Accounting Specialist

EDUCATORS RESOURCE INC•Semmes, AL

88d•Onsite

About The Position

Educators Resource is a leading national wholesale distributor of educational, office, and fine art supplies serving schools, retailers, and institutions across the United States. For nearly 50 years, we have built a reputation for exceptional service, operational excellence, and long-term customer relationships. As we continue to grow, we are committed to maintaining strong financial processes and efficient operations that support our customers, vendors, and business. Our success is built on dedicated employees who work together to deliver outstanding service and dependable solutions every day. We're looking for a motivated Accounting Specialist who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, solving problems, working with financial data, and collaborating with customers, vendors, and internal teams. The Accounting Specialist reports directly to the Accounting Manager and supports the company's day-to-day Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions in a high-volume accounting environment. This position is responsible for processing and reconciling financial transactions, maintaining accurate accounting records, resolving vendor and customer account issues, and supporting established accounting controls and month-end processes. The Accounting Specialist works closely with vendors, customers, and internal departments to ensure invoices, payments, credits, deductions, and other transactions are processed accurately and on time. The ideal candidate is organized, analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines. Success in this role requires strong follow-through, sound judgment, professionalism, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. If you enjoy working with numbers, researching discrepancies, solving problems, and contributing to the financial operations of a growing organization, we'd like to hear from you.

Requirements

Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred. Relevant accounting experience may be considered in place of formal education.
Three or more years of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, general accounting, or related experience preferred.
Experience working in a high-volume accounting environment strongly preferred.
Experience in wholesale distribution, manufacturing, retail, or a similar business environment is a plus.
Knowledge of general accounting principles, financial procedures, and internal controls.
Experience processing Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable transactions, including invoice reconciliation, payment processing, customer deductions, credits, and account research.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Experience with ERP, accounting, or financial management systems preferred.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to research discrepancies, identify solutions, and follow issues through resolution.
Strong time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally with customers, vendors, and internal teams.
Self-motivated, dependable, and able to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, sound judgment, and a willingness to learn and contribute to team and company goals.

Nice To Haves

Experience in wholesale distribution, manufacturing, retail, or a similar business environment is a plus.
Experience with ERP, accounting, or financial management systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Process a high volume of vendor invoices using a three-way purchase order matching process to verify pricing, quantities, receipts, and supporting documentation.
Reconcile and post invoices accurately and on time.
Monitor vendor payment terms, available discounts, and payment requirements.
Research and resolve invoice discrepancies and other Accounts Payable issues.
Respond to vendor inquiries and provide timely, professional follow-up.
Maintain accurate vendor and Accounts Payable records in accordance with established procedures.
Record and reconcile ACH/e-check payments, credit card transactions, customer deposits, and other receivable activity.
Review customer payments for deductions, shortages, discrepancies, and contractual allowances.
Research and dispute unauthorized or unsupported customer deductions when appropriate.
Perform customer credit checks and assist with establishing appropriate credit limits.
Respond to customer account inquiries and assist in resolving payment and account issues.
Follow established accounting procedures and internal controls to maintain the integrity of financial information.
Assist with preparing financial data, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for month-end close.
Maintain complete financial records and supporting documentation.
Work with internal departments, customers, and vendors to research and resolve transaction issues.
Provide financial and administrative support for accounting projects and departmental initiatives.
Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, accuracy, and efficiency.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Work assigned schedules and overtime as business needs require.

Benefits

Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications
401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Company-paid Basic Life Insurance
Company-paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Life Insurance options, including employee, spouse, and dependent coverage
Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Accident Insurance
Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
Paid Time Off
Company-paid holidays
Professional development and training opportunities