and tax-form preparation, monitors involuntary deductions, and responds to payroll inquiries. LMM is a mission-driven organization serving Northeast Ohio. Applicants are asked to complete an online application and attach a cover letter stating salary requirements and a resume.

Requirements

Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Three to five years of accounting experience.
Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), standard accounting practices, and accounting software.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Accounting experience in a nonprofit organization preferred.
Payroll processing experience strongly preferred.
Proficiency in Paycom is a plus.

Responsibilities

Review, verify, and process vendor invoices for accuracy and proper authorization.
Prepare weekly payment runs, ACHs, and wire transfers.
Maintain vendor records, including W-9 forms and banking information.
Take ownership and accountability in the payables area and respond to staff needs.
Monitor daily changes in bank account cash balances.
Participate in internal and external audits by providing documentation and explanations.
Collect, review, and validate employee payroll data.
Prepare and submit payroll data to the third-party payroll provider.
Review preliminary payroll registers for accuracy and resolve discrepancies before payroll transmission.
Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts and assist with month-end and year-end close activities.
Maintain payroll records and supporting documentation in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Support preparation of Forms W-2, payroll audits, benefit audits, and annual financial audits.
Monitor garnishments, child support orders, levies, and other involuntary deductions.
Research and resolve payroll-related inquiries from employees, managers, and external agencies.